Kansas Jayhawks: Projecting The Starting Shooting Guards

Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

THE WILD CARD: SVIATOSLAV MYKHAILIUK

Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk is listed at 6’8″, the same height as Wiggins, though he doesn’t look that tall in his highlight videos. He is a smooth jump shooter with incredible range. His height, if close to what he is listed,  may help him shoot over shorter defender.

He will only be 17 years old, and that is quite young for a player in a big time basketball program.

What is unknown about Mykhailiuk is if his international experience can offset his young age, and lack of physical strength. He will only be 17 years old, and that is quite young for a player in a big time basketball program. Usually, a youngster this young is not physically ready, let alone mature enough to handle the competition.

The fact that Mykhailiuk has international experience my offset these usual hindrances. If he can handle the ball, shoot as well as he does in his highlights, and if he can get to the rim and finish, he will get his fair share of minutes.

With Bill Self, of course, there is one more aspect of his game that he will have to prove. Mykhailiuk will have to play defense.

After last season’s incredibly inconsistent team defense, it is hard to believe Self will not put even more emphasis on the defensive end this season. Will Mykhailiuk be able to handle his defensive duties at his age, against the competition he will face? That may be the single most deciding factor on his playing time.