Through the Phog
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Kansas basketball: Josh Jackson pacing himself in NBA preseason

By Stan Unruh

GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: Josh Jackson of the Phoenix Suns poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: Josh Jackson of the Phoenix Suns poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Former Kansas basketball standout Josh Jackson is getting his first taste of NBA preseason play. The fourth pick in the draft is finding his way in Phoenix.

Kansas basketball fans had fun watching Bill Self’s most recent one-and-done star Josh Jackson last season.  I wish him the best as he begins his professional career.

On the other hand, I wish  Self had him one or two more seasons. I’m selfish. We were just getting to know Jackson and now he’s long gone. It’s good for his back account and unfortunate for Jayhawk fans.

Jackson and the Phoenix Suns lost their second straight game Monday night. Jackson started and contributed 14 points in 29 minutes of action in the 20-point loss to Utah.  He also grabbed 4 rebounds but had 7 turnovers.  As a matter of fact, through three games Jackson is averaging almost 6 turnovers a game.

Despite the turnovers, it is nice to see Jackson is shooting well from beyond the NBA 3-point line.  I know he has worked hard to improve in this area and it is paying off.  He is average 60 percent 3-point shooting after three games. Overall, he is shooting 46 percent from the field and 13 points a game. Not a dramatic start but the NBA season is a long one.

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I have written about my disappointment Jackson went fourth in the draft. As a matter of fact, a few experts believe as I do that down the road Jackson is going to be one of the best of his draft class. With the NBA regular season set to begin, Jackson needs to clean up the turnovers and set his sights on helping his team win and making a run at the rookie of the year award.

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