Through the Phog
Fansided

5 thoughts on the Kansas basketball roster ahead of Puerto Rico trip

By Joshua Schulman

AUSTIN, TEXAS - MARCH 04: Head coach Bill Self of the Kansas Jayhawks walks the sidelines during the game with the Texas Longhorns at Moody Center on March 04, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TEXAS - MARCH 04: Head coach Bill Self of the Kansas Jayhawks walks the sidelines during the game with the Texas Longhorns at Moody Center on March 04, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images) /
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Elmarko Jackson #8 of McDonald’s All American (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Elmarko Jackson #8 of McDonald’s All American (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

3. Elmarko Jackson or Arterio Morris will make or break the bench

I know I just mentioned a “what if” scenario of Timberlake starting, but I don’t think it will happen. Coach Self loves to run dual point guard sets, and he needs someone to make Dajuan’s job easier on the defensive end. Cue Morris and Jackson.

Both players are high-intensity defense first guards who can jump out of the gym. They offer similar skill sets on the floor and have received plenty of praise from the coaching staff. It feels like Morris has a slight edge for a starting spot from what has surfaced in the media.

Regardless, whoever comes off the second unit will undoubtedly be the best player on the bench. They’ll need to lead by example, both offensively and defensively. If either player struggles to get it going, so will the other bench players.

There won’t be many scenarios when there isn’t a Kansas starter on the floor — in fact, it would be impossible if they don’t add another player before the start of the season. However, given how little depth the Jayhawks have, both players will have to step up no matter which guys they are playing alongside.

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