As the Kansas Jayhawks gear up for the final stretch of the regular season, Jamari McDowell finds himself reflecting on how swiftly time has passed.
“It absolutely flew by,” McDowell remarked, reminiscing about the whirlwind journey that began in Vegas. With only three conference games left, the reality of the season winding down is setting in.
This season has been a transformative one for McDowell. After limited playtime as a freshman and a redshirt year, he's finally experiencing the full demands of Big 12 basketball. The physical and mental challenges have been eye-opening.
“I didn’t really know what the season was going to be like,” he admitted. “It’s my first real taste of how it affects my body and mind. It’s definitely different.”
Despite the challenges, McDowell is optimistic about his potential.
“My limit is not reached,” he asserted. “There’s more to come. Overall, my season’s progressing just as it should.”
Kansas now faces a challenging road trip to Arizona, with two games in quick succession. McDowell knows they need to elevate their game.
“What we had here ain’t going to be enough,” he noted, emphasizing the need for increased energy and intensity.
Confidence has been a key area of growth for McDowell.
“I’ve always had the ability,” he said. “It’s about stepping up and owning the moment.”
His mindset was evident when he hit a crucial 3-pointer against Houston. In those moments, McDowell stays focused.
“When you’re in it, you’re in it,” he explained. “Afterwards, you can appreciate it, but during the game, there’s no room for second thoughts.”
Defensively, McDowell has become a pivotal player, often directing traffic and calling out plays.
“Being here so long, you recognize faces and plays,” he said. “You’ve heard Coach Bill’s voice countless times. It’s about being vocal and taking on that floor general role.”
As the season wraps up, McDowell believes in staying true to their identity.
“If we just be true to ourselves and be who we are away from the fieldhouse,” he concluded, “we’ll be just fine.”