Kansas basketball: 5 things we learned about the Jayhawks during their exhibition games

Kansas coach Bill Self looks back towards his bench during the second half of Wednesday's exhibition game against Fort Hays State inside Allen Fieldhouse.
Kansas coach Bill Self looks back towards his bench during the second half of Wednesday's exhibition game against Fort Hays State inside Allen Fieldhouse.
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LAWRENCE, KS – JANUARY 31: Kevin McCullar Jr. #15 of the Kansas Jayhawks controls the ball during the game against the Kansas State Wildcats at Allen Fieldhouse on January 31, 2023 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
LAWRENCE, KS – JANUARY 31: Kevin McCullar Jr. #15 of the Kansas Jayhawks controls the ball during the game against the Kansas State Wildcats at Allen Fieldhouse on January 31, 2023 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)

No. 3 Thing We Learned About Kansas Basketball: Kevin McCullar could be the best player on the team

We mentioned that Kevin McCullar sunk two-thirds of KU’s 3-pointers across its two exhibitions, and if you watched the Jayhawks last season, you are likely pleased with the strides his jump shot has made over the offseason. But what is more encouraging than his shooting ability is the leap he has taken as the team’s leader.

Last year, he often looked out of place offensively and forced jumpers. He appears to be much more comfortable. Although a small sample size, he looks like a brand-new player for the 2023-24 season.

Would it be so crazy to call him more important to this squad than Hunter Dickinson? Not at all. Sure, he can’t be relied on too heavily on offense, but a Kansas roster without McCullar doesn’t have a leader who will keep the guys in check. He is the most experienced Jayhawk and looks poised for a Jalen Wilson-esque jump in production.