Kansas Jayhawks Q&A: About Jamari McDowell, Jason Bean and renovations at The Booth

The week of Thanksgiving tends to be an important one for KU basketball.

Not only do the Jayhawks typically get the chance to match up against elite non-conference talent to see where KU stands, but it’s also an opportunity for the younger players to earn more rotation minutes.

Last season, Kansas played in the Battle 4 Atlantis. Although the Jayhawks got blown out by Tennessee in one game, freshman guard (and current NBA player) Gradey Dick played well in the tournament, earning more minutes and trust from coach Bill Self.

Something similar happened this season, with KU losing to No. 4 Marquette before beating No. 7 Tennessee to close out the Maui Invitational.

KU’s breakout youngster? Freshman guard Jamari McDowell. McDowell had seven points and four rebounds in 27 minutes as the Jayhawks’ bench scored 16 points.

McDowell’s play earned him praise from KU big man Hunter Dickinson.

“That’s what won the game right there. We needed that uplift from (bench) guys, especially Jamari. I think he was the difference maker-and the X-factor,” Dickinson said. “He guarded, hit a big 3 (actually was 2-of-6 from 3).”

McDowell has had a nice stretch of games dating to his play against Kentucky. It’ll likely earn him more rotation minutes as Self figures out his bench.

Let’s jump into another Kansas Jayhawks Q&A. As always, thank you for the questions!

I think Kansas quarterback Jason Bean will start in both games.

Last week, coach Lance Leipold said Bean was cleared to play and ready to go if needed. But he didn’t start (or play), Leipold said, because he hadn’t gotten enough practice reps.

Well, Bean practiced on Monday, which is a great sign. As long as he has no setbacks before the game, he’s on track to start Saturday.

As for the bowl, I don’t see a scenario in which anyone starts ahead of Bean — even if star QB Jalon Daniels is ready. This is Bean’s last season, and he’s led Kansas to one of its best showings in a long time. He’s earned the right to finish off the season by playing in a postseason game.

Yes,. Capacity at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium will be heavily reduced next season.

Could KU play its bigger matchups at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium next season? That’s yet to be confirmed.

I know Kansas fans don’t love Shaka right now, but honestly, he makes the game more fun. He is an excellent coach and I always appreciate a little trash-talk.

That said, if he did trash-talk KU’s Kevin McCullar, he probably went too far. At the same time, Smart beat a No. 1-ranked opponent ... and if that isn’t the definition of “standing on business,” I don’t know what is.

It’s way too early to say.

Yes, he’s shooting a career-worst 33.3% from the field and 26.7% from 3-point range. But five years of data show he’s been an excellent shooter.

Timberlake’s problems seem to revolve around his confidence level and adjusting to coming off the bench.

I expect his numbers to improve. In the meantime, KU fans just need to be patient with him. Remember, KU losing games in November isn’t as big a deal as having holes in the rotation come March.