The impact of mid-major teams on the NCAA basketball tournament in recent times has been notable. Nobody is more aware of what the “littler guys” can do than Kansas, which was derailed by Bucknell and then Bradley in successive years.

This season with its Xavier, Drake and Butler types has the potential for a similar scenario.

People trying to analyze the way the wind is blowing note that often the surprise entries have players who have been on the roster three or even four years. Experience and cohesion pay big dividends, and they are coveted by every coach trying to build or maintain a good program.

Heavy emphasis is on touted youngsters who play a year or so and then go pro. Teams like two-time champ Florida that can keep a good crew together for at least three years may be lost in the hype about the Kevin Durants, Greg Odens and Michael Beasleys. But it surely helps to have guys who have been to war at least two or three times.

At Kansas, Bill Self quietly may be assembling people who will give him more long-term support, and a chance to make new waves in the Big 12 and NCAA.

Gone for sure from the 2008 squad will be five seniors who have seen considerable service. Darnell Jackson, Sasha Kaun and Russell Robinson are heart-and-soul people who will leave a huge void. They’re the kind of people any coach wants for the full route.

There’s talk that four other Jayhawks may opt for the NBA Draft. Brandon Rush and Darrell Arthur probably will, but shouldn’t. Mario Chalmers and Sherron Collins definitely need more tutelage and combat. Self wouldn’t shed tears if at least Chalmers and Collins come back.

Without even considering the newcomers for 2008-09, Self will have four guys around whom to restructure a title effort. The 6-11 Cole Aldrich has unlimited potential and, in view of his desire to improve, could easily stay at least three and perhaps even four years.

If Collins isn’t operating as the point guard, 6-3 Tyrel Reed can and will do a fine job, with terrific scoring potential as well as a great head for the game and the likelihood of being a four-year performer. He just needs to get his wheels in top shape.

Don’t short-sell Lawrence’s Brady Morningstar, now 22, with his longer seasoning and physical maturity. He’s not likely to be an NBA prospect, but consider how effective KU might be with Collins at the point and Reed and Morningstar as shooting guards.

Conner Teahan at 6-5 is a former Missouri player of the year who is a crowd favorite now and could be an even greater delight once he musters enough defense and ball-handling to see heavy action. He’s another guy we’ll see taking the full ride.

Again, if Rush, Arthur, Chalmers and Collins are all back, Aldrich will be the fifth, and a sensational, starter. Self will have a lot of chess pieces to work with, and that’s even before new guys are factored in.

There will be three new bigs in 6-8 Quintrell Thomas from New Jersey and twins Marcus and Markieff Morris of Philadelphia. Juco transfer Mario Little from Chicago and 6-5 Travis Releford from Kansas City will add firepower. How many of them will, like Aldrich, Morningstar, Reed and Teahan, stick around remains to be seen.

But regardless of how many current Jayhawks try “the league,” Self has assembled a crew of potential long-term players who could take on a “mid-major” look and win an awful lot of games.

The future? Continued bright.