Three things to watch as Kansas Jayhawks dive into Big 12 basketball season | KU Q&A
The University of Kansas men’s basketball team begins conference play Saturday against TCU at Allen Fieldhouse.
Here are three things I’ll be watching for as the Jayhawks open the conference portion of the 2023-24 season:
1. KU’s freshmen and Nick Timberlake: Who, if anyone, will step up? Freshmen Elmarko Jackson and Johnny Furphy have played better in recent games, but none of KU’s newcomers has been consistently good. For KU to reach its title aspirations, it’ll need a leap from this group.
2. Will Kansas continue its low 3-point rate? The Jayhawks have the lowest 3-point rate in the Bill Self era, ranking No. 312 in the nation ( 31.3%). Historically, teams have struggled to win the NCAA Tournament with a rate that low.
3. Will KJ Adams keep shooting more jump shots? Adams has taken another step on the offensive end. He switched back to the four-spot this summer after the addition of Hunter Dickinson. He’s been practicing his jumpers but hasn’t taken a ton ... yet — though he took two (missing both) against Wichita State. His continued offensive progression is key.
With that, let’s get to another Kansas Jayhawks Q&A!
Who do you think, if anyone, they will target in the portal to help fill the holes on the O Line? –@Evan859435944
JayhawkSlant has reported that KU’s offered former Alabama center Seth McLaughlin, which would be a massive get. I expect the Jayhawks to remain busy in the portal, given all their departures. Look for KU to address those departures with a couple of portal additions and internal development from KU’s youngsters.
What was your favorite thing to cover for us this year? And/or, now that you’ve lived here a year, what do you think of KC BBQ? Favorite BBQ place? — @The_NeillyC
My favorite event to cover was KU football’s upset of Oklahoma. That was an incredible game. I don’t eat red meat, but I really liked Jack Stack (of the places I have tried).
What are the locker room vibes like right now? Is Nick staying positive even though he’s struggling? — @royals312
From what I’ve seen, the vibes around KU’s locker room are good, especially after the team’s win over Wichita State. It was one of Kansas’ few dominant victories this season, and the players seemed fired up about it. I can’t speak on Timberlake specifically, but I will say this: His teammates (and coach Bill Self) are encouraging as much as they can, which is huge.
There’s likely a random game upcoming when Timberlake hits his shots. And that could be all the spark he needs to become a consistent contributor.
What would Furphy or McDowell need to do to take over Elmarko’s starting spot? What place do you predict KU FB finishes in the new Big 12 next season? — @AviatorJayhawk
I just don’t think Jackson gets replaced. Self has reiterated that Jackson is the starter because he plays with pace and is the best defender of the three. Not to mention, he has the highest ceiling of that trio.
I fully expect Kansas to challenge for a Big 12 title next season and finish at least top-three in the conference.
This story was originally published January 5, 2024 at 5:30 AM with the headline "Three things to watch as Kansas Jayhawks dive into Big 12 basketball season | KU Q&A."
