Las Vegas witnessed an intriguing battle as Cooper Flagg, one of the nation's top basketball prospects, faced the might of the Kansas Jayhawks. Flagg, known for his explosive scoring, had a relatively subdued night with 13 points on 5-for-9 shooting and four turnovers. In the first half, he struggled to find his rhythm, managing just two points. The key to curbing his performance? Hunter Dickinson's imposing size. Flagg found it tough to operate in the paint with Dickinson's presence, disrupting his game early on until Dickinson was ejected.

Adapting on the Perimeter

When Flagg moved to the perimeter, the Kansas defense showed its adaptability. They switched screens and matched defenders with quickness. KJ Adams, renowned for his defensive versatility, took on the task of guarding Flagg on the wing. Adams' quickness allowed him to stay in front of Flagg while contesting his jump shots. He also used his strength and positioning to prevent Flagg from getting a clean look off the dribble, forcing him into more difficult shots.Flory Bidunga, a freshman standing at 6-foot-9 with a strong athletic frame, also played a crucial role. He contested Flagg's shots without fouling, using his length to disrupt Flagg's rhythm. Bidunga was excellent at positioning himself defensively, staying between Flagg and the basket to prevent easy finishes around the rim. His poise and solid defensive fundamentals were impressive.

Heavy Help Defense

Kansas' defensive game plan involved heavy help defense when Flagg attacked the basket. The Jayhawks' ability to collapse the paint on Flagg made it difficult for him to find open teammates or get a clean look at the rim. This was particularly evident in the first half when Flagg was forced to take tough shots and couldn't create the same scoring opportunities he's known for in other games.Flagg remained active on defense, challenging shots and pressuring the ball. However, on offense, he seemed more passive, especially in the first half. When he tried to create, the Jayhawks' quick defensive rotations cut off his driving lanes. Their rotations were sharp, forcing Flagg to work harder for every basket.In the end, Kansas successfully contained Flagg, not allowing him to break out with his signature explosive plays. Their game plan was executed flawlessly, keeping Flagg uncomfortable and out of his rhythm throughout the game. It showed that with the right combination of size, speed, and defensive discipline, even the best players can be held in check.