In Salt Lake City, following a challenging game, KJ Adams Jr. of Kansas basketball reflected on the season’s obstacles as he sat in the Delta Center locker room. The Jayhawks had just experienced a significant 89-68 defeat to the No. 5 seed Gonzaga in the NCAA men’s tournament’s second round. Adams Jr. pinpointed a single poor half of basketball, rather than an entire game, as the critical moment that concluded the No. 4 seed’s journey in March Madness.
This particular half of basketball, the second one, underscored the difficulties Kansas faced throughout the season, despite entering as the No. 1 team in the USA TODAY Sports preseason poll. The team’s 3-point shooting and depth fell short of what was necessary for effective offensive spacing and a robust postseason performance on both ends of the court.
These challenges, among others, have led Coach Bill Self and his team to turn their attention to the upcoming season sooner than anticipated. Self acknowledged that, due to injuries and a limited roster, the coaching staff could have done more to expand the team’s playable lineup. He emphasized that the physical toll of the season and injuries are inevitable aspects of the game, but also admitted that the team’s reduced firepower was evident this year.
Injuries to key players like graduate senior guard Kevin McCullar Jr. and senior center Hunter Dickinson highlighted the depth issues Kansas faced, issues that persisted even when these players were active. The dismissal of Arterio Morris before the season and a scholarship reduction due to NCAA infractions further strained the team’s resources, leaving them with just nine scholarship players for the season. Despite these challenges, Kansas still boasted one of the strongest starting lineups in college basketball, though their margin for error was notably slim.
The team’s inconsistency in scoring from behind the arc and defending against 3-point shots made them vulnerable to opponents. The fluctuating performances from freshman guard Elmarko Jackson and graduate senior guard Nicolas Timberlake had a more significant impact than they might have in a different context. The emergence of freshman guard Johnny Furphy, especially during Big 12 play, was a bright spot, but the team’s overall challenges led to a tougher tournament draw.
Redshirt senior guard Dajuan Harris Jr. expressed pride in how the team handled the year’s adversities, including injuries and team departures, by staying united and fighting through the challenges.
Looking ahead, the team anticipates roster changes, with decisions pending on players staying or transferring, and turning professional. The arrival of new talent from high school recruits or the transfer portal could further alter the team’s composition. With McCullar, Timberlake, and graduate senior forward Parker Braun having exhausted their eligibility, and three freshmen already signed, Kansas is poised for a different look next season.
Adams’s reflection on the season’s end with a sentiment of unfulfilled potential resonates deeply within the team. As they return to Lawrence, the resolve to achieve more in the future remains strong, underscoring the high expectations that come with being part of Kansas basketball.