One Kansas Basketball Newcomer That Could Be the Jayhawks’ X-Factor

Standing at 6-foot-11 and 240 pounds, Tiller is a physical specimen. He is strong and athletic, as he showcased his ability to move up and down the court quickly while using his brute strength inside.

Tiller can score around the rim with dunks and even has a bit of a face-up game — he attempted a 3-pointer in the contest, though it didn't fall.

"I thought Bryson [Tiller], in all honesty, was probably our second-best player tonight after Darryn," Self told the media in his postgame press conference. "I thought he was great. He rebounded the ball as well as anybody. He played bigger. I still think he can even be more dominant cause he's got such a great body, and he's got great touch. I thought he was great."

In what is a relatively undersized Kansas frontcourt, considering 6-foot-7 wing Tre White is starting at power forward, Tiller brings much-needed size and versatility to the position.

Earlier this year, we wrote about how he might have a bigger role than people expected, and that has proven true through the first unofficial game.

If Tiller can continue to play at a high level, it would be huge for the Jayhawks. He gives KU another defensive anchor (evidenced by his four blocks) and can relieve pressure from Bidunga in the frontcourt if foul trouble ever becomes an issue.

It goes without saying that Kansas still needs Mbiya to find his rhythm at some point, and he is clearly a bit behind schedule after logging only two minutes on Friday. Whether Tiller maintains this big a role once Mbiya's minutes increase remains to be seen, but his debut gave fans plenty to be excited about.