Former Kansas basketball star Jalen Wilson makes first NBA start with Brooklyn Nets

After being selected 51st overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, it was not clear whether Jalen Wilson would have a spot in the pros. Now, the former Big 12 Player of the Year and Consensus All-American is starting games for the Brooklyn Nets.

While he has weaved in and out of the G League as a rookie, Wilson has shown spurts of his talent and has earned the trust of head coach and fellow Jayhawk Jacque Vaughn. In last night's 118-95 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Vaughn opted to place Wilson into the starting five for the first time in his young NBA career.

Wilson had a long leash during the contest, leading the team with a career-high 40 minutes played. He tacked on eight points, three rebounds, three assists, and one steal on 3-for-8 field goal shooting.

He improved his 2023-24 stat line to 5.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists with a very efficient 46.8/42.9/89.5 slash line. Considering the Nets have several injuries to their wing players, Wilson might have a wide-open path to some more playing time.

Earlier this season, the Kansas basketball national champion poured in a 21-point double-double, but he had made only three appearances since. However, he continues to impress with his hustle and grit and should make his way into the lineup more often.

Across four years in Lawrence — including a redshirt year — Wilson became one of the most accomplished Jayhawks in recent history. He totaled 1,475 collegiate points, became the third player to average 20+ points per game in the Bill Self era, and was a crucial component of the 2022 national championship-winning roster.

At 20-31, the Nets are vastly struggling but remain just two games out of a spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament, so it is possible Wilson sees postseason action if Brooklyn can jump the Hawks in the standings.