Kansas Basketball: 2019-20 season preview for the Jayhawks

Key Reserves

Marcus Garrett: Guard, 6’5, 195 lbs, Junior

Garrett is a junior for the Jayhawks for the 2019-20 season. Only starting 13 of the 30 games he played in, Garrett is looking to be on the rotation as the 6th man with potential to move up to a starter role. Marcus averaged 7.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg, and almost 2 assists per game. Garrett will be helpful as being one of six upperclassmen on the Jayhawks roster. Shooting 48.3% from the field, do not expect Garrett to shoot the 3-ball much because Garrett only shot 24.5% from 3.

Playing in 30 games last year, Garrett has the potential to make a few starts depending on how the season goes. Might not be the best 3 point shooter on the team, but Garrett can be a really solid 6th man off the bench for the Jayhawks. The Jayhawks can rely on Garrett to be a good voice for the team and helping them in key situations. it’s always great having upperclassmen who can uplift the freshmen and sophomores.

David McCormack: Forward, 6’10, 265 lbs, Sophomore

McCormack was a reserve throughout the 2019-20 season. He started the final 13 games for the Jayhawks last year. He averaged 3.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg, and averaged around 10 minutes per game. Do not be surprised if you see McCormack being one of the first three players off the bench for the Jayhawks. He might not have put up big numbers for the Jayhawks last year but I can see him getting more minutes after only bringing in two freshmen forwards.

McCormack can be one of the driving forces for the Jayhawks if he can pull in boards. When Azubuike and De Sousa go to the bench, they are going to need someone to pull in boards. David can possibly get 15+ minutes if he has the right motor for the Jayhawks. Big 12 opponents are no joke and challenge McCormack early on.

Mitch Lightfoot: Forward, 6’8, 225 lbs, Senior

Lightfoot is only one of three seniors on this year’s Jayhawks squad. Playing in 34 games last year, Lightfoot was a great defender getting 14 charges last year. He’s a rim protector as well with a total of 98 blocked shots for the Jayhawks, tying Paul Pierce for 20th in Kansas history. Not much of a scorer, but he can definitely defend at a high rate.

Lightfoot can be one of the greatest Kansas players in history in terms of defending. Since he can draw charges, he can be the player that can get momentum on Kansas’ side early on Every time needs that “glue” guy and the Jayhawks have on in Lightfoot.

Isaiah Moss: Guard, 6’5, 208 lbs, Senior

Moss is a graduate transfer from Iowa. He comes to Kansas after averaging 9.2 ppg. He was second on the Hawkeyes in steals with 32 and fourth in assists with 62. He started every game for the Hawkeyes last year and will be important for the Jayhawk’s success throughout the season. The Jayhawks pickup a huge player in Moss and he can bring leadership to this team.

Moss is very close to being a 1,00 point scorer, only needing 94 more points. Moss is a versatile wing who can score when needed. Don’t be surprised if Moss ends up starting early on and switches with Ogbaji. He’s a leader who can really help the Jayhawks and bring this team close to capturing another Big 12 title.

Christian Braun: Guard, 6’6, 205 lbs, Freshman

The 2018-19 Gatorade Player of the Year in Kansas enters his first season with the Jayhawks. One of the incoming freshmen for Bill Self, Braun looks like a triple-threat that the Jayhawks will utilize right off the bat. He can handle the ball well and has a deep range for shooting the 3 ball. Wouldn’t be surprised if Self gives Braun really good minutes right away.

Braun, Isaac McBride, and Marcus Garrett are the three Gatorade Players of the Year on the Jayhawks roster. Bruan can be utilized in many different ways. He can also be used in the 3 spot with being 6’6. Braun is one of those players that can be moved around and can benefit anywhere on the floor.

Tristan Enaruna: Guard/Forward, 6’8, 200 lbs, Freshman

Enaruna can be used at either the 1, 2, and 3. With a 7 foot wingspan, Enaruna can be useful on the defensive end with contesting shots. He can be another possible glue guy for the Jayhawks. He played all five positions in high school so that shows us that he is a team player doing whatever is needed of him to win.

Being able to play all five positions gives Enaruna a big advantage. Being able to do that makes him a matchup nightmare for opponents. Potential for Enaruna will be tested early for the freshman as there will be some big matchups for him to shine possibly.