nERD: 16.70

Historical Comp: 2013 Duke Blue Devils, 30-6, 2 seed, lost in Elite 8

Kansas finds themselves in a familiar place this season, hanging around the top 15 in the nation and battling for their 14th straight Big 12 title. Their direct comparison is a 2013 Duke team that was filled with veteran leaders at the top, much like the Jayhawks. Their top-five offense coupled with the 29th-ranked defense gives them a similar look to those Blue Devils.

Despite the Jayhawks current Associated Press rank of 12, it has been a less-than-stellar start to the season by their standards. Kansas has dropped two games at Allen Fieldhouse and another semi-home game in Kansas City, which is uncharacteristic for the Jayhawks under Bill Self. The leadership and nearly 19 points per game they are receiving from guard Devonte' Graham is a welcome sight for a team that lost their two best players from a year ago.