Kansas Basketball: 3 takeaways from thrilling win over Creighton Bluejays

Jalen Wilson is the unquestioned best player on the team

I honestly can say that I didn’t see this breakout campaign coming. After a short-lived freshman campaign that was cut by injuries, Wilson was set to compete with other frontcourt players such as Mitch Lightfoot and Tristan Enaruna at the four-spot. However, he was given plenty of playing time in the Gonzaga matchup, evident that head coach Bill Self knew what was coming with the former four-star prospect.

Wilson has scored in double figures in every game this season. And he had his best game yet against the Bluejays, tying a season-high 23 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, his third game with at least 10 boards this season. It was in an efficient 8/12 shooting from the field and 4/6 from three-point range.

Making things even better for Kansas with Wilson is his versatility on both ends, including playing and defending at the center position behind McCormack. There will be times where McCormack can’t be on the court and having someone with Wilson’s talent is perfect for what Kansas wants to do on both ends of the court.

Coming into the game, Ochai Agbaji was the team’s leading scorer but went scoreless in this game. Wilson now will be in that position and based on what he’s been doing so far, will likely stay No. 1 in both scoring/rebounding, as well as the importance to the team.