Kansas Basketball: Breaking down the Jayhawks' 2018-19 rotation

Kansas Basketball: Breaking down the Jayhawks’ 2018-19 rotation

SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 31: The Kansas Jayhawks cheerleaders perform in the second half during the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal between the Villanova Wildcats and the Kansas Jayhawks at the Alamodome on March 31, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images) /

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ORLANDO, FL – MARCH 12: Dedric Lawson #1 of the Memphis Tigers shoots a foul shot during a semifinal game of the 2016 AAC Basketball Tournament against the Tulane Green Wave at Amway Center on March 12, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Power Forward

Minutes allocation (40 total): Dedric Lawson (28), Silvio De Souza (6) and Mitch Lightfoot (6)

Grimes will be the best NBA Draft prospect on the roster for next year, but Dedric Lawson will be the most valuable player for the Jayhawks. He averaged 19.2 ppg and 9.9 rpg for Memphis two years ago, while blocking a couple of shots a game as well. With the great guards on the perimeter, Lawson will post efficient numbers on a title contender. The 6’9 forward can play multiple positions but will settle to being the primary power forward.

The backup options are going to be intriguing. Five-star forward Silvio De Souza gave Kansas a spark when he arrived at the school midway through the season. Per 40 minutes last season, the 6’9 big man averaged 18.1 ppg and 16.9 rpg and adds a physical presence in the post. He’s raw but very talented and might force Coach Self to play him at the expense of others.

From a talent perspective, Lightfoot is near the bottom of the ladder. But he earned the coaching staff’s trust with his solid defense and overall hustle in limited minutes. The playing time certainly won’t increase but the 6’8 rising junior will see the court next season.

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