We can’t wait to get back into the college basketball season, and as many people know, several programs will be hosting their late nights in the coming weeks. One of the first ones to watch was Kansas last Friday night, as the Jayhawks look to make some noise this coming season. We went back and watched some of the action from the event. Here are just a few of our thoughts from the night.
- Senior 6’5 guard Ochai Agbaji looked strong on the floor. He was showcasing his outside shot very well, especially from three as he hopes to improve more in that area after shooting 37 percent from three and hitting 78 last year. But he looked clearly ready for the season after averaging 14.1 points per game and should be in for another big season.
- Really liked the leadership that Christian Braun provides for this team. A starter and a player with a ton of experience over the last two seasons at Kansas, he plays with such poise and unselfishness on the floor. Makes all the right plays and reads on the floor and really shares the ball well with his team.
- The Phenom Alum and senior big man David McCormack looked in great shape and fluid on the court. His shot looked better and he looks more comfortable with it, including showing a little range. But moved really well, played strong on both ends, and was active around the basket.
- Got our first chance of Phenom Alum and freshman Bobby Pettiford. Though he has been battling some issues early on, Pettiford looked played really well in playing his role, finding his teammates, and making some excellent passes. It will be interesting to see if he gets some playing time this year or if he redshirts this season.
- There is a lot of depth to this team, which is one of the reasons why the Jayhawks should be ranked as one of the top teams in the country. It will be interesting to see the rotation but this is a team that should be able to come in waves and has a lot of talent with an array of experience.
- What will the super-seniors provide? Remy Martin is certainly one of the big names Kansas will depend on after coming off a season in which he led the Pac-12 with 19.1 points per game. Mitch Lightfoot has played in 128 games and understands his role with this team but also brings experience and size to the court. Cam Martin is a 6’9 bruiser on the floor that comes from Missouri Southern and one that averaged 25ppg and 9.0rpg last year. And don’t forget 6’4 guard Jalen Coleman-Lands, who comes from Iowa State. He brings a nice scoring threat, can stretch the floor with his 3-point shot, and has played in several meaningful games.