7 Kansas

Thompson, more than Kellogg, admits he was inhibited by Brown's sharp criticism of his shot selection. "I would hesitate when I was open, saying, 'Am I open enough?' "

To boost Thompson's confidence, Brown will more or less unleash him this season. "It'll be easier on him," the coach says with a smile. "I'm always good to seniors." Kellogg, meanwhile, will continue on automatic pilot. "I'm not actually tuning Coach Brown out," he says, "but if I take a bad shot I have to go up thinking I'm gonna make it."

More often than not, Kellogg will. And when he doesn't? Well, KU has Manning and Dreiling to chase the ball down and start over.

But Brown's Jayhawks are still selfish. They want the NCAA championship all to themselves.