Short shorts.

You know, the ones with the stuff written across the back?

That’s the first thing that came to my mind Friday afternoon as I was enjoying the beautiful weather with friends at a local outdoor establishment. I was dreaming of spring, a time when such weather will be commonplace. That led me, naturally, to my second thought: What will we be talking about come March with respect to KU athletics?

The thought was intriguing. There are a lot of issues to hash out in a lot of different sports at the University before we can know what we’ll see. I decided I would take on the task of finding the five most pressing questions, and then I’d answer them.

After my nap, of course.

Question #1: Will the men’s basketball team jell completely in time for a tournament run?

Answer: This is a tough question right out of the gate. This is a different Kansas team than the team that played in Maui, Hawaii. Before making a run, the Jayhawks have to make the NCAA tournament. With an RPI hovering around 80 and with fewer than 40 days until Selection Sunday, the Jayhawks have some work to do. The true test will come Sunday when Oklahoma, fresh off a victory against rival Texas, steps into Allen Fieldhouse.

Question #2: If the said tournament run does happen, how many of our freshmen will be back next year?

Answer: With the possible exception of guard Brandon Rush, it’s safe to say that they will all return for their sophomore seasons. Forward Julian Wright has made big strides so far, but he still has a lot of wrinkles in his game that he needs to iron out. He is a raw talent that could use another year to mature. Guard Mario Chalmers has made the biggest improvements of any of the freshmen, but he is definitely a four-year player. He and sophomore guard Russell Robinson make up the toughest defensive backcourt in the Big 12. We’re blessed to have them together for the next two years. Rush may be wise to make the jump because he has all the tools to do so. As for guard Micah Downs, I’m pretty sure he’s not coming back.

Question #3: Can Kansas women’s basketball coach Bonnie Henrickson and the Jayhawks pull it together in time to save their season?

Answer: Their confidence took a serious blow Saturday when they were waxed by Baylor, but they have a chance to bounce back tonight against Colorado. The ’Buffs beat the ’Hawks in the first meeting, and a triumph by Kansas might get the team back on track. With a 2-5 conference record, the Jayhawks probably need to win five or six of their last nine games to get to the Big Dance. With a tough road ahead (at No. 11 Oklahoma and two games against 5-2 Missouri), the chances appear very slim.

Question #4: What is the key to the baseball team’s success this season?

Answer: Pitching. The Jayhawks have some issues to work out in the starting rotation. Kansas coach Ritch Price said the team has never been deeper, but the quality of that depth has yet to be seen. They’ll start evaluating tonight against Hawaii-Hilo. With junior Sean Land and senior Kodiak Quick as locks to be in the weekend rotation, Price will be looking for a third man to solidify a staff that lost southpaw Mike Zagurski to graduation. Price will look to senior Ricky Fairchild, a transfer from Tulane, who posted a less-than-stellar 6.29 ERA in relief last season, for the Green Wave. Freshmen Nick Czyz and Andy Marks are also possibilities.

Question #5: Can the softball team get over last year’s shower scandal and build off its NCAA tournament appearance?

Answer: What was forgotten in the tumultuous off-season for coach Tracy Bunge and her squad was that they were a success between the lines. Kansas finished sixth in the Big 12 and advanced to the tournament for the first time since 1999. This season the league’s coaches picked the Jayhawks to finish seventh despite the return of four all-Big 12 performers, including senior Serena Settlemier, the ace of last year’s pitching staff. With seniors Destiny Frankenstein, Heather Stanley and Jessica Moppin still in the lineup, this team will surprise their detractors and improve upon last season’s results.

There you have it. Five questions, all answered. That’s probably the most I’ve ever accomplished on a Friday.

Oh yeah, and ladies, we love those shorts.