Kansas HC Bill Self names four favorites for Jayhawks' starting lineup, including star transfer Zeke Mayo
Just like every other program, Kansas coach Bill Self is also in the process of learning about his Jayhawks. The Kansas Jayhawks are less than a week into practice, but Self already has a loose idea of how he wants his starting five to look.
During his appearance on The Goodman and Hummel Basketball Podcast this week, Self has handpicked four talents he wants to lead the squad. While returning All-Big 12 honoree Hunter Dickinson is a solid lock, two players from the previous season’s roster and a summer transfer have earned Self’s trust. (Start at 29:00)
“It would be hard to keep Juan (Dajuan Harris), KJ (KJ Adams), Hunt (Hunter Dickinson) and Zeke Mayo out of the lineup,” Self said. “Zeke, he’s been our more consistent, best guy since June, in my opinion."
Despite being eliminated in the round of 32 of the NCAA Tournament for the last two seasons, Bill Self's Kansas is entering the 2024-25 campaign as one of the top teams in the country.
Hunter Dickinson, the fifth-year senior, is assumed to be the best center in the entire college circuit by many experts and analysts. The All-Big 12 First Team honoree was one of the steadiest pieces for Kansas last year, averaging 17.9 points, 10.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks while shooting 54.8%.
Dajuan Harris averaged 8.5 points, 6.5 assists and 1.5 steals last season and was the ultimate X factor for the Jayhawks last year.
KJ Adams, a former Big 12 most improved player, surrendered the coveted center position for Hunter Dickinson. Nevertheless, he was still able to get a career-best season behind 12.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg and 1.1 spg on 60.1% shooting.
Finally, South Dakota State Jackrabbits transfer Zeke Mayo has made quite an impression on Bill Self. He averaged 18.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals while shooting 46.6% from the field and nearly 40% from the 3-point line.
Bill Self highlights Zeke Mayo's 3-point shooting amid need for spacing
Bill Self stressed having more perimeter shooting around Hunter Dickinson for additional spacing. He highlighted the addition of Zeke Mayo as a much-needed 3-point threat.
“It would be nice if you could stretch the defense around [Dickinson] to give him more opportunity to work and KJ is not a guy that can do that,” Self said. “KJ can do a lot of things and he’s improved so much but the bottom line is, we need some shooting around those two. Zeke provides that as much as anybody.”
While Mayo can provide some long-range shooting, Self will likely look to add more shooting through the fifth starter amid KJ Adams' lack of range.