NCAA Basketball: Predicting best player from top 2021 recruiting classes
By Ian Mumm
9. Kansas Jayhawks
Recruiting Class: Zach Clemence, KJ Adams, Bobby Pettiford, and Kyle Cuffe Jr.
The Jayhawks look to be setting up for another monster season following their 21-9 campaign in 2020. Losing only Marcus Garrett from the top-6 of their rotation, Kansas is bringing back a lot of their strength and experience to chase the Big 12 crown again and put forth a better showing in the NCAA Tournament.
Adding to the narrative that this season is likely to go smoother for the blue-blood is Coach Self was able to land arguably the top transfer this offseason in proven point guard Remy Martin (Arizona State).
The move shored up a big need for Kansas at the position and instantly removes concerns about scoring ability for the team in this area. As a result, Coach Self is not going to have to rely heavily on freshman Bobby Pettiford or Kyle Cuffe Jr. as much in a starting role capacity to carry and lead the team this season. They can naturally develop and adjust to the game and come along more consistently towards the end of the year. Self also managed to target frontcourt reinforcements this offseason with 4-stars Zach Clemence and KJ Adams.
Both will be needed throughout the season and play an integral role on the Jayhawks’ production. The main reason is the return of strong center David McCormack who suffered bouts of foul trouble in 2020, despite adding quality production on the floor. If that trend continues, Coach Self will have to dip into his reserves more frequently and he has ensured those options are talented pieces who can eventually turn into pillars the team can lean on.
However, Adams carries an edge right now over Clemence as a result of his positional versatility. Adams is bringing a very physical frame to campus even before receiving guidance from the Jayhawks strength and conditioning program. This aspect has helped him become one of the more efficient players in traffic and nets him numerous trips to the charity stripe per game.
However, Adams is also a highly active player on the glass and protecting the rim. He has a lot of quickness in his movements that help to create mismatches on either end of the court and will help lead to stuffing the stat sheet.
Prediction: KJ Adams