During her first season at Kansas three years ago, when she was still a raw shooter from Olathe, junior forward Danielle McCray played the four position — a spot usually reserved for post players larger than her 5-feet-11-inches.

In high school, as is the case for most talented players, McCray’s principle focus was scoring. But in college, where players are expected to score as well as adequately defend, McCray struggled.

“From the time she got here, she’s not the same player,” coach Bonnie Henrickson. “We played her at the four because she couldn’t guard anybody. She couldn’t guard me in my heels. And then it was real simple for her: If she caught it, she shot it.”

McCray has come a long way since those days. Although Henrickson still views defense as an area in need of improvement, McCray is no longer a liability on that end of the floor.

But the most obvious development in McCray’s game occurred on the offensive end.

An All-Big 12 First Team selection this season, McCray is averaging 20.2 points and, down the stretch of the season, she has placed Kansas’ offense on her shoulders.

“She’s always been the kid that wants to take the tough shot,” Henrickson said. “She’s a kid under pressure that performs better offensively.”

There’s little doubt that McCray will need to be at her best in the Big 12 tournament if Kansas is to sneak into the NCAA tournament. But the question that has circled the Jayhawks all season still remains: Will others step up?

Throughout the season, Henrickson has continually prodded McCray’s teammates for more support. And that lack of production has cost Kansas victories this season.

“She’s not going to do it all by herself; she can’t do it all by herself,” senior guard Ivana Catic said. “There is some pressure for her to perform but unless everybody else steps up ... We really need everybody to play.”

The most obvious candidate on offense is junior guard Sade Morris, the team’s second-leading scorer with 11.4 points per game. In Kansas’ 59-49 loss to Iowa State on Saturday, Morris scored eight points and made just three of 10 shots.

After the game, Henrickson voiced her displeasure to Morris.

“I’d be more worried if she didn’t say anything to me,” Morris said. “Then I’d be like, ‘Oh man, what did I just do?’ But that’s part of playing basketball. I can take that. I’m not going to be great every day but I can’t be horrible. And that’s what she’s telling me.”

Morris’ less-than-stellar performance against Iowa State was more of an aberration than the norm this season. But in the past two games, Morris has scored 10 points and struggled shooting the ball: She made just four of 15 attempts.

The same situation can’t unfold in the Big 12 tournament.

“She loves to compete and when she doesn’t show up and play like she’s capable of, she takes it hard and gets down on herself,” McCray said. “She’s not going to let us down. She hates letting teammates down.”

For Kansas to have a chance at qualifying for the NCAA tournament — a tall order for sure, but not impossible — McCray and Morris must carry the load offensively.

But, as always, the remaining Jayhawks’ contributions play just as pivotal a role in determining Kansas’ success.

“This is the time in the season,” Morris said, “where players just have to play.”

— — Edited by Brandy Entsminger