Kansas basketball releases roster for upcoming season; Self sporting a beard

The University of Kansas basketball team released its roster for the upcoming season, and as predicted -- the Hawks look stacked:

0 — Thomas Robinson, 6-9, 230, Fr., F, Washington, D.C.

1 — Xavier Henry, 6-6, 220, Fr., G, Oklahoma City, Okla.

2 — Conner Teahan, 6-5, 215, Jr., G, Leawood.

4 — Sherron Collins, 5-11, 205, Sr., G, Chicago.

5 — Jeff Withey, 7-0, 225, Fr., C, San Diego.

10 — Tyshawn Taylor, 6-3, 180, Soph., G, Hoboken, N.J.

12 — Brady Morningstar, 6-3, 185, Jr., G, Lawrence.

13 — C.J. Henry, 6-4, 205, Fr., G, Oklahoma City.

14 — Tyrel Reed, 6-3, 185, Jr., G, Burlington.

15 — Elijah Johnson, 6-2, 183, Fr., G, Las Vegas.

21 — Markieff Morris, 6-9, 232, Soph., F, Philadelphia.

22 — Marcus Morris, 6-8, 225, Soph., F, Philadelphia.

23 — Mario Little, 6-5, 210, Sr., G, Chicago.

24 — Travis Releford, 6-5, 205, Soph., G, Kansas City, Mo.

40 — Jordan Juenemann, 6-4, 195, Soph., G, Hays.

41 — Chase Buford, 6-3, 210, Jr., G, San Antonio.

45 — Cole Aldrich, 6-11, 245, Jr., C, Bloomington, Minn.

As you probably can tell, Tyshawn Taylor has switched from No. 15 to No. 10 so freshman Elijah Johnson could wear his high school number, No. 15. There's been a lot of talk that the Jayhawks could bring home another NCAA title this season and based on the roster, there's no reason they can't - the roster is looking solid. Starting with the obvious, the return of Sherron Collins and Cole Aldrich. These two really stepped their game last season and became the "Kobe/Shaq" or "Jordan/Pippen" of KU basketball last season. Another helpful move will be the addition of the Henry brothers. I don't think I need to spend much time talking about them.

Based on what KU basketball coach Bill Self has been saying, KU junior Brady Morningstar might actually be a big factor this season. And then there are the Morris brothers, Markieff and Marcus, who were role players last season. I expect them to be the same. Overall, Kansas has one of its most stacked lineups in recent history, based on talent. Kansas has a good mix of stars and role players, which usually brings great things. It reminds me of the 2008 National Champion squad.
 

Meanwhile, coach Bill Self started traditions night at KU with a new look - a beard. Self said he doesn't plan on keeping it, but I think it might be cool if he used it as some fun motivation for the Jayhawk squad. Something like he won't shave until KU wins a certain amount of games or something. I don't know. Check out the beard here.