Through the Phog
Fansided

Kansas basketball: Analyzing each contender for the final spot in Jayhawks starting lineup

By Joshua Schulman

Kansas freshman guard Johnny Furphy (10) jumps for a rebound against freshman guard Jamari McDowell (11) and freshman guard Elmarko Jackson (13) during a scrimmage at Friday's Late Night in the Phog inside Allen Fieldhouse.
Kansas freshman guard Johnny Furphy (10) jumps for a rebound against freshman guard Jamari McDowell (11) and freshman guard Elmarko Jackson (13) during a scrimmage at Friday's Late Night in the Phog inside Allen Fieldhouse. /
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Mar 27, 2023; Houston, TX, USA; McDonald’s All American East guard Elmarko Jackson (8) dunks the ball during the Powerade Jam Fest at Delmar Athletic Complex. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sport
Mar 27, 2023; Houston, TX, USA; McDonald’s All American East guard Elmarko Jackson (8) dunks the ball during the Powerade Jam Fest at Delmar Athletic Complex. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sport /

Kansas Basketball Starting Lineup Contender No. 1: Elmarko Jackson

A tremendous athlete and one of the most highly coveted guards in the Class of 2023, Elmarko Jackson was KU’s biggest prize in the past year’s recruiting cycle. The 6-foot-3 New Jersey-based combo guard was awarded several prestigious honors, such as being named to the McDonald’s All-American game last year.

Coach Self has coined Jackson as the most athletic player on the roster. It’s the reason why mock drafts are projecting him to go top-5 next year. Although he is still a raw talent, he has the potential to bud into the next great Kansas basketball guard.

During the team’s trip to Puerto Rico, we witnessed the ups and downs of Jackson’s game. While he displayed his defensive prowess and freakish athletic nature, his lack of experience was evident.

With Arterio Morris out of the picture, there is no other player who can match Jackson’s defensive intensity. We’ve seen Self run dual point guard sets from time to time, most notably with Frank Mason III and Devonte’ Graham.

The Kansas basketball coaching staff also enjoys running sets with three ball handlers on the court. Moving the ball around efficiently and having the right facilitators to do it will be paramount to the team’s success.

Right now, Jackson appears to be the most likely candidate to be in the starting lineup for game one. However, Coach Self will be experimenting with his rotations early in the season. If Jackson does not pull away with the job, there will be games he comes off the bench, especially in non-conference play.

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