Jamari McDowell: A Rising Star at Home
Jamari McDowell has become a standout for Kansas this season, defying initial expectations. With the arrival of players like Kohl Rosario and Jayden Dawson, McDowell seemed set to take a backseat. However, his redshirt season development has been impressive, earning him a key role on the team.
McDowell's shooting from beyond the arc has been solid at 36%, and his defensive efforts have been consistent. Serving as KU's sixth or seventh man, he's even stepped into the starting lineup at times, replacing the absent Darryn Peterson.
His playing time has increased significantly, jumping from 7.2 minutes as a freshman to 18.8 minutes per game. He's averaging 3.9 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.
While these numbers may not leap off the page, McDowell's knack for clutch performances is undeniable. His game-winning shot against Houston and key contributions against Arizona highlight his impact.
Interestingly, McDowell's standout moments have mostly occurred at Allen Fieldhouse. At home, he's averaging 5.4 points and 2.1 rebounds, shooting an impressive 47.6% from three-point range. On the road, his performance dips significantly, with just six total points and a 9.5% shooting rate from beyond the arc.
This home-road disparity isn't new in sports. Last season, Zeke Mayo faced similar challenges, but this year's Jayhawks have a better road record at 5-4. Some teammates, like Melvin Council Jr. and Elmarko Jackson, actually excel away from home, suggesting that opponent strength isn't the sole factor in McDowell's splits.
McDowell's contributions go beyond scoring. His rebounding and overall presence on the court are valuable.
Coach Bill Self has noted McDowell's defensive prowess, particularly in the Houston game. The energy of Allen Fieldhouse seems to fuel him, boosting his confidence.
The key question is why these splits exist. McDowell plays about five more minutes per game at home, giving him more opportunities to contribute. He thrives with a longer leash, which he often gets at home when filling in for Peterson.
Coach Self praised McDowell's effort and personality, noting how he feeds off the home crowd's energy. While the road presents a different challenge, McDowell has yet to harness that oppositional energy to his advantage.
Though McDowell's production may not be the most crucial factor for KU's postseason hopes, his timely shots could make a difference in tight games. With only two more true road games left, there's hope he can bring his home success to the Big 12 and NCAA tournaments. As Zeke Mayo showed last year, postseason performance can defy regular-season trends, and McDowell might just follow suit.