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Articles by Shane Jackson
The case for KJ Adams to repeat as Big 12’s most improved player
The Big 12’s Most Improved Player award has only been around for a handful of years, but Kansas coach Bill Self has already resigned himself to the fact that KJ Adams Jr. is unlikely to claim the honor for the second consecutive year. That was a notion he disagreed with following KU’s 86-67 victory over Texas on Saturday. “He was the most improved player in our league last year, and he could win it again this year,” Self said. “That’s how good I think he’s done.
Quick recap: Kansas rolls past Texas after week off
After a week off, the Kansas men’s basketball team returned with a purpose during its 86-67 win over Texas on Saturday in Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks (21-6, 9-5 Big 12) remain undefeated at home this season. Despite being without Kevin McCullar Jr., Kansas essentially controlled things from start to finish against a Texas (17-10, 6-8) team that had been playing much better recently.
Quick recap: Kansas rolls past Houston for 78-65 victory
By Shane Jackson Feb 3, 2024 In what was widely considered the Jayhawks’ biggest game of the year, No. 8 Kansas led for 38-plus minutes in an emphatic 78-65 win over No. 4 Houston on Saturday in Allen Fieldhouse. The game was a reminder that the Big 12 Conference still runs through Lawrence until further notice. Much like in the nonconference matchup against UConn in December, the Jayhawks fed off a fired-up crowd to jump out to a commanding lead.
Dajuan Harris displays more assertiveness in KU’s win over Oklahoma State
In 2024, players are more aware than ever before of what people are saying about them. That’s probably especially true for Kansas point guard Dajuan Harris Jr., who often posts highlights on his personal Instagram after each game. For Harris, the outside noise is usually about how he should be doing more. Many people want him to be more aggressive and look for his shot, which is something even his own coaching staff has asked him to do in the past.
KU’s bench production now nonexistent with Furphy’s emergence as starter
Kansas freshman guard Elmarko Jackson put the finishing touches on a 74-69 bounce-back victory over Cincinnati, converting on a pair of free throws with 10 seconds remaining after an intentional foul. But that’s not the only reason why those points proved to be significant. Jackson’s two freebies at the foul line served as the only two points scored by the Kansas bench on Monday night in Allen Fieldhouse.
Johnny Furphy provides spark as new starter in KU’s win over Oklahoma
It took all of four minutes and 26 seconds for Kansas head coach Bill Self to be pleased with his decision to start freshman Johnny Furphy during a 78-66 win over Oklahoma on Saturday afternoon in Allen Fieldhouse. Following a transition layup by Furphy to give the Jayhawks an early 12-4 lead, KU’s newest starter was responsible for the biggest hustle play of the game. With the shot clock winding down, the Sooners saved a ball that was headed out of bounds by launching it to the other end.
Quick recap: No. 3 Kansas bounces back with win over No. 9 Oklahoma
By Shane Jackson Jan 13, 2024 After dropping its first road conference game of the season, No. 3 Kansas responded by taking care of business at home with a 78-66 win over No. 9 Oklahoma on Saturday in Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks improved to 14-2 on the year and 2-1 in Big 12 play, while the Sooners fell to 13-3 overall with a 1-2 clip against conference foes.
Jayhawks struggle with turnovers against Horned Frogs in Big 12 opener
The Kansas men’s basketball team benefited from a flagrant foul call against TCU in the final minute during its 83-81 win in Allen Fieldhouse. And while that call will certainly command much of the conversation following Saturday’s Big 12 opener, the sequence leading up to the foul was just as much of the story. Facing a 79-77 deficit with a minute to go, Kansas senior Kevin McCullar Jr. tried to force the ball inside to big man Hunter Dickinson. The pass was bad, and never got to Dickinson.
Quick recap: Kansas tops TCU in Big 12 opener
By Shane Jackson Jan 6, 2024 The Kansas Jayhawks began Big 12 play with a 83-81 win over the TCU Horned Frogs on Saturday afternoon at Allen Fieldhouse. No. 2 Kansas (13-1) has now won 33 consecutive conference openers dating back to the 1991-92 season. In a back-and-forth track meet of a game that featured 26 lead changes, it was the home team that got the last say in this one. And it all came down to a crucial call in the closing minute.
Bowl preview: 3 keys to a KU victory
Quarterbacks coach Jim Zebrowski talks with media members on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at the Anderson Family Football Complex. Kansas came up short in a thrilling defeat to Arkansas during last year’s Liberty Bowl when the Razorbacks recorded a 55-53 victory in Memphis, Tennessee. This time around, as far as opponents go, UNLV is probably the best foe Kansas could have asked for in terms of recording a potential victory.
Ten stats that tell the story of KU’s 9-1 start in 2023-24
The No. 2 Kansas Jayhawks are 9-1 through 10 games and putting together another strong season under head coach Bill Self. With wins over Kentucky, Tennessee and UConn, Kansas has built one of the more impressive resumes to start the season. The Jayhawks can continue to add to their overall profile with Big 12 Conference play just around the corner following a few more nonconference matchups to close out December.
KU’s KJ Adams provides counter to Missouri’s defensive approach inside
The Kansas Jayhawks might have secured a 73-64 rivalry win over the Missouri Tigers, but don’t be surprised if opposing teams spend a little extra time watching the first half when preparing for Bill Self’s squad. It’s not because Missouri led for the first 14 minutes of the game, either, something Tigers head coach Dennis Gates boasted about in his postgame press conference.
Quick recap: Kansas earns another rivalry win over Missouri
By Shane Jackson Dec 9, 2023 For the third year in a row, the second-ranked Kansas Jayhawks defeated their biggest rival with a 73-64 win over the Missouri Tigers on Saturday in Allen Fieldhouse. The latest edition of the Border Showdown was arguably the most competitive since this rivalry was renewed, though that’s not saying much, as Kansas improved to 9-1 on the year.
KU’s starters continue to log heavy minutes in nonconference play
There are familiar signs to indicate Christmas Day is around the corner once the calendar flips to December. Christmas songs begin to play on the radio, and lights start shining bright on houses in the neighborhood. Most importantly, the Kansas bench (or lack thereof) becomes a major talking point as the end of nonconference play draws near. The second-ranked Jayhawks are 8-1 to start the season, with signature wins over Kentucky, Tennessee and UConn.
KU’s starters continue to log heavy minutes in nonconference play
By Shane Jackson Dec 6, 2023 There are familiar signs to indicate Christmas Day is around the corner once the calendar flips to December. Christmas songs begin to play on the radio, and lights start shining bright on houses in the neighborhood. Most importantly, the Kansas bench (or lack thereof) becomes a major talking point as the end of nonconference play draws near. The second-ranked Jayhawks are 8-1 to start the season, with signature wins over Kentucky, Tennessee and UConn.
Quick recap: Kansas improves to 8-1 with 88-69 win over Kansas City
By Shane Jackson Dec 5, 2023 The No. 2 Kansas Jayhawks weren’t going to make the same mistake twice. After falling victim to the sandwich spot this time last week, the Jayhawks were mostly in control throughout their 88-69 win over Kansas City on Tuesday night in Allen Fieldhouse. Kansas (8-1), which is coming off a marquee win over UConn last Friday, will now welcome rival Missouri to town on Saturday.
‘I just did it for my mom’: KJ Adams delivers pivotal performance in win over UConn
Kansas forward K.J. Adams Jr. (24) is congratulated as he leaves the court following the Jayhawks’ win over UConn on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023 at Allen Fieldhouse. Photo by Nick Krug In fitting fashion, forward KJ Adams Jr. did the honors by clinching No. 5 Kansas’ hard-fought 69-65 victory over No. 4 UConn on Friday night in Allen Fieldhouse.
KU’s rebounding issues continue against inferior Eastern Illinois team
There were many troubling statistics from No. 5 Kansas’ 71-63 victory over Eastern Illinois on Tuesday night at Allen Fieldhouse. For one, the final score was a lot closer than expected in a game where the Jayhawks closed as 38.5-point favorites. Kansas also lost the 3-point battle again, going 3-for-14 from long range while Eastern Illinois went 9-for-22 from distance. But perhaps the most alarming number of the night for the Jayhawks came in the rebounding department.
Quick recap: No. 5 Kansas holds off Eastern Illinois for narrow win
By Shane Jackson Nov 28, 2023 In its first game since a third-place finish in the Maui Invitational, No. 5 Kansas led from start to finish during a too-close-for-comfort 71-63 victory over Eastern Illinois on Tuesday night in Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks improved to 6-1 on the year ahead of Friday’s marquee matchup against the defending national champions. Despite the obvious sandwich spot, the Jayhawks started the game with a decisive 8-0 run to jump out to an early lead.
KU’s creative run game on display in near-upset of Kansas State
Freshman quarterback Cole Ballard, a former walk-on who was recently given a scholarship, became the third different Kansas quarterback to make a start this season in Saturday’s 31-27 loss to Kansas State at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Despite the QB carousel, the Jayhawks have continued to produce results on the offensive end.
Quick recap: Kansas suffers 31-27 loss to Kansas State in Sunflower Showdown
No. 23 Kansas State extended its recent dominance in the Sunflower Showdown by recording a 15th consecutive win over Kansas. The Wildcats took advantage of multiple miscues by the Jayhawks, particularly in the special teams department, en route to a 31-27 win on Saturday night inside David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.
KU’s red-zone struggles prove costly in Texas Tech defeat
On a day where not much went right for the Kansas football team, its execution in the red zone proved to be the difference in a 16-13 loss to Texas Tech on Saturday afternoon in David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. The 19th-ranked Jayhawks (7-3, 4-3 Big 12) dug themselves an early 13-point hole. They lost quarterback Jason Bean in the second period, turning to freshman walk-on Cole Ballard as the third-string signal caller.
Quick recap: KU’s comeback bid falls short in 16-13 loss to Texas Tech
Despite a valiant comeback effort, the Kansas football team came up just short in a 16-13 loss to Texas Tech on Saturday at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. At first, nothing seemed to go right for the No. 19 Jayhawks, who fell to 7-3 overall and 4-3 in Big 12 play. They suffered a sleepy start in a prime look-ahead spot with a rivalry matchup on deck.
‘He makes the game so much easier’: Dickinson delivers impressive debut for No. 1 Jayhawks
If not for Kansas big man Hunter Dickinson, North Carolina Central head coach LeVelle Moton might have been the star of Monday’s season opener. Following a 99-56 victory for No. 1 Kansas, Moton was extremely thoughtful and candid during his nine-minute postgame press conference with the media. He admitted his brand-new roster was overwhelmed right away, and simply didn’t have the talent to keep the Jayhawks from getting up by as many as 55 before KU’s walk-ons closed out the contest.
Quick recap: No. 1 Kansas crushes North Carolina Central in season opener
Any doubts about the No. 1 Kansas Jayhawks will have to wait another day. While KU’s performance in exhibition play highlighted potential weaknesses, the top-ranked Jayhawks flexed their muscles when it actually mattered by rolling to a 99-56 victory over North Carolina Central during Monday’s season opener in Allen Fieldhouse. The game was over before it really began, thanks to what Hunter Dickinson demonstrated in his regular-season debut for Kansas.
‘He just kept fighting’: Bean delivers game-winning drive in KU’s thrilling upset
Kansas quarterback Jason Bean could only watch from the sideline during the final play of a 38-33 victory over No. 6 Oklahoma. As soon as Dillon Gabriel’s Hail Mary attempt fell harmlessly to the ground, Bean admitted that he let out a sigh of relief as the Jayhawks defeated the Sooners for the first time since 1997 to become bowl eligible for a second consecutive season. “I think I’ve been here long enough for y’all to understand what that means to me,” Bean said.
Jalon Daniels delivers as runner in KU’s conference win over BYU
The Kansas football team improved to 4-0 on the year with a 38-27 win over BYU Saturday afternoon at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. But for a brief moment, there was at least some suspense in the fourth quarter of KU’s double-digit victory. On third-and-5 from its own 40-yard line, Kansas was in desperate need of a first down with six minutes to go while clinging to a 35-27 lead.
Kansas improves to 4-0 with win over BYU in Big 12 opener
By Shane Jackson Sep 23, 2023 The Kansas Jayhawks put last week’s underwhelming win behind them with a relatively complete performance during a 38-27 victory over the BYU Cougars Saturday afternoon in David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. KU is now off to a 4-0 start for the second straight season, its first back-to-back opening 4-0 stretch since 1913-15.
‘He’s just different’: QB Jalon Daniels dazzles in season debut for Jayhawks
In truth, the play that ranked No. 4 on SportsCenter’s top-10 list following KU’s 34-23 victory over Illinois Friday night wouldn’t have even been possible in recent years. Kansas was leading 21-7 with 41 seconds to go before halftime after Illinois scored for the first time all night. The Jayhawks were getting the ball back to start the second half, and could have easily opted to run out the clock. Head coach Lance Leipold admitted as much after the game.
KU starts hot, coasts to 34-23 win over Illinois
With starting quarterback Jalon Daniels back in the fold, the Kansas football team cruised to a 34-23 victory over Illinois on Friday night at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. The Jayhawks have now started 2-0 in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2008-09. Daniels earned the start after missing the season opener due to injury, but Lance Leipold chose to trot out both Daniels and Jason Bean for the first play of the game in Week 2. After that, it was the Daniels show.
Kansas demonstrates running back depth in Week 1 win over Missouri State
It was a play that was days in the making. Kansas running back Devin Neal scored on his first offensive touch of the 2023 season, breaking free for a 48-yard touchdown run to give his team an early advantage en route to a 48-17 victory over Missouri State on Friday night at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. The Jayhawks motioned left, but sent Neal to the right on a shotgun handoff.
KU offense gradually finds groove in 48-17 win over Missouri State
Coming off its first bowl season since 2008, the Kansas football team pushed past Missouri State for a 48-17 victory in the 2023 season opener on Friday night at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. And the formula looked a lot like what led the Jayhawks to a 5-0 start in their 6-7 campaign in 2022. Like most games last season, Kansas started off relatively slowly before the team’s elite offense eventually seized control of the game.
A look at how the numbers and strategy will change at KU with Hunter Dickinson coming to the Jayhawks
Sports The Kansas Jayhawks landed arguably the most-decorated transfer ever when Hunter Dickinson opted to take his talents to Lawrence, an announcement he made official via his personal Twitter account last Thursday. Dickinson’s resume speaks for itself. In three seasons with the Michigan Wolverines, Dickinson averaged 17.2 points and 8.4 rebounds per game to lead the team in both categories in each of the past three seasons.
The Fantasy Football Impact of Devin Singletary to the Houston Texans
On Monday, March 20, the Houston Texans signed running back Devin Singletary to a one-year, $3.75M contract. Heading into his fifth NFL season, this will be his first year outside of a Buffalo Bills uniform as he heads to Texas to complement sophomore Dameon Pierce. Singletary had a consistent role with the Bills, notching a breakout 2021 season when he eclipsed 1,000 scrimmage yards (1,098) and found the end zone a total of eight times.
Jayhawks can’t overcome frontcourt foul trouble in Round of 32 loss to Razorbacks
If Kansas fans got flashbacks to when Devonte’ Graham fouled out during the Elite Eight loss to Villanova while watching Saturday’s finale, that honestly might have been a reasonable comparison. It wasn’t just one player this time around, but rather the entire frontcourt dealing with foul trouble that ultimately sealed KU’s fate.
Quick recap: Kansas falls to Arkansas in Round of 32
Sports The Kansas Jayhawks won’t be defending their national title. After leading by as many as 12 with 15 minutes left to play, Kansas faltered down the stretch to suffer a 72-71 loss to Arkansas in the Round of 32 on Saturday at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa. A defending champion still has not made it to the second weekend since 2016. In a game that was dominated by officiating, it was fitting that this anticlimactic finish was decided at the free throw line.
Quick recap: Kansas cruises past Howard in opening round of NCAA Tournament
Sports You might not have noticed the seeding difference for the first 15 minutes of Thursday’s opening-round matchup between No. 1 Kansas and No. 16 Howard at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa. Then, the top-seeded Jayhawks flexed their muscles and closed out the first half on a 19-5 run to remove any doubt. With a 50-37 lead over the Bison at the break, KU went on to cruise to a 96-68 victory in the Round of 64.
The Fantasy Football Impact of JuJu Smith-Schuster to the New England Patriots
On Wednesday, March 15, wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster signed a three-year $33 million deal with the New England Patriots. Smith-Schuster’s five-year career has been a roller coaster but he is coming off of a bounce-back season as the clear number two option in arguably the best offense in the league. After New England let Jaokbi Meyers sign with Las Vegas, Smith-Schuster should seamlessly slide in as Meyer’s replacement, taking on the WR1 role for the Patriots.
Quick recap: Kansas falls to Texas in Big 12 championship game
Sports Kansas City, Mo. — The Kansas Jayhawks were unable to defend their crown in the Big 12 tournament. With no Kevin McCullar Jr., and without head coach Bill Self, the short-handed Jayhawks finally ran out of gas during their third game in as many days when they suffered a 76-56 loss to the Texas Longhorns in the championship game at T-Mobile Center. It marks KU’s (27-7) second loss in a week against Texas (26-8) heading into the NCAA Tournament.
Blowout in Big 12 title game shows how much Jayhawks need Kevin McCullar Jr.
Sports Kansas City, Mo. — The harsh reality is that Saturday’s Big 12 championship game between Kansas and Texas simply didn’t matter. Sure, there was a title on the line and ultimate bragging rights after the two teams split the regular-season series. In that case, yes, the Longhorns were definitely victorious with a 76-56 shellacking of the Jayhawks inside T-Mobile Center. Now the real season begins, with Selection Sunday on deck.
2023 NCAA Tournament Preview: First glance at No. 16 seed Howard, KU’s first-round opponent
Men's Basketball Top-seeded Kansas will kick off its tourney journey this year against Howard — a program that’s back in the Big Dance for the first time in decades, has plenty of depth and can get hot from long range. The 16th-seeded Bison (22-12) are from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, and they earned their spot in the NCAA Tournament field by winning their conference tourney on Saturday — 65-64 against Norfolk State. Their last NCAA Tournament appearance was in 1992.
Blowout in Big 12 title game shows how much Jayhawks need Kevin McCullar Jr.
Kansas City, Mo. — The harsh reality is that Saturday’s Big 12 championship game between Kansas and Texas simply didn’t matter. Sure, there was a title on the line and ultimate bragging rights after the two teams split the regular-season series. In that case, yes, the Longhorns were definitely victorious with a 76-56 shellacking of the Jayhawks inside T-Mobile Center. Now the real season begins, with Selection Sunday on deck.
Dajuan Harris Jr. delivers lockdown defensive performance in KU’s latest victory
Kansas City, Mo. — It was during Thursday’s scout meeting with the coaching staff when Dajuan Harris Jr. learned of his task for Friday’s Big 12 semifinal showdown with Iowa State at T-Mobile Center. He was asked to stop Gabe Kalscheur by any means necessary. Throughout KU’s 71-58 win over Iowa State, Harris rarely left Kalscheur’s side. He fought through every ball screen, and locked down the Cyclones’ top offensive threat from start to finish.
Quick recap: Kansas advances to Big 12 semifinals with win over West Virginia
Men's Basketball Despite not having head coach Bill Self on the sideline, the Kansas men’s basketball team secured a 78-61 victory over West Virginia during the Big 12 quarterfinal matchup on Thursday inside T-Mobile Center. Assistant Norm Roberts, who led the team for the first three games of the regular season while Self served a university-imposed suspension, was once again the acting head coach to lead the Jayhawks (26-6) to their third win over the Mountaineers (19-14) on the year.
Kevin McCullar Jr. provides gutsy performance in KU’s win over West Virginia
Sports In the closing minutes of a rare comfortable win for the Kansas men’s basketball team, senior Kevin McCullar Jr. made his first and only basket of the game. Standing all alone in front of the KU bench, McCullar drained a 3-pointer from the corner and took a moment for himself. He looked at his feet before pointing toward the roof of the T-Mobile Center, putting a bow on KU’s 78-61 win over West Virginia during Thursday’s Big 12 quarterfinal matchup.
Jayhawks need to get Gradey Dick more involved entering postseason play
Sports For much of Kansas’ 75-59 loss to Texas on Saturday, ESPN announcers Dick Vitale and Jon Sciambi were pleading for freshman Gradey Dick to take a shot. Dick’s first and only shot attempt of the first half came at the 4:31 mark, when he drifted to the corner and misfired on a 3-pointer.
Quick recap: Kansas falls to Texas in regular-season finale
Sports In a game that ultimately didn’t have any Big 12 title implications, the third-ranked Kansas Jayhawks were handed a 75-59 loss by the ninth-ranked Texas Longhorns on Saturday inside the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. A week ago, it looked like the regular-season finale might decide the Big 12 race. Instead, Kansas clinched a share of the league crown with a win over Texas Tech on Tuesday, and that turned into an outright title after Texas fell to TCU the following night.
Winning time: Kevin McCullar Jr. delivers in clutch again to help Jayhawks secure Big 12 crown
Men's Basketball At some point in the aftermath of a 67-63 victory over Texas Tech, Kansas guard Kevin McCullar Jr. hoisted the Big 12 championship trophy in the air with a big smile etched across his face on Tuesday night in Allen Fieldhouse. The scene that might as well have been from a movie took place after McCullar helped the Jayhawks clinch a share of the Big 12 regular season title with a win over his former team.
Quick recap: Kansas holds off Texas Tech to clinch share of Big 12 title
Sports The Kansas Jayhawks are champions once again. For the second season in a row, Kansas has clinched at least a share of the Big 12 regular-season title following a 67-63 victory over Texas Tech Tuesday night at Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks can become outright champs with a loss by Texas, which could happen on Wednesday at TCU or in Saturday’s finale between KU and UT in Austin.
Bob Huggins believes he has best PG in Big 12, but Dajuan Harris’ play on Saturday said otherwise
With West Virginia point guard Kedrian Johnson back in the lineup, the Mountaineers pushed the third-ranked Kansas Jayhawks to the brink in a 76-74 slugfest on Saturday inside Allen Fieldhouse. While KU was able to complete the season sweep, it certainly wasn’t as easy as the 76-62 victory over a Johnson-less WVU squad back on Jan. 7 in Morgantown. And the stark difference in the two matchups didn’t happen by accident, according to West Virginia head coach Bob Huggins.
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