LAWRENCE – The Kansas basketball program will enter next season with the highest expectations ever.
The Jayhawks, led by coach Bill Self, have a talented group of returners. They have supplemented this with high-profile newcomers. Regardless of whether or not KU is the preseason No. 1 team, it will be viewed as a contender for both Big 12 Conference and national success.
So what’s going on in veteran center Hunter Dickinson’s mind? Dickinson, who is returning to Kansas for another season, had an All-America campaign a season ago. He will be one of the main reasons the Jayhawks will be in contention for the championship.
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Here are some things to think about before Dickinson’s next run at KU:
This is what Hunter Dickinson has been focusing on after last season
Although Kansas didn’t achieve the goals it aimed for as a team last season, Dickinson showed how talented he is. He started all 33 games he played, sometimes battling injuries. He averaged 17.9 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.4 blocks per game.
Leading up to this upcoming season, there were a few things Dickinson focused on. These are ball handling, shooting and adding muscle. When it comes to shooting, last season Dickinson shot 54.8% from the field, 35.4% from behind the arc and 62.4% from the free throw line.
It will take time to develop chemistry with new teammates
Among Kansas’ departures from last season’s roster were guards Johnny Furphy and Kevin McCullar Jr. The Jayhawks brought in some freshmen with potential and added a group of transfers who will compete for playing time. This means there are relationships to develop and chemistry to build.
Dickinson said earlier this month that they are trying to get used to playing together. There are several new players to meet. The better KU helps acclimate its newcomers, the better their chances of enjoying Big 12 and national success.
Hunter Dickinson Understands Kansas Will Have High Expectations
Just like last year, Dickinson is preparing for a season where Kansas will have high expectations for what it is capable of. So the conversations happening around the Jayhawks are nothing new to him. He already anticipates that his team will have a target on its back.
Therefore, Dickinson is committed to doing whatever it takes to help the team grow together. He’s not giving up on the way his team is viewed publicly. He also understands the reality that potential is just that – potential.
Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas Athletics for The Topeka Capital-Journal. He is the National Sports Media Association Sportswriter of the Year for the state of Kansas in 2022. Contact him at jmguskey@gannett.com or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.
This article originally appeared in the Topeka Capital-Journal: Three things to know as Hunter Dickinson basketball prepares
