Jayhawks of the Caribbean
Hey now, that was pretty fun! Even though the offense stalled out a little bit yesterday en route to a 87-81 loss to the Bahamian National Team, you can get the sense that this team can be really, really good. We can play big. We can play small. It’s going to fun to watch everything shake out and I’m not just saying that because I need that sort of juice for an offseason newsletter!
My notes:
This team is already a nightmare in transition. Being able to play KJ Adams and Hunter Dickinson together is going to unlock a ton of lobs.
Kevin McCullar embracing the leadership role and with playing a lot of poise—love it! He let Buddy get him too riled up but that’s what Buddy does. He’s a talker but I love that McC was chirping back.
NBA guys are good. That is all.
Elmarko Jackson is a baller! Self had some criticisms post-game yesterday, but I think that had to do mostly with defensive positioning. He can get where he wants to, and uses his body so well.
Nick Timberlake has a lot of potential as a spot shooter, and he looked ready to realize that role.
Dajuan Harris looks like a much improved shooter—it’s still very floorbound, but smoother looking. Self had him chucking it, and he was 3/7 yesterday on his way to 23 points on 10/14.
Hunter Dickinson’s mere presence will help stalled out halfcourt sets. Self’s action will get him to his spots—plenty of busted plays will now have a dump-down, which is something we haven’t had since McCormack.
I actually didn’t think Dickinson played incredibly—and he avoided what would have been an embarrassing showdown with Deandre Ayton—but the lines suggest otherwise. A great sign, I think!
The Arterio Morris-Harris-Jackson backcourt could be an absolute defensive nightmare for opponents
I hope Jamari McDowell stays with the program, great hands, has some wiggle. There’s something there.
We have so many guys. I’m hearing good things about Zach Clemence! Figuring out the balance there will be tough.
TL;DR, this team could be absolutely awesome. Watching them compete in the Bahamas, their status as this year’s team-to-beat is a no-brainer. Let’s enjoy it all before the pressure really hits, and when things are moving. Rock Chalk!