NCAA Basketball: Takeaways from 2020 Champions Classic participants

Kansas Jayhawks – Jalen Wilson is breakout star we expected McCormack to be

Coming into this season, there were genuine questions about the frontcourt of the Kansas Jayhawks without Udoka Azubuike. The hope was that junior center David McCormack would come in and have a major impact but he has struggled in every game this season. In 19 minutes against Kentucky, McCormack produced seven points and five rebounds on 1/9 shooting from the field.

The entire team struggled offensively in this game with the exception of Jalen Wilson. The redshirt freshman power forward was outstanding, scoring 21 second-half points and grabbing 10 rebounds, while also making two of the team’s five total three-pointers. The 6’8 forward had 11 and 14 points in the first two games and has been a plus-defender and rebounder as well.

There have been times where Wilson has been the small-ball center in the lineup, which has been the best for the Jayhawks on both ends. He has emerged in a great way and should solidify himself as the team’s starting power forward.

All of the teams in the Champions Classic has issues to work with but Kansas already has the defense and experience on the roster to make a run to the Final Four and beyond. And with a fast developing prospect in Wilson to provide a major boost, look for the Jayhawks to remain a contender to win the Big 12.