The Kansas basketball team is gearing up for their next game against Manhattan, and coach Bill Self has a lot to say about it. With the chance to start the season 2-0, the Jayhawks are looking to protect their home court at Allen Fieldhouse. Here’s a rundown of what Coach Self had to say ahead of the game.
Jamari McDowell’s Health and Johnny Furphy’s Status
Freshman guard Jamari McDowell missed the season opener due to injury, but Coach Self is hopeful that McDowell will be available for the upcoming game against Manhattan. McDowell’s presence off the bench adds depth to the team, and Coach Self is looking forward to having him back. On the other hand, freshman guard Johnny Furphy is still not at 100% due to shin splints, but he did play in the recent exhibition and the season opener.
Kansas’ Perimeter Shooting
Coach Self addressed the team’s performance in 3-point shooting, highlighting the significant improvement from the exhibition games to the season opener. While the Jayhawks struggled in the exhibition games, they showed great potential in the season opener. Self hopes that the team can maintain a 36-to-38% shooting average from behind the arc throughout the season.
Kansas’ Schedule
Coach Self shared his perspective on the team’s schedule, expressing his preference for having a couple of games to play through before facing high-profile opponents like No. 16 Kentucky. He believes that this approach allows the Jayhawks to reach a higher level of play and gives them more time to study their opponents.
With the upcoming game against Manhattan, the Jayhawks are looking to build on their early success and secure another win. Stay tuned for more updates on Kansas basketball.