Kansas Basketball: Devon Dotson set for breakout sophomore season

This Kansas Basketball team went through a disappointing season, but Devon Dotson was one of the few bright spots. He is set to break out during his sophomore season.

Devon Dotson had a very good freshman season. He wasn’t expected to be a leader, but as the year progressed he was forced into that role and at times he seemed to be overwhelmed. Now heading into year two, he is ready to lead this team back into the national title conversation.

During his freshman season, he averaged 12.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. The numbers don’t jump off the chart, but he will continue to grow during his college career. It’s very likely he isn’t a four-year player though as he does have a chance to get drafted if he were to declare for this year’s draft, which is still a possibility.

*As of 4/12, Dotson has entered his name in the 2019 NBA Draft to go through the process. He’s made it clear that there’s a real possibility he’ll return and conventional wisdom says that Kansas will keep their talented guard at least one more year.

His speed in transition is a huge advantage for him and is a big reason why he is an NBA prospect. It’s also a big part of his college success as a large chunk of his scoring came from transition layups. He also was able to score the ball in other areas as he continued to become a better shooter as he knocked down 36% of his three-point shots, which was second on the team behind Dedric Lawson.

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Neither of those two guys is known as three-point shooters which just show the offensive struggles the Jayhawks went through all season long. After LaGerald Vick left they didn’t have anybody they could rely on to consistently knock down shots which forced Dotson and Lawson to expand their game.

That continued growth from the three-point line is something he will need to use to his advantage next season. This is going to be a completely different Kansas team and they will need Dotson to lead them. That’s a lot to ask out of a Sophomore, but he does have other guys who will help him, but he has to be the main guy.

With how things currently stand, it’s very likely he will be the best player on this team for next season. Many players have left the program such as the Lawson brothers and Quentin Grimes with Udoka Azubuike expected to follow. There will be people that question some of these guys NBA decisions, but they have to do what’s best for them.

All of these players leaving Kansas will open the door for other recruits and transfer to come in and play a big role so expect at least a few other guys to join the squad for next season. There are some quality leaders on this team in Mitch Lightfoot and Marcus Garrett who need to play a big role next season. They will be able to play tough defense and make big plays so this team will need them to help out.

This team has a current core of probably a top 25 team, but if they want a chance to win the Big 12 and make a Final Four run, they have more moves to be made. One of those moves could have to do with players on the current roster improving and the main guy is Devon Dotson. He had a fantastic freshman season and has a chance to become one of the best point guards in the country.

This is a guy who’s ready to lead this Kansas team next season. They will still likely bring in some other key pieces, but this is Dotson’s team. Almost everything went wrong for Kansas last season and they still got a four seed so I find it hard to believe they finish any lower than that, and Devon Dotson is a big part of that.

He will be one of the best two-way guards in the country next season and will be on the All-Big 12 First Team next season. His ability to impact the game in so many ways will help the Jayhawks get back to prominence. So no need to worry Kansas fans, as long as Devon Dotson is on board, this team will be much improved for next season.