Kansas Jayhawks: Projecting The Starting Big Men
By Joel Wagler
Hunter Mickelson (21) Mandatory Credit: Beth Hall-USA TODAY Sports
THE LONG SHOT – HUNTER MICHELSON
Hunter Mickelson is a 6’10”, 245 pound center who will be entering his junior season. He transferred a year ago from Arkansas and sat out a year, per NCAA transfer rules.
He averaged more than 16 minutes in his two seasons for the Razorbacks, scoring just over 5 points a contest both years. He pulled down just 3.5 rebounds a game so far in his career.
His biggest skill is his ability to block shots. He set the Arkansas freshman record for blocks in a season with 72, a 2.3 average. He swatted away 39 as a sophomore.
There is little chance Mickelson will start for this team, but according to KUSports.com, via Bleacher/Report, Bill Self thinks Mickelson can help stretch a defense.
"“He can score. He’s good. He can shoot. Anytime you have tall guys that can shoot, it’s something.”"
He may be able to contribute on both ends of the court, and he helps provide some tremendous depth along the front line. Unless he has improved immensely in the last season, or really just takes over in preseason, he will be a very long shot to be starter this year for Kansas.