Kansas basketball: Dajuan Harris, Kevin McCullar recognized on preseason watch lists

Two Kansas basketball players, Dajuan Harris and Kevin McCullar, were named to preseason watch lists as one of their position’s best players.

The Kansas Jayhawks opened the 2023-24 season as the No. 1 team in national rankings as Bill Self and Co. gear up for what could be one of the most successful KU squads in recent history.

This year’s Kansas basketball roster is top-heavy but is comprised of some of the best players in the nation, including Preseason All-American Hunter Dickinson, the most highly coveted transfer portal add of the offseason. However, a pair of starters from last season’s team also returned to school, and they are receiving high praise before the season’s beginning.

Dajuan Harris and Kevin McCullar mentioned on preseason watch lists

Dajuan Harris, KU’s beloved pass-first point guard from the 2022 national championship winners, was one of 20 players named to the 2024 Bob Cousy Award Watch List. It is awarded to the best point guard in college basketball. This is his first time being recognized on the list in his collegiate career.

A year ago, Harris averaged career-highs in points per game (8.9), assists per game (6.2), rebounds per game (2.5), and steals per game (2.2). His strong performance earned him the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year award.

Meanwhile, McCullar was one of 20 players listed on the Jerry West Award Watch List. It is awarded to the best point guard in college basketball.

Unlike Harris, this is McCullar’s second time making a preseason watch list at his position. The Texas Tech transfer did last year as well.

McCullar was listed on the All-Big 12 Third Team last season after averaging 10.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.0 steals per game across 34 contests. Despite his appearance on the Jerry West Award Watch List, he does not fit the mold of a typical shooting guard and will play the 3-spot for Kansas basketball this season.

When the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award Watch List releases this week, Hunter Dickinson will be listed. KJ Adams is also a candidate for the Karl Malone Award Watch List.