Kansas basketball: Strengths and weaknesses of the rebuilt Jayhawks roster
By Kyle Jones
Strength — Big Man Versatility
Coach Self used to make a living off of having two big men on the floor at the same time (Withey/Robinson, Arthur/Jackson, and Aldrich/Morris, just to name a few). However, he hasn’t had the personnel to do so in recent years. In order for that strategy to work, you need to have a big man who is capable and comfortable playing away from the basket (Robinson, Arthur, Morris). He may very well have that again this year.
While KJ Adams has spent nearly all of his time at KU near the basket or finishing pick-and-rolls at the rim, he should be more than capable of stepping out a little bit to make room for Hunter Dickinson. In high school, he showed much more of a perimeter in his time at Kansas. While he isn’t much of a shooter, he has already shown flashes of being a capable dribbler and facilitator. If he can expand on that and develop at least a consistent mid-range jump shot, he will make Dickinson’s life much easier.
On the defensive end, his playing away from the basket is likely preferred. He is more than capable of keeping up with guards and wings on the perimeter, and his lack of height is largely negated when he isn’t asked to guard the opposing center. If he can figure out the offensive side of things, this move could make Adams an even more dangerous weapon than he already was.
As for Dickinson, his offensive game is one of the best in the country for a big man. He can hurt you from anywhere on the floor and take over a game seemingly whenever he wants. He shot 42 percent from deep last season, meaning he can spread the floor for Harris and Adams to run their pick-and-rolls. He also has one of the better “back to the basket” offensive games in the country, which is something we haven’t had in a few years.
On defense, his 7-foot-1, 255-pound frame is much better equipped to guard centers than Adams, who comes in around 6-foot-7 and 225 pounds. Dickinson is already one of the best big men in the country, and this position change could be a revelation for Adams’ game. They could become a very potent duo in a short time.