Jalen Wilson probably wishes he could have a mulligan for the start of the year. Wilson was suspended for Kansas’ exhibition game and first three regular-season games after being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
After returning, it was slow going, either due to rust, mental hurdles, or something else entirely. It took Wilson seven games to score in double digits and eight games to grab at least 10 rebounds. But while much was made about David McCormack’s improvement during Big 12 play last year, Wilson is having a similar renaissance this season.
Wilson is averaging 14 points and eight rebounds in 14 conference games this season, while scoring in double figures in 11 games – three of those being of 20+ points. And it’s the way that he’s doing it that is part of the transformation. Just look at how his conference numbers compare to his overall season numbers.
Season total: 10.7 ppg, 49.5% from the field, 60.8% from 2, 29% from 3, 7.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.4 turnovers.
Conference play only: 14 ppg, 55.9% from the field, 64.7% from 2, 38.1% from 3, 7.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.6 turnovers.
The 3-point shooting has been the biggest improvement, but Wilson has also been wildly efficient around the basket. And the advanced numbers show that he has been one of the best players in the Big 12, one of the best leagues in the country. Just take a look at Wilson’s numbers in conference play.
This version of Wilson elevates Kansas’ ceiling and March aspirations. His rebounding and effectiveness at every part of the court makes him and McCormack a versatile and dangerous front court. And his emergence adds another reason why teams can’t succeed going all out to stop Ochai Agbaji defensively and why this team is one of the best offenses in the country. He has always been able to grab a rebound and go coast-to-coast in transition. But now defenses also have to worry about him around the 3-point line, adding even better spacing to the Jayhawks’ offense.
Kansas doesn’t need Wilson to be a first-team All-American to win a title. The Jayhawks just need him to be a menace on the boards, a threat to stretch the floor, and terrifying in transition and when finishing at the rim. Right now, that’s exactly who Wilson is. And KU is better for it.
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