Kansas basketball freshman Rakease Passmore brings energy but will need patience

Freshman guard Rakease Passmore hasn't seen many minutes this season, but when he's been on the court, he seems to be giving 100 percent effort at all times. The Kansas basketball roster is loaded with talented, expierenced upper classmen and it might be difficult for Passmore to carve out much playing times, even as the season progresses.

So far, Passmore has averaged 6.8 minutes a game over five games. He's scored six points and has pulled down six rebounds but has also committed six turnovers. While these numbers don't show much, he has played with great energy and athleticism.

How can Rakease Passmore help the Kansas basketball team this year?

Head coach Bill Self will most likely use a nine-man rotation, with Flory Bidunga as the only inexperienced player who will see much of the court. Unfortunately, Passmore will probably be the 10th man, meaning there will be games in which he might not get any playing time.

Passmore could see minutes if the players ahead of him get hurt or get into foul trouble. He could also contribute if the rest of his teammates are playing flat or lacking energy. Self will have a great option in Passmore if the coach thinks the team needs a quick spark. That could be Passmore's role on this team.

In the age of the transfer portal, KU has seen several young players bolt the program if they didn't get to play as much as they hoped right away. Passmore obviously has a lot of talent, and he looks like he could develop into a star in this system if he keeps a positive attitude and shows patience this season.

If he is patient and makes the most of the opportunities when they come his way, he could become a key piece on teams over the next few years. He's fun to watch, and you hope he maintains that enthusiasm even when his playing time diminishes.

It would be nice if Self found a way to work Passmore and Zach Clemence into one rotational term every game, but that isn't likely to happen. It's not how Self has operated in the past. Self using a nine-man rotation is a change within itself.

Passmore just needs to be patient, and good things will come his way. He offers a lot of positives for this team, and his future is bright. It will be fun to watch him develop as the year progresses, and hopefully, we'll get to watch him play for a few years.