Kansas basketball’s athleticism stands out during exhibition victory in Puerto Rico
There was a lot to talk about after Kansas basketball won its exhibition game Thursday in Puerto Rico against a Puerto Rico Select Team.
The Jayhawks, which won 106-71, were able to see Michigan transfer center Hunter Dickinson compete against an opponent in a KU uniform for the first time. They were able to see all of their scholarship newcomers do the same. Chemistry is being developed.
But while much of what was said postgame on the livestream broadcast on KUAthletics.com had to do with this team, coach Bill Self also made a comparison to the past. It had to do with the athleticism forward KJ Adams Jr. and guard Arterio Morris showcased. It had to do with the athleticism of the team as a whole.
“This is a far more athletic bunch than what we’ve had in recent — even though Christian (Braun) is a great athlete and Ochai (Agbaji) is a phenomenal athlete and everything, it just seems like to me these guys are really quick-twitch,” Self said. “And maybe not play above the rim as well, but certainly slide as well as anybody we’ve had, I think.”
Adams is preparing for his third season at Kansas. But Morris transferred in from Texas. Amid the roster overhaul that’s taken place in recent months, athleticism hasn’t been lacking in the players Self has added.
Freshman guard Elmarko Jackson is another newcomer who shined in that respect. He had 13 points, as one of the four Kansas players to finish in double figures scoring. Morris (20 points), Adams (19 points) and Dickinson (13 points) did as well.
It’ll be some time before Jayhawks fans will see that athleticism on display inside Allen Fieldhouse. Late Night in the Phog is Oct. 6, the exhibition there against Fort Hays State is Nov. 1 and the season opener at home against North Carolina Central is Nov. 6. But it’s clear the players are excited for those moments.
“I think it’s going to be good when we get to Allen Fieldhouse and get to really get up there and get on the rim and just see how the fans react,” Adams said. “I’m really excited for this team.”
Morris added: “Just got to watch your heads. It’s the best thing I can say, because everybody can catch lobs. Everybody got a lot of athleticism. So, I feel like just got to watch your heads. You never know what angle we’re coming from.”
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Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas Athletics at The Topeka Capital-Journal. He is the National Sports Media Association’s sportswriter of the year for the state of Kansas for 2022. Contact him at jmguskey@gannett.com or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: KU basketball: Athleticism shines in win v. Puerto Rico Select Team
