Kansas Basketball: 2023-24 season preview and outlook for the Jayhawks

Key reserves for Kansas Basketball

Guard – Elmarko Jackson (Freshman)

Rated as a consensus top-five point guard recruit, Jackson joins a Kansas team that is flush with quality perimeter players, but his elite athleticism should ensure that he forces his way into ample playing time anyway. His three-point shot is still a work in progress, but his ability to drive and distribute will make everyone around him better. His presence should allow Dajuan Harris to endure a less-demanding workload this season, as the senior played over 34 minutes per game last year.

Guard – Jamari McDowell (Freshman)

Bill Self loves having a high-motor defensive backcourt, and McDowell, with his length and quickness, will slot in nicely next to Harris, McCullar, and Jackson. It may be difficult for him to crack the rotation early on, but the loss of Arterio Morris could open up minutes for the Texas native.

Forward – Johnny Furphy (Freshman)

Furphy is the third exciting freshman set to come off the bench of Kansas. The Australia product has drawn comparisons to former Jayhawk Christian Braun, and he was impressive in this summer’s NBA Academy Games, where he averaged 14.8 points and 7.5 rebounds.

Center – Parker Braun (Grad Senior)

Speaking of Christian Braun, his older brother Parker has transferred to Kansas from Santa Clara. At 6’10”, the former Bronco gives the Jayhawks some much-needed frontcourt depth, where he figures to spell both Hunter Dickinson and K.J. Adams.