Maryland Basketball: 5 Biggest Threats to Terps’ Title Hopes

4. Kansas Jayhawks

Mar 22, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Kansas Jayhawks players including Jamari Traylor (31) , Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk (10) , Perry Ellis (34) and Brannen Greene (14) react as they walk off the court after losing to the Wichita State Shockers in the third round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at CenturyLink Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas Jayhawks had a very talented roster last season, but couldn’t quite put the pieces together. They suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Wichita State in the third round of the NCAA tournament. But, they’re looking to bounce back this season with a very deep and talented roster.

The Jayhawks are so deep that there are going to be some pretty good players sitting at the end of Bill Self‘s bench. Kansas returns some key players with plenty of big game experience, including Perry Ellis, Wayne Selden and Frank Mason III. They also bring back a handful of role players like center Jamari Traylor and forwards Brannen Greene and Hunter Mickelson.

What may turn out to be the make-or-break for this team is the development of the young players. Sophomores Devonte Graham and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk will have larger roles in the 2015-16 season. Self has also brought in 3 ESPN100 prospects, including Carlton Bragg and Cheick Diallo, who is still awaiting clearance to play this season.

If these youngsters can progress at a fast rate, the Jayhawks have a legitimate shot to win the national championship this season.