Kansas Jayhawks: Projecting The Starting Shooting Guards

THE LOCK: WAYNE SELDEN, JR.

It is a bit difficult to look at the freshman statistics for Wayne Selden, Jr. and find them disappointing. Unfortunately, Selden seldom seemed to be playing below his talent level.

Sure, he average 9.7 points a game, along with 2.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists last season. He also played 1,022 minutes on the season, second only to Wiggins. He only shot 43.7% from the field, including 32.8 from behind the arc.

He just never appeared to reach the full potential that seemed to be lurking just under the surface.

One thing that was never in doubt about Selden was his hustle. There were games last season when the Jayhawks looked lifeless, and were not paying with much energy, but Wayne Selden was diving under tables, and into crowds, going after the basketball. He won the hearts of a lot of KU faithful with his blue-collar approach.

Wayne Selden was diving under tables, and into crowds, going after the basketball. He won the hearts of a lot of KU faithful with his blue-collar approach.

He defense improved as the season advanced but he still never seemed to just lock up his opponent. He must be able to move his feet and stick to his man better in 2014.

The talent is there. Now, the experience is there. Wayne Selden very well could be this team’s leader. He needs to shoot better, and not disappear from games offensively. In the last 14 games of the season, Selden scored 4 points or less in 5 of them. He can not be doing this going forward.

He has to stay involved in the game on both ends, and he also needs to rebound more effectively from the wing. He is a big, physical guard who should be pulling in more caroms.

Barring injury, there is little doubt Selden is going to start this season. If his play and consistency improve, he very well me be the star of this team. The talent and energy are there. He just needs to translate those things into tangible results.