As Kansas gears up to face No. 2 Arizona, the spotlight is on the Jayhawks’ bench, a topic that’s been buzzing all season. While the starting lineup featuring Melvin Council Jr., Darryn Peterson, Tre White, Bryson Tiller, and Flory Bidunga is solid, the bench’s contribution has been a bit of a question mark.
Kohl Rosario, who had a blazing start to his Kansas career, has cooled off recently. However, Elmarko Jackson has emerged as a key player off the bench, scoring 10+ points in four games, including a standout 19-point performance against Kansas State.
Then there's Jamari McDowell, a redshirt sophomore guard who's quietly become a crucial part of the team. Head coach Bill Self praises McDowell's maturity, noting his ability to see the game from a coach's perspective. This insight has made him an invaluable asset on the court.
McDowell's numbers tell an interesting story. At home, he shines with a 46.8% field goal percentage, averaging 5.6 points, two rebounds, 1.7 assists, and .6 steals per game. However, on the road, his shooting drops to 16%, highlighting the challenges of maintaining consistency away from Allen Fieldhouse.
Despite these fluctuations, McDowell’s composure and pace are his strengths. He’s not one to rush shots and remains poised under pressure, making him a reliable option in crucial moments.
His performance against the No. 1 Wildcats, where he scored 10 points and added four steals and six rebounds, was pivotal in Kansas' upset victory.
As they prepare for Arizona, who have only stumbled once this season against Texas Tech, McDowell's contributions could be key. The Jayhawks will need all hands on deck for the 3 p.m. CT tipoff, which will be available for streaming on ESPN.