KU Basketball: Who Could Potentially Enter NBA Draft
By trevb
Potential Departures for Next Season
Josh Jackson
Josh Jackson had a stellar first year career for the Jayhawks. After starting out a little slow on the offensive side, Jackson turned his game play into high gear and ran through every opponent that KU Basketball met.
His ultimate goal was to win it all for the Jayhawks, yet that goal fell short.
Jackson recorded an average of 16.3 points on the season with a 51.3 field goal percentage, 37.8 three-point percentage, averaging 7.4 rebounds and three assists, per SportsReference. He was especially helpful in a Round of 32 matchup against Michigan State where he competed against friend and rival Miles Bridges, who will most likely leave for the NBA Draft.
After beating up on Purdue and having yet another stellar postseason performance, Jackson faltered against Oregon. His faltering was likely due to his two fouls early in the game, but even when he played following his early trip to the bench, he struggled.
Jackson obviously is delaying his inevitable decision, but it gives Jayhawk fans a respect that he honors for being great fans.
Following the disappointing loss to Oregon, Jackson had this humble statement regarding the future he has with the Jayhawks (per The Kansas City Star)
"“No, I haven’t thought about it whatsoever. Just took one of the hardest losses in my life and, you know, eventually I’ll sit and think and talk with my family and see what I want to do. But I don’t know right now.” Josh Jackson, following loss to Oregon in the Elite Eight"
This statement was a huge sign of respect for the KU basketball program. Jackson obviously is delaying his inevitable decision, but it gives Jayhawk fans a respect that he honors for being great fans, which in all aspects makes him a more valuable player for the NBA.
Will He Stay or Will He Go?
Josh Jackson will go. After a great season with the Jayhawks, Jackson will head to the NBA Draft and be a top prospect, potentially the number one overall pick. Even with Jackson’s off court troubles, he will still be a highly respected freshman for the KU Basketball program and his statement regarding his future just delays his inevitable decision to move on.
Chance for Departure: 100%