Kansas Jayhawks Q&A: Which KU player(s) could be drafted next year + some IARP thoughts
Two former Kansas Jayhawks made their dreams a reality at the NBA Draft Thursday night.
KU guard Gradey Dick was drafted No. 13 overall by the Toronto Raptors. Later in the night, the Brooklyn Nets drafted Kansas forward Jalen Wilson in the second round, No. 51 overall.
Kansas coach Bill Self was pleased with where both players landed on draft night.
“I was obviously very happy for Gradey,” Self said. “We heard (he’d be picked) somewhere between 10 and 14. He goes 13. I think that’s probably a very good fit for him and Toronto. I’m very happy for that. We all should be happy with that.
“Jalen … even though he didn’t get drafted where I’m sure he hoped he would, the bottom line is all about fit at that point once you get midway in the second round. I know Jalen’s representation feels like it’s a really good fit. Brooklyn is excited to get him. I’m happy with that. Certainly, I think he’ll have a heck of a chance to be a part of their roster.”
Self expects multiple players from KU’s 2023-24 roster will draw interest in next year’s draft. Here’s an early look at which players could be selected.
Guard Kevin McCullar
Last season’s stats: 10.7 points, seven rebounds and 2.4 assists.
McCullar declared for the draft this summer but ultimately returned because he didn’t feel certain an NBA team would pick him.
McCullar is an elite defender and quality rebounder but his shooting is a significant question mark. He shot 29.6% on three-pointers last season — a mark he must improve to get drafted.
Guard Arterio Morris
Last season’s stats (at Texas): 4.6 points, 1.4 rebounds and .5 assists.
Morris was the fourth guard at UT behind three excellent ones (Marcus Carr, Tyrese Hunter, Sir’ Jabari Rice), but he will play big minutes for the Jayhawks this season.
Self expects Morris to be an NBA player.
“I have had a lot of guys be a fourth guard when they get here and end up being NBA long-term players,” Self said. “I think of him being one of those guys.”
Whether Morris gets picked depends on his play for KU this season, but Morris has the makings of an NBA player. He can easily drive to the rim, has an elite first step, is an excellent facilitator and has active hands on defense, leading to steals.
On Thursday night, Morris posted a story on his Instagram, counting down the days until next year’s NBA Draft: He expects to hear his name called in 2024.
Forward KJ Adams
Last season’s stats: 10.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists
Adams broke out last season but lacked a reliable jump shot. He’s spent all summer training to improve his range in order to play alongside Hunter Dickinson.
After playing out of position as KU’s undersized center last season, Adams will finally compete against opponents that are more his size.
If he improves that jumper, there’s no reason he shouldn’t find himself on draft boards.
Guard Elmarko Jackson
No. 20-ranked recruit, 247Sports Composite
The expectations surrounding Jackson are the highest among KU’s three freshmen. Jackson has elite driving ability and the ability to play through contact. Not to mention the fact that he can run an offense. On the defensive end, he can guard multiple positions.
Whether he declares after this season or following his section, I expect Jackson to get drafted and have a long career in the NBA.
... And now, the Q&A
With that, it’s time for another Kansas Jayhawks Q&A. As always, thank you for the questions!
I’m unsure whether KU will decrease the capacity, but AD Travis Goff pushed back on that notion Friday.
“I love our consultants, but capacity will be over 40k,” Goff tweeted early Friday morning. “The projected will have something for everyone — affordable tickets, the best premium seating, real home field advantage. Oh yeah, and parking & tailgating are priorities. We’re all over it, Hawks — remember, I’m one of you.”
Capacity might still decrease, but I think fans will be happy (for the most part) with the renovations because of all the additions happening around the stadium.
It depends on the level of the violations.
LSU had violations in both football and men’s basketball. LSU’s football program received a Level I violation, a Level II violation and a Level III violation. The Tigers received a three-year probation sentence and had to vacate 37 wins from the 2012-15 seasons because of the Level I violation.
Former LSU basketball coach Will Wade, now the coach at McNeese State, received a 10-game suspension and two-year show-cause order.
KU faces five Level I violations. I’m interested to see if that number changes. Initially, LSU was charged with eight Level I violations. It seems the NCAA took into account LSU’s self-imposed penalties.
That may bode well for KU, which imposed four-game suspensions on Self and assistant coach Kurtis Townsend last season. And the reduction of three total scholarships over the next three years is pretty significant.
Based on precedent set in the LSU case, I don’t expect the penalties for KU to be as severe as some had feared.
Thoughts on Zach Clemence coming back for KU Hoops? @crimson_blu_cru
I was surprised, but I like it for KU: Clemence knows the system, the coaching staff and the players.
His mom, Dusti, told me he’s focused on getting stronger and becoming a better shooter. I think getting the chance to play against Hunter Dickinson at practice will help. There’s no guarantee Clemence will see minutes after his redshirt season, but Self and Clemence will sit down to discuss his next steps at the end of the season.
Oh man, I think the answer to that is when KU makes another bowl game — so I’d say that by the end of next season, you will be less worried about recruits potentially leaving.
