Followers of college basketball have long recognized the University of Kansas as one of the elite basketball programs in the country. The Jayhawks are a perennial top-25 contender and are usually a force to be reckoned with. This year, however, may be the best team the Jayhawks have assembled since their legendary 1996 roster which featured future NBA players Jacque Vaughn, Paul Pierce, Scott Pollard, and Raef LaFrenz. That team compiled a 34-2 record before being defeated in the elite 8 round of the NCAA tournament to an impressive Syracuse team.

The 2008 squad is equally impressive and has the fundamentals that can bring the National Championship to Lawrence. Here are the top 3 reasons that the 2008 Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team will capture the school's first title since 1988.

1. Sharing the Wealth - Kansas recruits some of the most powerful offensive talents in the country. Individually, they are dangerous, but collectively, they are nearly impossible to slow down. Kansas can hurt you with so many weapons - 4 Jayhawks boast double-digit scoring averages. These men are not selfish either. The Jayhawks have featured 7 different leading scorers this year.

2. Defense - As prolific as the Jayhawk’s offense is, Coach Bill Self is more proud of his team's suffocating defense. The Jayhawks finished the regular season with the #2 overall defense in the country, allowing just under 61 points per game. Kansas led the nation in margin of victory this season at +20.8. Kansas also features quick hands defensively. Guards Mario Chalmers is and Russell Robinson were numbers 1 and 2 respectively as the Big 12 Steals leaders. Both average over 2 steals per game. Kansas as a team ranked 21st nationally in steals.

3. Free Throws - Many KU fans remember the Jayhawks national championship loss in 2003 to Carmelo Anthony and the Syracuse Orange. Kansas shot only 12-30 for Free throws that night - a horrific rate of 40%. Kansas lost by just 3 points 81-78. Better Free Throw Shooting would have put the Jayhawks in a better position to win that game. This year’s squad shoots a solid 70%, giving them more chances to make those much-needed freebies. Making their free throws at the end of a game might preserve the Jayhawks' national championship hopes.

Rock Chalk Nation, get ready!