One of the major concerns for the Kansas basketball team is its lack of bench scoring. Although Bill Self is not known to play freshmen too often unless they are one of the most highly touted recruits in the country, there need to be changes in the Jayhawks rotation.
The Jayhawks’ first two guards off the bench are Joseph Yesufu and Bobby Pettiford Jr., but neither is getting the job done. Pettiford turned the ball over three times in his seven minutes played yesterday afternoon, while Yesufu’s jump shot has recently gone ice cold. His primary quality is his jump shot, yet his three-point percentage now sits at just 29.2% for the year.
Yesufu and Pettiford are fine options off the bench. However, they play more than anyone else outside of the starting lineup. A potential spark plug needs to emerge on the Jayhawks, and a name to look at is freshman guard MJ Rice.
The Henderson, North Carolina native was the 32nd national prospect in the 247 Sports 2022 class. He used to be a five-star recruit before slightly dropping in the rankings. After scoring 19 points in 21 minutes versus Texas Southern, he has hardly seen the floor since. Rice is a tremendous talent, but that has not resulted in playing time. He averages only 7.3 minutes in the 15 contests he has played this year.
MJ RICE 😛 pic.twitter.com/4b0bATSwPM
— We good? (@gifhawk2) November 11, 2022
If Rice can see the floor more, exciting plays like the one above could be in store for the Jayhawks. He is an extremely athletic wing who could develop a solid jump shot. Additionally, he provides far more length for Kansas than Pettiford and Yesufu, who are 6′ 2″ and 6′ 0″, respectively. Rice is listed as 6′ 5″, 225 pounds, and still has time to develop his frame.
Bill Self cites Rice’s lingering back injury as a reason for his lack of minutes. However, he seems to be closer to 100%, and as KU’s offense continues to waver, Rice could put up points in a hurry off the pine.
Even if Rice does not begin to play more minutes this season, he could be a key player in 2023-24 and might even be able to exert himself into the starting lineup. An improved jump shot and better defense could make Rice a solid Jayhawk for years to come.