Kansas Basketball: 2021 forward Zach Clemence a unique program pickup

Kansas Basketball received their first commitment in the 2021 recruiting class from Sunrise Christian Academy power forward Zachary Clemence.

In speaking with Evan Daniels of 247 Sports, Zach Clemence said “Kansas was always my number one…I picked them because it’s a great situation for me…I think I’m going to bring my size and versatility.” Clemence is ranked as a 4-star prospect, 34th overall, according to 247 sports. The 6’9 junior adds to the long list of talented prospects to join the program, but his skill set was something missing from the team during the 2019-20 season.

Clemence can be a Swiss-Army Knife in Lawrence.

Bill Self utilized limited post-depth on last season’s roster, using only Udoka Azubuike, David McCormack and Silvio de Sousa. The trio is collectively strong on the glass and stout internal defenders, but none of them are readily capable of offensive dominance outside of the paint. Clemence carries those same traits already at this point in his development, but he has more than shown his ability to stretch both his defensive and offensive efficiencies to the perimeter as well.

Comfortable hitting midrange jumpers throughout his high school career, Clemence is averaging north of 35% from the perimeter as well. Since 1992, the Jayhawks have only had three true forwards and/or centers posting a season above 35% from 3 on a minimum of 50 attempts: 10-11’ Markieff Morris, 15-16’ Perry Ellis and 18-19’ Dedric Lawson. In the same way he would describe it, Clemence’s offensive versatility is a rarity even for a program as notable as Kansas.

More impressive still is Clemence’s ability to smoothly run the floor, competently defend both bigger and smaller players, and make high IQ plays as a facilitator from the post. It’s early, but the potential for this recruit to flourish in Lawrence much in the same way Perry Ellis and Markieff Morris made their mark on the program is conceivable.

Kansas Basketball projected roster in 2021 lends to Zach Clemence’s potential

The Jayhawks are set to lose several key frontcourt players by the time Clemence steps foot on campus. The 2020-21 team will graduate seniors Mitch Lightfoot and Silvio de Sousa from the program and junior David McCormack could depart early for the professional ranks. 2020 recruit Gethro Muscadin could be the only other true frontcourt player on the roster going into the 2021 season.

Even if he develops into a formidable player Clemence’s playing time will not be impeded. In fact, Muscadin’s game mirrors and compliments that of Clemence quite well: Both can stretch the floor, rebound strongly, defend the perimeter and display a lot of mobility.

There will not be a lot of barriers throughout his career to prevent growth, starting minutes, and a pronounced presence for the newest Jayhawk.