Last week's exhibition started a bit slowly, but no such tense moments this week as from the start Kansas came out and dominated Ft. Hays State, eventually winning 101-52. The big story was Thomas Robinson making his season debut, and boy did he make it count. Robinson had 22 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists and was 9-17 from two. He also shot 4-7 from the line. He was at times the same old Robinson with the ability to overpower defenders and dunk on people, but also showed a good face up game and a nice jumper as well.
The other big story was the emergence of Freshman Naadir Tharpe. Tharpe had 19 points on 5-6 shooting from two, 2-3 from three and 3-3 from the line. He also had 7 assists to 2 turnovers and 5 steals. Tharpe also highlights some of the reasons why I say Kansas fans shouldn't be worried about some recent recruiting "problems." He was ranked as the 19th ranked point guard in the class but, and granted it's only been two exhibition games, already looks like he's in his Sophomore season.
In other news both Withey and Teahan made every shot they took from the floor. Kansas starts their 2011-12 season in earnest on Friday vs. Towson, and we'll know a lot more about what these guys have to offer after that.