Jalen Wilson explains biggest key to Kansas' run to Big 12 Tournament championship game

Kansas’ regular season ended with a loss to Texas on March 4. In that game, the Jayhawks’ defense struggled, giving up 75 points en route to the 14-point loss.

Through two Big 12 Tournament games, defense has been the name of the game for Kansas, which is now heading to the championship game once again after defeating Iowa State Friday night. Jalen Wilson said that’s by design. Defense was the focal point heading into the tournament.

“Just keying in on defending,” Wilson told ESPN’s Kris Budden. “Making that the most important part of the game. If we can just guard and make teams play bad, the offense will take care of itself.”

The straw that stirs the drink on defense is Dajuan Harris, who had four steals and a block — in addition to his 11 points — to help lead Kansas to the victory. He played a key role in shutting down Iowa State star Gabe Kalscheur, who went just 3-for-12 from the field for eight points. Wilson said while Harris elevates the Jayhawks’ defense, he also does a great job running the offense on the other end of the floor.

It was some high praise for the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.

“He just helps us up our game so much,” Wilson said of Harris. “He’s an on-ball defender that comes down as a floor general. He does everything we need every single night. Playing aggressive once again. He’s everything that we need in a point guard.”

Friday marked Kansas’ second straight game without head coach Bill Self, who’s out with an undisclosed illness. Norm Roberts has taken over in the interim and will stay in the role for the title game, and Budden asked Wilson what Self would say in that postgame locker room.

He kept it short and sweet.

“Great win,” Wilson said with a smile. “Focus on tomorrow.”