KU Basketball: Svi Mykhailiuk is a True Paradox for Jayhawks

Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk, a junior from Ukraine is a three-point master for KU basketball. His three-point defense, however, makes every Jayhawk fan cringe. That’s not a good thing heading into the NCAA Tournament.

Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk is usually rotated in the line up when a three-point bucket is needed and the starters need rest. He is a prime candidate for that role, but with Josh Jackson out against TCU on Thursday, Svi had to take a larger role in the game.

In my opinion, he succeeded that role in the majority of the first half, but his three-point defense appalled me.

Mykhailiuk likes to keep distance between him and his defender, which costs him EVERY time. Eventually, one would figure that he would learn from his mistakes and improve his defense on the three, but he never seems to change.

Against Iowa State, it was apparent that Svi was being targeted. The Cyclone guards would dribble up to him, push him back a little, and then sink a three. The same happened in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City.

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Mykhailiuk’s three-point defense would make Ray Allen have an unprecedented shooting night. Honestly, there are times where I think that if Svi could play himself in one-on-one, whichever Svi that plays defense would lose.

With Mykhailiuk being a main three-point shooting threat with the occasional drive, he is an easy addition to the bench.

Thursday showed the reason why he is not to be trusted when it comes down to huge moments. He lacks the same mental toughness that Josh Jackson does.

It should not be as much of a worry though. Jackson will come back during the NCAA Tournament and fulfill his starting role.

Mykhailiuk’s defense on the perimeter should definitely be a concern.

When TCU dished out to the perimeter and it was locked up at 82 points each, Mykhailiuk body slammed Desmond Bane to the floor as he shot. That’s an easy call for the refs no matter what team you are and no matter what court you’re playing on. Yet, Mykhailiuk got up and said “How is that a foul?”.

Buddy, how was it not? You are supposed to defend the guy, not pummel him.

Let’s hope that Svi Mykhailiuk can learn from his defensive mistakes this season.