Kansas Basketball: 2019-20 season preview for the Jayhawks

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MARCH 23: The Kansas Jayhawks mascot is seen during their game against the Auburn Tigers in the Second Round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 23, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

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LAWRENCE, KANSAS – NOVEMBER 16: Udoka Azubuike #35 of the Kansas Jayhawks stares down Justin Miller #55 of the Louisiana Lafayette Ragin Cajuns during the game at Allen Fieldhouse on November 16, 2018 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Key Starting Forwards

Udoka Azubuike: Center, 7’0, 270 lbs, Senior

Udoka was named the 2019-20 Big 12 Men’s Basketball Preseason Player of the Year. After only playing in 9 games (starting all of them), he averaged 13.4 ppg and 6.8 rpg. He shot 70.5% from the field last year and is most likely going to put up big numbers again this year. If he gets fed the ball down in the post, he might be easy to foul. The only problem for Azubuike is his FT%. He only shot 34.4% and most likely worked on his free throw shooting over the summer.

Udoka has huge potential this season. He can definitely lead Kansas in many different scoring categories. He will need to be more physical down low grabbing rebounds as Lawson was the team’s leading rebounder last year with 10.3 per game. If Udoka can rebound the ball, shoot at a high level again, and make free throws, the Big 12 is going to have a hard time stopping him and will draw NBA scouts to his attention.

Silvio De Sousa: Forward, 6’9, 245 lbs, Junior

After being ruled out for the 2018-19 season. De Sousa looks to help Kansas get back to the caliber they were the year before. In 2017-18, he averaged 4ppg and 3.7 rpg. He only played in 20 games that season, so he will liekly being playing more after the NCAA ruled him eligible for the 2019-20 season.

De Sousa can be impactful right away for the Jayhawks. Expect Self to give De Sousa many minutes right out the gate. De Sousa has lots of potential to be on NBA teams radars throughout the season. Him and Azubuike down low is a scary site for Kansas opponents this upcoming season. With De Sousa eligible, Kansas can get lots of quality minutes from him.

Jalen Wilson: Forward, 6’8, 215 lbs, Freshman

The talented freshmen enters the 2019-20 season looking to make an impact for the Jayhawks immediately. Wilson, a 4-star recruit, looks to help the Jayhawks in many aspects of their gameplan. He is a tough player and can get to the rim and make big-time plays for the Jayhawks in terms of running the floor and make defensive plays on the perimeter.

Lots of promise for Jalen to be successful as a Jayhawk. Self’s highest Class of 2019 recruit will be another key big coming into the season. Don’t be surprised if Wilson is on the All-Rookie Big 12 Team at the end of the season. Versatile player that can really wow Jayhawk fans early.

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