As Coach Self laments the roster management decisions that culminated in some of the worst KU losses in the Self era over the last month, nothing perhaps was bigger than the commitment Self made to Zach to redshirt him. He honored that commitment and it hurt … badly. He made a commitment and stuck to it … can’t fault that. The fact our staff didn’t know what they had … concerning. And I hope some of what he has been pondering for the last month thinking about next season.
Attended the open practice of Feb 20, best player on the court that day was Zach Clemence. Mobile bigs with range killed us all year and it was no different in that practice (and sadly practicing against one all year didn’t help Hunt or KJ much). He rained threes over Hunt and KJ throughout the scrimmage and then took it to the rack with authority and athleticism that you won’t appreciate until you see it. He defended well and hustle was off the charts. Displayed the want to that hasn’t been on display much the last few weeks.
For those who will scoff and only know Zach from limited minutes last year take a look at the soft launch article from the LJW resulting from Self taking a redshirt on Hawk Talk during the middle of the Big 12 Season. Self saying all the things about Zach that those who witnessed that practice were saying several weeks later. Damn … he would have helped … a lot. He should be a priority with our NIL dollars. He knows the system and has grown and developed in it. If we let him go elsewhere after absorbing the cost of that redshirt this season … sign of something bigger amiss.
Finally, Coach Self is loyal and really likes Hunt and KJ a lot despite their limitations … the last month hopefully will lead to a change in our thought process on roster management and distribution of minutes. We need mobile bigs with legit 3 point range on the court that can defend. Sure we need to be in the portal, but one of the most important moves this off season will be keeping Zach out of it.
Clemence Article
www.espn.com
