The last time an opposing team brought an NBA-caliber big man into Allen Fieldhouse, Oakland University left with a 30 point loss. The Jayhawks will try to duplicate this success tonight against Radford.

When Radford visits Kansas tonight, the Highlanders are bringing Art Parakhouski, the Big South preseason player of the year. As a team, Markieff Morris said, the Highlanders are equipped as any team to compete with the Jayhawks’ size.

“They’re a big team,” Morris said. “And the big guy, I heard he led the nation in rebounding, so it’s going to be a big challenge for us.”

Parakhouski, the 6-foot-11 senior center, is averaging 22.3 points per game and leads the NCAA with 14.8 rebounds per contest.

Even though Kansas defeated Oakland 89-59 earlier this season with potential NBA first round center Keith Benson, Kansas coach Bill Self said Parakhouski provides an exceptional challenge.

“He might be the biggest, maybe as talented true big guy we go against all year,” Self said.

Radford might be a problem for center Cole Aldrich, said sophomore forward Marcus Morris. Aldrich has been getting double-covered almost every time he has the ball and the size of Radford will make it hard for him to find offensive rhythm.

Marcus Morris said success for the Jayhawks relies in his own play as well as Markieff Morris and Thomas Robinson.

“If we step up while they double team Cole, we’ll still have a good game,” Marcus said.

Against Oakland, one of the biggest teams Kansas has faced, Aldrich had only four points and nine rebounds. Against UCLA, he had seven points and 12 rebounds. Marcus Morris said Aldrich’s best asset when his offense is floundering is his defense.

“I feel Cole is looking at other sides of the ball, he’s going to get more rebounds. I feel like he could have a lot more assists if he keeps getting double-teamed because somebody is always open.”

This game will most likely be the best opportunity for the freshmen to redeem themselves, after a lackluster performance against UCLA. Elijah Johnson and Thomas Robinson combined for just five minutes against the Bruins. The veterans said they expect a bounceback performance.

“I think they all have room for improvement and they all want to get better,” sophomore guard Tyshawn Taylor said.

Markieff Morris added he was impressed with how well the freshmen seem to be adapting to new situations. Compared to himself last year, he said he’s glad they are putting forth maximum effort.

“They’re a lot more mature than we were last year. They work a lot harder than we did last year.”

— Edited by Tim Burgess