Kansas basketball: Where does Elmarko Jackson fit in with next year’s roster?

Elmarko Jackson is a five-star recruit who is tremendously talented, but where will he fit in on the 2023-24 Kansas basketball roster?

The Kansas roster has a long way to go before it meets the 13-scholarship player limit. Fans are awaiting commitments from players among the likes of Hunter Dickinson, Harrison Ingram, and others. However, several pieces will be able to make an immediate impact next year, and one of them could be Elmarko Jackson.

Aside from Dajuan Harris, Jackson is the only guard with a clear path to playing time. That could change if Kansas picks up commitments from Nicolas Timberlake, Primo Spears, or Arterio Morris, but the Jayhawks seem to be on the outskirts of landing the first two. It could signify that Bill Self and his coaching staff have an abundance of confidence in Jackson’s abilities.

A probable explanation for Joseph Yesufu and Bobby Pettiford transferring is that their minutes would be ceded to Jackson. Although he is just 6-foot-3 inches and 185 pounds, he is ultra-athletic and a powerful finisher for his size.

It is safe to say that Jackson has an electric collection of highlight reel plays. Scouts believe he can develop a strong outside jump shot when he comes to Kansas. As a freshman, Jackson will be more inexperienced than others, so they must give him time to grow into his frame. Otherwise, he should be fine, as he plays with a certain intensity and fiery spirit that cannot be matched by just anyone.

Jackson made such a massive leap in his senior season that he went from a three-star to a five-star recruit, demonstrating his capability to adjust his play style. He should adapt to Division I basketball relatively quickly.

So, how will Jackson receive the majority of his playing time? The likelihood is that he will be the first player off the bench because Kansas will presumably want a scoring guard next to Dajuan. Assuming Kyle Cuffe Jr. and Zuby Ejiofor do not transfer, the Jayhawks must fill out four roster spots in the portal — a Kevin McCullar return would make it three. Dickinson and Ingram are the primary portal targets, so it would make sense if they tried to get one more guard and wing. Jamari McDowell also might end up redshirting if Cuffe returns. There are several scenarios that could occur, but Jackson is the most trustworthy recruit that KU is bringing in.

Even though KU has a rock-solid point guard for the next two seasons in Harris, they will find a way to incorporate Jackson into the lineup. A starting spot is not out of the question if Hunter Dickinson commits. Running a two-point guard set along with a dominant big man is a plausible strategy for a Bill Self-run squad.

He will fight for minutes with Cuffe Jr. and KU’s other guard pledge for the Class of 2023, Chris Johnson. Based strictly on the eye test, Jackson should suit Kansas nicely. The team needs a physical player who can get his own shot at will. Dajuan might halt his development as a true point guard, but Elmarko Jackson is an NBA prospect that can support Kansas basketball in a multitude of ways.