3 reasons Kansas basketball will still win the Big 12 Conference in 2023-24
By Joel Wagler
REASON #2: THE EMERGENCE OF JOHNNY FURPHY
Four games ago, Bill Self shook up his starting line-up a bit by exchanging one freshman for another — Johnny Furphy for Elmarko Jackson. For the most part, the offense has looked better since that move.
Much of that progress is due to the fact that Furphy offers another scoring option outside of McCullar Jr., Dickinson, and Adams Jr. Over those last four games, Furphy has averaged 14.5 points and seven rebounds. Both are well over his marks off the bench — 5.6 points and 2.6 rebounds.
Jackson appears to be more relaxed coming off the bench and it wouldn't be surprising to see him contribute more positively as the season progresses.
Furphy still needs to improve on the defensive side, and if the Jayhawks need a lift on that side of the ball, Jackson seems to be slightly ahead of his teammate in that area.
The young Aussie freshman brings a lot of much-needed energy and hustle to the team, especially early in games, he gives them another strong rebounder and an extra three-point threat — all things this Kansas basketball team needed. He may provide that extra little spark KU needs to make their next step forward as a team.