Nick Timberlake, widely regarded as one of the best outside shooters in the portal, transferred from Towson to Kansas basketball four days ago. But his skill set extends far beyond his jump shot.
One of the most pressing roster needs heading into the off-season for the Kansas Jayhawks was three-point shooting. Bill Self’s coaching staff addressed this in a huge way when they got Nick Timberlake to transfer to the school. He shot 37.9 percent from distance over his five years at Towson, including a career-high 41.6 percent last season.
Timberlake has garnered a reputation for being a long-range sniper, but many people overlook the other attributes in his skill set. Despite standing at just 6’4″ and 200 pounds, Timberlake will dunk all over the opposing team. He has big-time hops and can create space for himself in one-on-one action. Shot creation was also a dire need for Kansas, so Timberlake fills out several necessities.
His knack for going hard at the rim is one of the most effective parts of his game. Watch a few clips of Timberlake’s emphatic flushes from his senior season.
Nick Timberlake is going to be fun to watch in Allen Fieldhouse. Huge get for Bill Self and Kansas. He can jump out of the gym and averaged 17.7 a game while shooting 41.6% from three last year at Towson. pic.twitter.com/k5caO0u7zH
— Sully Engels (@sullyengels) April 19, 2023
He might not appear all that athletic at first glance with his short stature and slender frame, but there is no denying his impeccable finishing skills. The Jayhawks lacked an explosive guard last season, and Timberlake is the exact kind of player they could have used in March Madness. Better late than never, though, right?
Nick Timberlake is FULL of bunnies. pic.twitter.com/AZt6uVkbn8
— Mid-Major Madness (@mid_madness) February 9, 2023
It has been a long time since Kansas has had a small guard capable of touching his head near the cylinder of the rim. Although he played in mediocre competition in the CAA, the ability to jump and shoot the ball will still be available.
Nick Timberlake (6’4 SG, Towson) is a sick shooter. Lethal off the catch (1.26 PPP, 44.4%) and off of screens (21-55, 38.2%); uses screens exceptionally well, gets low and snug to keep his defender trailing, can sprint into his jumper from diff directions & footwork patterns. pic.twitter.com/rGk21MCXjY
— Trevor William Marks (@twmarks_) March 26, 2023
Aside from his shot creation and impressive vertical, Timberlake excels behind the arc. His quick-release jump shot is similar to that of Brady Morningstar’s. He won’t give the Jayhawks much defensively, but can still serve as a solid double-digit scorer in the starting rotation or as a microwave player off the bench.
It will be fun to watch what Timberlake can do in his first and only season at Kansas. Expect him to be all over the highlight reel once the regular season commences.