Kansas basketball coach Bill Self provided an update on the Jayhawks’ roster. Here’s more on what he’s had to say in recent days ahead of the season.
LAWRENCE — As Kansas basketball’s season approaches, Jayhawks coach Bill Self took some time recently to share some of his thoughts on the current composition of the roster.
Here are a few takeaways from what Self had to say:
Why Bill Self wanted to add Nginyu Ngala
Self volunteered that he didn’t mean to say anything positive or negatively, because he liked his roster, but if something were to happen he wasn’t sure his Jayhawks had the depth he would like at a certain position. Enter Nginyu Ngala, a graduate guard who’d most recently played college basketball in Canada, as someone who could provide ball-handling and perimeter shooting. Ngala is also an older, experienced player that can provide KU something a younger individual wouldn’t be able to in that regard.
In short, Ngala fit a need. However, Self outlined, don’t get carried away and think Ngala is going to be a starter. Ngala wasn’t recruited to be that, he was recruited to be able to play with starters.
How did Tre White, Jayden Dawson and Melvin Council Jr. perform over the summer?
Of the three, Self thought senior guard and transfer Tre White (Illinois) had the best summer and will be a good player. However, that’s not to say fellow transfers and senior guards Jayden Dawson (Loyola-Chicago) and Melvin Council Jr. (St. Bonaventure) didn’t have quality summers as well. They’ll help the team, they were just further away from being comfortable across the transition to Kansas than White.
Did anyone emerge over the summer?
Self detailed sophomore forward Flory Bidunga had a great summer, and that freshman guard Kohl Rosario did as well. Of course, there’s also freshman guard Darryn Peterson. Self explained, though, that having a good summer individually and the team looking good are likely two different things.
While it’s too early to say what anyone’s role is going to be, Rosario can provide athleticism and perimeter shooting. Of course, Self allowed, the bright lights aren’t on yet. But that doesn’t take away from Self’s confidence Rosario is going to be a good player.
Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas Athletics at The Topeka Capital-Journal. He was the 2022 National Sports Media Association’s sportswriter of the year for the state of Kansas. Contact him at [email protected] or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Why Kansas basketball coach Bill Self added Nginyu Ngala, plus more
Category: General Sports
