The role of a point guard is different at every stop.
The point guard can range from a tempo controller to a lead scorer to just another cog in what will be a well-oiled machine.
For the Kansas Jayhawks, what if the situation between Taylen Kinney and Leroy Blyden Jr. was a mixture of all three?
While new, the Jayhawk fans should be excited for what these two can offer
Leroy Blyden Jr.: The now-sophomore Blyden recently completed one of the best under-the-radar seasons college basketball saw last season with the Toledo Rockets. In 34 games last season, Blyden averaged 16.4 points, 4.5 assists, 4 rebounds and 1.8 steals on a 46.6% rate from the field. Blyden entered the portal rated as the nation’s No. 106 prospect and 20th point guard. Earlier in the offseason, Self raved over Blyden’s shooting, proving he can be effective as a passer and scorer, and even in off-ball situations.
Taylen Kinney: Kinney joins the Jayhawks as one of two 5-stars from the class of 2026, a luxury very few teams in this sport can afford. Kinney spent the last two years plying his trade in the OTE, where each season flashed an exciting aspect of what made him such a highly-ranked commit.
During the 2024-25 season, Kinney averaged 20.1 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.9 turnovers on a 55.6% rate from the field.
One year later, Kinney averaged 18.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.2 steals, 2.5 turnovers on a 40.6% rate from the field.
Obviously, the biggest thing to address here is the massive drop in shooting rates between the two seasons, which is a concern, but coaches often like to say that if a player’s biggest fault is his shooting, then there could be much worse problems, so until the season develops and we get a much clearer understanding of Kinney’s shooting stats, we will leave that be.
The biggest thing this potential pairing offers is a massive upgrade on Kansas’ scoring and playmaking problems from last season.
Last season the Jayhawks averaged 75.1 points per game. Numbers that ranked No. 161 in the land. And while it is worth noting that KU played in what could easily be justified as college basketball’s hardest conference, these are still numbers that are underwhelming, especially considering the talent among the group.
KU also ranked No. 150 in assists per game last year with 13.9. These numbers are amplified even more when you realize that 5.1 of those assists came from Melvin Council Jr. Behind Council was Tre White at just 1.8 assists. A massive drop-off in what already weren’t great numbers.
Overall Grade: A
To be completely honest, this is very close to becoming an A+. Here’s why: In an ideal world, Blyden and Kinney are able to pick each other up when the other is having an off day. This, combined with the fact that both playstyles should set up well in a combo guard lineup with Tyran Stokes, creates a very exciting future frontcourt.
More Kansas Basketball News
Add us as a preferred source on Google