We are just one day away from the first exhibition game of the season, as Kansas will take on Louisville tomorrow at the KFC Yum! Center. With that being said, it’s time for another player profile. For this edition, the focus is on newcomer Jayden Dawson.
The 6-foot-5 combo guard from Omaha, Nebraska, graduated high school as a three-star prospect and was recruited by Loyola Chicago, Drake, George Mason, Indiana State, Radford, UMass, and Wyoming, according to 247Sports.
The senior transfer joins KU after spending three seasons at Loyola Chicago under head coach Drew Valentine. During his time there, he consistently improved his skills and statistics while increasing his playing time and efficiency each season.
During his freshman year, Dawson averaged 3.6 points (35.6% from the field) and 1.2 rebounds in 14.1 minutes per game. In his sophomore campaign, he improved to 7.9 points (39.8% from the field), 2.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.0 steal in 19.1 minutes per game. Last season, he appeared in all 32 games and posted career highs with averages of 13.9 points (41.0% from the field), 3.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.0 steal in 29.6 minutes per game, earning All-Atlantic 10 Second Team honors.
This season, he’s expected to be an extremely important piece for Self’s team. Although it sounds like he won’t be in the starting five to begin the season, he will undoubtedly play significant minutes for the Jayhawks throughout the year. He could have a similar role to the sharpshooting sixth man from the fabled 2019-20 season, Isaiah Moss, though their play styles principally differ.
He’s a proven shooter, knocking down the deep ball at a 36.3% clip last season on 7.4 attempts per game (2.7 makes per game). He once drained eight threes in a single game for Loyola Chicago, and also scored 35 points in the second round of the NIT against the San Francisco Dons (a Ramblers win). He’s also a gifted perimeter defender with not only great size and strength, but strong basketball IQ as well.
Dawson has shown a willingness to embrace any role he’s given. His toughness and versatility allow him to adapt quickly to new environments. He clearly believes in the school’s culture and takes pride in wearing the name on the front of his jersey, all of which are common traits of a successful college basketball player.
Is Jayden Dawson the Jayhawks’ secret weapon this season?
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