Late Night in the Phog: What We Noticed
By Kyle Abbott
After a long and eventful offseason for Bill Self’s Jayhawks, the KU basketball season finally tipped off Saturday night for Late Night in the Phog. What were three big things we noticed?
Carlton Bragg is going to be really, really good. Bragg had a terrific night, scoring a scrimmage18 points on 8-11 shooting. Bragg showed a much improved shooting stroke out to the three point line, making 2-3 triples. Bragg’s weight gain has been well documented, and he did look bigger. Just as positively, it appeared he was just as mobile. He’ll be a nightmare to guard in Bill Self’s High-Low offensive system. During the broadcast, Self said Bragg must improve with his back to the basket to reach his potential at KU. 30 minutes per game isn’t out of the question for the talented sophomore.
Without question, this backcourt is the best in the country. It may be a little hyperbole, but Kansas’s backcourt will be one for the ages. Upperclassmen starters Frank Mason and Devonte Graham return, along with reserves Sviatoslav Mikhailiuk and Lagerald Vick. Look for Mason to take on a more limited role this season, possibly as more of a distributor and instant offense player. Fewer minutes should make the diminutive but tough-as-nails guard more effective this season. He had a good night, scoring 12 points, including a buzzer-beater to tie the scrimmage. Mason showed off his passing ability as well, racking up eight assists.
Newcomers Josh Jackson and Malik Newman showed what they’re capable of. A Mississippi State transfer, Newman showed a silky deep stroke, as well as good ball skills. Freshman and blue chip recruit Josh Jackson showed his ability to do a little bit of everything. I would be surprised if he’s KU’s leading scorer this year, as it’s not the strongpoint of his game, but he’ll stuff the stat sheet and be a lockdown perimeter defender. He finished with nine points, two assists, and a rebound. Newman finished with 12 points, on 5-8 shooting, including 2-3 from three point range.
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Frontcourt depth could be an issue. Bragg and senior Landen Lucas had good nights and will be very productive this year, but beyond them, the picture is murky. Freshman Udoka Azibuike did not play due to a groin strain, but it is unclear how many minutes he will play, as he’s foul prone and he just turned 17 years old. Fellow KU basketball freshman Mitch Lightfoot will be a fan and coach favorite. He’s a very bouncy athlete and has a high motor, but doesn’t have great skills yet and is thin.
The total wild card is junior Dwight Coleby. A transfer from Ole Miss, Coleby tore his ACL a year ago, and is still only playing at 80%, per Coach Self. He will have to provide solid minutes at the four position for the Jayhawks. He did show a nice mid-range shooting stroke, and gathered four rebounds.
Bottom line. The 2016-2017 edition of the Jayhawks has the potential to be the best Kansas team since 2008, when they cut down the nets in San Antonio for the Jayhawks’ fifth national title. The backcourt will be second to none, while the frontcourt is still a work in progress, but very talented. Look for the Jayhawks to cruise through a weak Big 12 and lock up a top 2 seed come March.