On the stat sheet, Jamari McDowell will not jump out as a glue to this Kansas basketball team. That is fair. In McDowell’s 13 games, including five starts, McDowell has averaged 4.3 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists on a 42.1% field goal rate.
But McDowell has excelled as a guard in this iteration of a Kansas guard. Filling in for a backcourt that is lacking, Darryn Peterson will always be a tall task; however, McDowell has been able to be a strong connector across the court while being stout defensively.
Over Kansas’ last six games, McDowell has contributed 36 points in 142 minutes over that stretch. McDowell’s 10-19 mark from the field also flexes his recent shooting form. During that stretch, McDowell has totaled six steals and 11 assists.
McDowell’s first year with the program was by no means dreadful, but one of the biggest jumps has been his three-point ability. In his freshman year, McDowell shot a paltry 28.1% from the field. So far this season, McDowell’s rate is all the way up to 42.4%.
McDowell’s season high came in Kansas latest 90-61 win over the Davidson Wildcats. McDowell finished the blowout win with 10 points on an efficient 3-4 clip from the field.
McDowell will be a needed player when Kansas gets into the wintery thick of its Big 12 schedule. The Jayhawks will need to rely on McDowell’s tenacious defense and undying engine throughout the season.
Kansas tips off conference play against the UCF Golden Knights on January 3rd, with streaming available on Peacock.
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