The last time Kansas boarded a plane destined for the state of Texas, freshman forward Aishah Sutherland heard, but didn’t fully grasp, the hype.

Teammates and coaches, all of whom had served witness to the indescribable athleticism possessed by teams residing in Texas, tried to warn the naïve freshman of what was awaiting her once the plane landed and the ball was tossed in the air.

Yet, that game on Jan. 31, when Kansas lost 73-60 at Texas A&M, Sutherland fully understood her teammates’ warnings.

“I’ve been telling her that talent alone is not enough. You can’t just focus on your athletic ability,” junior forward Danielle McCray said.

“I think she’s been realizing that because A&M was a big shock for her. I don’t think she ever played against girls that can play like that. It’s that whole thing that freshman don’t know about. Until you come into the Big 12, you don’t know until you play.”

But it’s a lesson Sutherland won’t need reviewed when Kansas plays at No. 13 Texas today at 7 p.m.

Similar to Texas A&M, Texas possesses a tall, quick team capable of being one of the best in the Big 12. At first, such circumstances intimidated Sutherland.

In high school, Sutherland’s speed and jumping ability allowed her to dominate. But in the Big 12, one of the best women’s basketball conferences in the country, those skills alone aren’t enough.

“I just feel that all the teams we’ve played on the road are very athletic and I’m just not as good against athletic players,” Sutherland said.

“Yeah, I’m very athletic but when it comes to other people, they jump just as high as me. They’re fast like me; they have quick feet. I just have to find a way to stop them.”

Much has been made of Sutherland’s development: Some games she shows improvement, but in others she appears to backtrack. But, especially against the Big 12’s top-level teams, Sutherland’s contributions are often key for the Jayhawks.

In practice, coach Bonnie Henrickson notices an increased excitement level from teammates when Sutherland pieces together a solid effort. During games, a similar situation occurs when Sutherland grabs an offensive rebound or blocks a shot.

“I think how she does it is impressive with just having that kind of athleticism,” Henrickson said. “But her teammates know when she plays well, she gives us a chance to win because she’s very, very talented.”

One of Kansas’ points of emphasis heading into the Texas game has been the continued work on the inside game — both offensively and defensively. In Kansas’ last game, Henrickson said Missouri’s post players went 18-for-28, while Kansas’ posts made just 6-of-20 attempts.

To improve those lopsided numbers, the Jayhawks marked off a taped box around the basket. Defensively, no player should catch the ball inside the box. On offense, the box represents the ideal position for Kansas’ post players.

The Jayhawks have used the box throughout the season, but after the Missouri loss, they are reemphasizing it.

“That’s just ridiculous to have no effort and no pressure on the ball,” Henrickson said. “The box is to keep people out. You can’t let them catch it in front of the rim.”

Part of that responsibility will fall with Sutherland.

As the conference season has worn on, Sutherland said she had developed a better comfort level playing against top athletes. For a player clearly capable of providing Kansas a spark off the bench, confidence is just as important as Sutherland’s skills.

“When I first started out I was feeling pretty nervous,” Sutherland said. “But now, I’m feeling more comfortable with it.”

McCray eager to play ranked team

Strange as it sounds, junior forward Danielle McCray is excited for the challenge of playing a ranked team.

The last time Kansas played a ranked opponent, the Jayhawks nearly knocked off Texas A&M before the Aggies pulled away late.

“Personally, I love playing against ranked teams and people that are really good,” MCray said. “It just shows you how much you have to improve and gives you the chance to beat them.”

Playing on the road for the second consecutive time, McCray said the Jayhawks needed to change their mindset.

“We need to have our own energy on the road and our own intensity,” McCray said. “We have to know that we only have ourselves. What we brought on the bus is all we have. We just have to focus on that more.”

— — Edited by Heather Melanson