Kansas basketball: Former Jayhawk Devon Dotson to open NBA season in G League

Former Kansas basketball star Devon Dotson will continue his professional career in the NBA G League with the Washington Wizards.

Once denied a shot at the 2020 NCAA championship, Devon Dotson is looking to prove why he belongs in the NBA. The former Kansas Jayhawks point guard will begin the 2023-24 season in the G League.

After the Washington Wizards signed him to an Exhibit 10 contract, they waived him in order to outright him to the G League. The move was expected, considering Dotson did not appear in any of the team’s four preseason contests.

Dotson will compete with the Capital City Go-Go, Washington’s G League affiliate. He played and started in 12 games for the Go-Go last season, averaging 13.5 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.3 rebounds on 45.5/26.9/86.8 shooting splits. His G League career also consists of a stint with the Windy City Bulls.

Devon Dotson attempting to replicate the success he had in college

Coming out of high school, Dotson was a 5-star recruit with tremendous potential. He lived up to all the hype as soon as he stepped foot into Allen Fieldhouse, averaging 12.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists across 36 games during his freshman year.

While his inaugural season in Lawrence was impressive, he took a massive step during 2019-20. He posted averages of 18.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.1 steals for Kansas basketball as a sophomore.

The speedy facilitator was one of the most dominant guards Bill Self has ever coached, garnering First Team All-Big 12 and Consensus Second Team All-American honors. Unfortunately for him and Udoka Azubuike, the 2020 NCAA Tournament was canceled due to COVID-19. Dotson never had a true chance to be part of a national championship-winning roster.

Despite being heartbroken from missing out on a title, Dotson felt it was right to test the NBA Draft waters that same year. He went undrafted and has struggled to find a groove in the pros. Dotson has appeared in just 28 games during his three-year NBA stint, totaling 2.0 points and 1.1 assists in 6.7 minutes on average.

Although he didn’t receive the guaranteed NBA contract he desired, Dotson still has a chance to establish himself as a key piece to the Wizards’ future. His quickness and ability to disrupt opposing defenders could make him a future role player in the league if he plays his cards right.