Kansas Jayhawks Q&A: More KU basketball scrimmage thoughts ... let’s talk freshmen

The Kansas men’s basketball team played its second public summer scrimmage on Wednesday.

Texas transfer Arterio Morris and former Missouri (and Santa Clara) big man Parker Braun were the only two scholarship players missing from the game.

The eight scholarship players, walk-ons and three former Jayhawks (Tyshawn Taylor, Jeff Hawkins and Brandon Rush) played the game in front of hundreds of campers at Bill Self’s annual youth basketball camp.

Here are a few thoughts from the game.

Elmarko Jackson is a special talent

The freshman looked fearless on the court on Wednesday. Jackson showed off his elite first step and was impossible to stop driving to the rim (outside of one instance when he was fouled hard by KJ Adams).

Jackson was much more aggressive on the offensive end compared to his first game, finishing with 12 points. It was clear that Jackson was looking for his shot more than in last week’s scrimmage.

The scrimmage showed flashes of why Jackson is a prime candidate for the NBA after one or two years at KU.

Kansas coach Bill Self raved about him after the game.

“Obviously Elmarko … if you just look at him, he is a talented kid,” Self said. “ He’s strong. He’s got game. He can always shoot better, but it’ll be hard to keep him off the floor.”

Marcus Adams shows out on the offensive end

Marcus Adams arrived in Lawrence on Saturday but looked like a seamless fit in KU’s team on Wednesday.

The freshman was impressive on the offensive end, finishing with 12 points.

It’s clear he’s a great shooter, as he hit a step-back three-pointer after a crossover, but he also showcased his off-ball ability. He had multiple cuts to the rim for easy baskets.

The biggest question surrounding Adams is how good he is on the defensive end (it’s still too early to tell). I think Adams will lock up one rotation spot if he’s an average defender or better.

Hunter Dickinson is quietly efficient

Honestly, it didn’t feel like Dickinson was super involved on Wednesday. He didn’t touch the ball as much as usual but finished with 19 points.

He hit one three-pointer out of five attempts but made the most of his attempts around the rim.

Dickinson’s ability to drop a quiet 19 points is a mark of a true superstar — he just makes everything look so easy.

With that, it’s time for another Kansas Jayhawks Q&A. As always, thank you for the questions!

That’s a great question. The biggest thing KU can do is have sustained success in basketball and football.

Football, in particular, is an incredible driver of revenue, and that’s no more evident than the first five schools on the list (Ohio State, Texas, Alabama, Michigan and Georgia) being schools primarily known for football and all other sports second.

Last season, KU made its first bowl game in 14 years and awoke a sleeping giant in a fan base that needed revitalization. It’s already paid dividends in recruiting this offseason, potentially leading to even more winning on the field.

I think KU’s ability to bridge the revenue gap ultimately starts with football becoming even better and contending for Big 12 championships in the future.

I’ve only covered college sports for about two years, so I only have two options. It’s between UConn’s 2021-22 team and KU’s 2022-23 basketball teams.

As much fun as I had to cover UConn due to their fan base and the relationship with the coaching staff, the past season covering KU was a dream.

It was challenging but rewarding.

The idea that a second-round loss in the NCAA Tournament is perceived as failure still blows my mind, but it shows you the history and expectations around the program.

I enjoyed getting to know the players and parents on last year’s team, plus building a relationship with KU fans was very fun.

The biggest overreaction would be that all the freshmen will contribute — after each scored double-digit points. All of them can shoot and have the potential to be a net positive on the offensive end; it’s the other end where question marks arise.

KU’s roster is excellent, but there is a scenario where the freshman could all earn rotation spots. But basing that solely on one scrimmage would qualify as an overreaction.

I think if (1) KU’s defense takes a step, (2) the Jayhawks’ offense stays at a similar level and (3) QB Jalon Daniels stays healthy, the Jayhawks could win as many as nine games in 2023.

Honestly, I think 2024 has the makings of a special year for KU. I think there’s a decent shot Kansas is contending for a Big 12 Championship.

Initially, my reaction was absolutely not. Now, I say yes. Why? I think Dickinson’s hair can be a useful distraction on the court.