1. Is it good Kansas is reloading?

Maybe so. After a two-year period in which coach Bill Self was compelled not to rock the boat and keep starters intact who first played under Roy Williams, the program can finally be reshaped to fit the philosophy of KU’s third-year coach.

Only time will tell how that dictates success after Self went 47- 16 in his first two seasons. He still is considered one of the nation’s best coaches despite the speed bump that bottomed out KU last season when it dropped six of its last nine and lost its NCAA Tournament opener to Bucknell.

Throughout the preseason, players talked about how this team should gel better.

2. Who will score, and how much?

Without Wayne Simien to pound the ball to, the go-to threat down low is gone. For that matter, every line item in the box score will change drastically. Simien led the Jayhawks in scoring 20 times last season. Among the returnees, only senior forward Christian Moody has ever led the team in scoring, an 11-point outing last season at Kentucky.

Consider the returning percentages — points (.212), 3-pointers (.121), free throws (.204), rebounds (.293), assists (.137) and steals (.223).

Don’t think for a minute that the freshmen won’t have chances to contribute mightily. KU needs Brandon Rush to slash, Mario Chalmers to run the floor and Micah Downs to pop from outside. Julian Wright is fine offering other skills.

3. Among the freshmen, who might leave early for the NBA?

Rush applied for the NBA Draft but didn’t get picked and decided late that college was his best option. His game is loaded with potential, and the odds are he’s only going to be around for one season, whether he flourishes or flops.

Don’t get too discouraged by the prospect, however. The college basketball landscape continues to change. Just ask Williams about the underclass exodus at North Carolina following its national championship.

It won’t be uncommon to see players spend just a year in college, though the basketball culture at KU can enchant them to stay longer. Still, Self continues to load up on top-rated recruits. Their quick development is not only critical this year, but could become a regular fix for high-profile programs.

4. Who will take over at point guard?

Something to keep in mind is that Self wants his ballhandlers to be interchangeable. He didn’t alter the structure much after inheriting Aaron Miles, except to cut back the transition game. Now that the Jayhawks’ career assists leader is gone, the point guard position will be more flexible.

KU will no doubt tap the senior instincts of Jeff Hawkins, a tough defender and streaky shooter. It is clear the KU staff wants freshman Mario Chalmers to develop quickly.

The signing of Chicago recruit Sherron Collins as part of the 2006 class not only gives the Jayhawks another point guard next season, it is expected to add a measure of toughness they lack in the backcourt. In other words, it would benefit Chalmers to become feisty.

5. Will the seniors be rewarded for the paths they took?

They already have been. Each is on athletic scholarship, something Hawkins, Christian Moody and Stephen Vinson didn’t possess when they arrived at KU.

While none are mentioned as awards candidates, each brings something to the team. As a fifth-year player, Hawkins provides the most experience and can pass along pointers. Moody held on to his starting spot all last season and is an incredibly smart player. Vinson is as well-conditioned as anyone on the squad.

6. Does Kansas have a junior class?

No. Once the answer to ‘Who stabbed J.R.?’ was resolved and J.R. Giddens moved on to New Mexico, the Jayhawks were left with no juniors.

There are plenty of sophomores, however. It can be argued all of them underachieved last season, though they really weren’t awarded extensive opportunities.

KU seems determined to let Russell Robinson develop into an off guard and wants 6-11 C.J. Giles to recognize his potential. Giles and another 6-11 frontliner, Sasha Kaun, will get chances early to work in tandem.

7. Since you brought up Giddens,

how much will the offseason problems affect KU?

Giddens’ transfer rids KU of one distinct problem, though the off- court behavior of the Jayhawks needs to be monitored.

The first-round exit from the NCAA Tournament already cast a pall over the program before the fight at the Moon Bar and the crack over the head Rodrick Stewart took at closing time of another bar to begin the semester.

It’s unfair to tell the Jayhawks not to go out at night, at least in the offseason. If such rules were enforced, Self might never sign another high-profile recruit. But behavioral issues stain a proud program. The Jayhawks must adhere to all the responsibilities that go with wearing the uniform.

8. Wowee, just how good is Maui?

Dynamite. Half of the eight teams in the draw, including the Jayhawks’ first-round opponent, Arizona, were ranked in the preseason top 10. The others are Connecticut, Michigan State and Gonzaga. Maryland is also ranked.