Kansas Basketball: Jayhawks go undefeated in 2018-19 with Bold Prediction

Kansas Basketball has possibly the best roster in Jayhawks history

The difference between last year’s Jayhawks and this year’s Jayhawks is night and day. Kansas was able to fight all the way to the Final Four with a roster that left fans wanting more. Despite making the Final Four, the bench only consisted of Marcus Garrett, Mitch Lightfoot, and Silvio De Sousa. De Sousa only for the second semester.

This year’s Jayhawks face a new dilemma. How are they going to share minutes with all the talent on board? They have gone from a short bench to a bench with players having to sit on the floor.

Returning from last season are Udoka Azubuike and Lagerald Vick, both were starters last season and it will probably stay that way at least at the beginning of the year. Also returning are Garrett, Lightfoot, De Sousa, and Sam Cunliffe.

Incoming freshmen include Quentin Grimes, Devon Dotson, Ochai Agbaji, Elijah Elliott, Garrett Luinstra, and David McCormack. The big help comes from last year’s transfers. Dedric Lawson, his brother KJ, and Charlie Moore are ready to finally see the court. Chris Teahan is also on the roster from last year as well.

So what’s so impressive with this roster? Let’s assume I’m in Bill Self’s head and my starting lineup consists of these five.

• Udoka Azubuike – C – 5 star
• Charlie Moore – G – 4 star
• Quentin Grimes – G- 5 star
• Dedric Lawson – F – 4 star
• Lagerald Vick – F – 4 star

That lineup consists of possibly five future NBA players, one senior, two juniors, one sophomore and a freshman. Although some are new to Kansas, they are veterans of college basketball.

The next five off the bench is nearly as impressive.

• David McCormack – C – 4 star
• Devon Dotson – G – 5 star
• Marcus Garrett – G – 4 star
• Silvio De Sousa – F – 5 star
• KJ Lawson – F – 4 star

If this was the starting lineup for Kansas this year, you may not read hot takes like this one, but there would be plenty of talk of 15 straight conference titles. The second five is a group that would be a top 25 team all by themselves.

This leaves guys like Lightfoot, Cunliffe, Agbaji, and Elliott searching for playing time. It’s possible that some, if not all three of these guys redshirt this upcoming season.

There is plenty of experience on this squad, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Guys like Moore and the Lawson brothers have already balled out at a high level in college. Grimes may be the best freshman playing this season. Udoka is a monster down low that is only getting better.