When Ben McLemore was practicing with the team during his time as an academic red shirt , Conner Teahan was asked towards the end of the season, "How good is Ben McLemore?" The member of a team which played in the National Championship game replied, "He's the best player on the team." Besides Frank Mason, could this be true of Malik Newman?
Tom Keegan - !Capture.PNG ↗
Not if Devonte comes back.
Malik needs to play up to HIS potential. He doesn't have to play in Frank's shadow or be better. I hope he plays up to his capabilities. If he tries to meet the expectations of others, it may be a long season. The game needs to come to him.
That would be fabulous. If Malik has close the B Mac numbers we will be in for a treat.
I think a non-Jayhawk might win it next season. Looking at Jevon Carter or Johnathan Motley.
@KirkIsMyHinrich I believe Carter will be graduating after this year.
Just a JR. Looks REALLY old though. I thought Motley would go pro, but perhaps his injury prevents that.
Don't think it's good to compare Newman and BMac. Newman can ACTUALLY DRIBBLE. Still love BMac though.
Newman will definitely be a contender for conference player of the year and this is assuming Graham comes back. Newman was in a tough spot his FR year and was judged harshly for it. Even if he really wasn't top 10 good, simply being in his third year removed from HS he will put up good numbers.
@Crimsonorblue22 said:
@BShark injury?
Not many top 10 players make it to their third year removed from HS playing college ball, obviously.
But a quick look at some recent players that have, and their numbers that season.
Justin Jackson - 18/4.7/2.8 ACC POY
Kasey Hill - 9/2.4/3.3 (many KU fans wanted this guy over Mason)
Some kid that commited to Arizona over KU - 9/5
Alex Poythress -injured and barely played. SR year 10/6
JMM - 14/6.8/1.7
Le'Bryan Nash - 13.9/5.5/1.6
Doesn't happen nearly as much with guards. The only case back to the 2011 recruiting class is Kasey Hill, an obvious bust.
Without a doubt Newman would have frustrated this fanbase if he picked KU initially. He was simply an inefficient chucker at MSU. The staff has been thrilled with him though, and if he puts in the work (from the sound of it he is) he can still prove to be a special player.
Malik has landed in a very opportune spot. Considering our 4 and 5 positions, the lack of experience, there are bound to be some early growing pains and probably some huge struggles in trying to win a 14th league title. But if good team health prevails, Malik has maneuvered himself into position to perform under the big spotlight on a potential Final 4 team. That said, he must be patient and let the game come to him. Otherwise, if Svi does return, Vick will see lots of Newman's minutes.
He would have over Svi.
I could see any of Graham, Newman, or Azubuike from KU being a B12 POY contender.
Could be a situation where KU spreads the ball so well that another player sneaks out with the award. Agree though, any of those three could have a monster year.
Motley was an All-American and just won the Karl Malone award as the top forward over Markhanen, Swanigan and TJ Leaf, a season that would be hard to duplicate, and next year's draft is loaded with power forwards. If Giles can go to the draft, then Motley is a shoe in.
Graham, Newman, Vick and Svi all have the potential to be the best player for KU. The question is who will step up and take over.
@JayHawkFanToo I'll go ahead and add Udoka to that list.
Might come back, suffered a knee injury in the South Carolina game that will most likely keep him out of the combine. Might still be a 1st round player anyway but it seems like he's entertaining coming back