McCarthy’s shooting percentages over the last four games (28.8 percent from the floor, 32.4 percent from the three-point line) are not far below those of starting KU point guard Frank Mason (39.7 percent and 35.3 percent, respectively). Mason, however, provides the Jayhawks with a steady hand at the point, averaging nearly five assists for every one turnover.

Freshmen guard Corey Johnson has joined McCarthy in the starting lineup through the team’s first seven games. Known for his scoring, the rookie has slowed on the offensive side. He averaged nearly 11 points through the first four games, but has since averaged just five points over the last three contests.

Inside, the Crimson will depend on junior forward Zena Edosomwan to carry the team. The team’s leading scorer and rebounder provides the Crimson with its only consistent post presence.

The standards are clearly highest for the junior, with Amaker commenting after Edosomwan’s last output—a team-high 18 points and seven rebounds—that he can still do more.

“We need more on the backboard,” Amaker said. “He knows that and we’re hopeful that he can give us more, but he isn’t the only one that we need more from on the backboard.”

Edosomwan has echoed similar sentiments all season. Though his production is up significantly from a year ago, he knows that he has needed to expand his role this season.

“My goal is like I want to go there and get 20 rebounds,” Edosomwan said. “That’s my mentality every game and the rest of the stuff, the offense will come.”

Staff writer David Freed can be reached at david.freed@thecrimson.com.