Duo a barometer for KU's success

One missing key piece has returned for Kansas basketball, while another still keeps fading in and out.

Sherron Collins is in. Darrell Arthur? We'll see.

Both sophomores hold significant keys to unlocking the door for the Jayhawks' postseason run, starting with Friday's quarterfinal game in the Big 12 Tournament.

A healthy Collins is KU's best player. Period. The few awkward moments the Jayhawks have had this season is because of his assortment of leg, ankle and foot injuries.

But if the spunky guard isn't completely healed now, he's giving a good imitation. Over the final three games of the regular season, he had 44 points, seven steals and 14 assists and two turnovers.

Most importantly, Collins averaged 27 minutes in those three games. His strength as well as timing has returned.

"Never felt better," he said. "At least it's been a long, long time since I felt this good."

It's not hard to see what Collins gives the Jayhawks. It was on full display in last Saturday, when they clinched a share of the Big 12 title. He did a little bit of everything well while playing a season-high 32 minutes.

"Sherron lets us get out and run more," Russell Robinson said. "He's that spark we need."

A spark like a lightning bolt. KU's whole game changes when Collins is playing like he did at Texas A&M.

"He just had a pit bull-type performance," KU coach Bill Self said, "and that's what we've been missing because he just hasn't felt good enough to do that.

"He changes the pace of the game because he's such an explosive offensive player. But he also brings an element of toughness and leadership. He has a presence about him on the court."

Now for the other guy.

Arthur also had a good day at A&M. At least half a good day before his old nemesis -- foul trouble -- took a bite out of his game.

No Jayhawk can shake it up as quickly inside as the 6-foot-9 Arthur. He also can get into foul trouble in a hurry.

Arthur went 18 ½ minutes into the first half at A&M without drawing a foul. A remarkable feat for a guy who has picked up at least four fouls in 13 of KU's 31 games. And with all that time on the court he was able to score 12 points and grab six rebounds by halftime

But over the next 3:45, including the start of the second half, Darrell Arthur drew three fouls and went to the bench for a long stretch. He finished the day with 16 points and nine boards.

For the season, Arthur is averaging 13.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 23.4 minutes. Project that production over 30 minutes per game and he'd be averaging 17.2 points and 7.8 rebounds.

"That would make a huge difference," Self said.

KU's NCAA Tournament life depends heavily on Arthur staying out of foul trouble. He knows the right answer on how to do it.

"Play with my feet and head instead of my hands," he said. "I reach too much."

Now to see how well he applies the answer.

A tourney fan -- Most coaches don't like conference tournaments, particularly those who have nothing to gain in terms of getting into the NCAA Tournament.

Self is among the small minority who thinks the other way.

"I think it's great preparation," he said. "The only thing I don't like about it is if you're fortunate enough to play on Sunday, it gives you less time to get ready for the next week.

"So I'm going to become a bigger fan of the tournament next year."

That's because starting in 2009 the Big 12 will start on Wednesday finish on Saturday.

See more at www.kansas.com