Get ready for a thrilling season of Kansas basketball, as two exciting freshmen are already making waves with their dedication and hard work! But here's where it gets interesting: with a young team and a challenging non-conference schedule, the Jayhawks will need to find their identity quickly. And this is the part most people miss: the team's success will heavily rely on the development of its freshman players, including Kohl Rosario and Samis Calderon. According to Head Coach Bill Self, these two youngsters are putting in the work, and their progress is nothing short of impressive. Rosario, a late-summer addition to the team, has been willing to do whatever it takes to improve his game and earn minutes this season. Self praises Rosario's maturity and commitment, saying, "We thought he was good, but I didn’t probably really appreciate his maturity and his commitment to trying to be good. I mean, he tries ridiculously hard every day, ridiculously hard." For instance, when coaches emphasized the importance of offensive rebounding, Rosario took it to heart and made a conscious effort to work on it, resulting in an impressive performance in the next scrimmage. This kind of dedication and coachability is exactly what the Jayhawks need to succeed. On the other hand, Calderon's development is a bit more complex. ESPN college basketball analyst Fran Fraschilla has high praise for the young player, calling him a "steal." However, Self is more cautious, acknowledging that Calderon is a great prospect, but still needs to fine-tune his game. "Samis is a great prospect, but right now, he’s probably a better prospect than he is a player," Self says. "He just needs reps to me, and that will determine what his role will be, probably this year as much as anything." But here's the controversy: while some might argue that Calderon's lack of playing time in the past could hold him back, others believe that his natural talent and athleticism will shine through with practice and experience. And this is the part that sparks debate: can a player with limited experience still make a significant impact in their freshman year? We'd love to hear your thoughts: do you think Rosario and Calderon will be able to make a significant contribution to the team this season? Share your opinions in the comments! One thing is certain, though: with their tools and attitude, these young players have the potential to be great for Kansas in the future. As the season unfolds, it will be exciting to see how they develop and contribute to the team's success. So, make sure to bookmark Through the Phog and follow us on X and Facebook with the username @Throughthephog to stay up-to-date on all the latest Kansas basketball news and analysis.
