Kansas basketball: Analyzing each contender for the final spot in Jayhawks starting lineup
![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.](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/12ae5649303adf598659e45044bdc6c1986ac924303fea695787b59bbb4655d2.jpg)
Kansas Basketball Starting Lineup Contender No. 4: Jamari McDowell
A low-end 4-star recruit out of high school, McDowell doesn’t hold the same credentials as the other three candidates. He was considered an afterthought for the starting lineup, but Bill Self mentioned during his media day that no player has claimed the role and that it is still up for grabs, even for McDowell.
McDowell will need to make his presence felt through his pesky defense. His offense is not quite there yet compared to the other three, so for him to see time on the floor, he’ll need to separate himself by guarding opposing players.
Ultimately, there is no scenario where McDowell would enter the starting rotation this season unless things were going particularly bad for Kansas. He will be an effective player in the future, but 2023-24 is more of a development year for him.
Next. 5 toughest games on KU basketball's conference schedule. dark