Here are 3 takeaways from Kansas men’s basketball's first ‘Hawk Talk’ episode this season

Jordan Guskey, Topeka Capital-Journal

November 2, 2022 at 5:00 PM·3 min read

Kansas basketball player Jalen Wilson poses for a photo at a Sept. 2 Jayhawks football game against the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

LAWRENCE — Kansas men’s basketball assistant coach Norm Roberts filled in for head coach Bill Self for the initial “Hawk Talk” episode of the team’s 2022-23 season.

Kansas Athletics on Wednesday announced a self-imposed suspension of Self and assistant coach Kurtis Townsend for the first four games of the regular season. The action stems from a NCAA infractions case that dates back to 2017

Roberts, who was joined by a player guest in redshirt junior forward Jalen Wilson, looked ahead to the team’s exhibition Thursday against Pittsburg State. Roberts analyzed the Jayhawks’ roster, and provided an update on an injury to one veteran. And he spoke to the return of a former player.

Here are a few takeaways from Tuesday’s edition of “Hawk Talk.”

More:Kansas men's basketball announces 4-game suspensions for Bill Self, Kurtis Townsend

Norm Roberts reiterates how young Kansas is at the 5-spot

The Jayhawks were already going to be relying on young players at their 5-spot in the lineup this season. Two of the four competing for minutes are freshmen — forward Zuby Ejiofor and center Ernest Udeh Jr. — and another is a sophomore in forward Zach Clemence. And how much those three are able to contribute became all the more important recently as super-senior forward Cam Martin is now out with an injury.

Roberts addressed that on “Hawk Talk,” and noted that he hopes they’ll get Martin back soon. Roberts is excited about what Clemence will provide offensively from a pick-and-pop standpoint, and praised how coachable Ejiofor and Udeh have been. They’ll all look to try to live up to some past bigs that have been incredibly effective for Kansas.

“I saw something the other day that amazed me,” Roberts said. “It’s been seven years, I think, since we didn’t have either Udoka (Azubuike) or David McCormack.”

More:With teammates' support, Kansas basketball’s Bobby Pettiford Jr. persevered amid injuries

A familiar face is coaching Kansas’ exhibition opponent

It’s been some time since Jeff Boschee starred as a 3-point shooter for the Jayhawks. Boschee played at Kansas from 1998-2002. But he’ll be back inside Allen Fieldhouse on Thursday for an exhibition game between the Jayhawks and Pittsburg State.

Boschee is Pittsburg State’s head coach. Roberts expects Boschee’s squad to shoot a lot of 3s as Boschee used to. And there’s another aspect to this reunion, as Boschee coached Martin before Martin transferred from Missouri Southern State to Kansas.

More:Dajuan Harris Jr. and Jalen Wilson know it, they need to be leaders for Kansas basketball

Norm Roberts has high praise for Kyle Cuffe Jr.

Fans haven’t seen much from Cuffe in a Jayhawks uniform, as the redshirt freshman guard redshirted last season at Kansas. They may not see a whole lot from him this season either, just based on how the rotation appears to be shaking out. But Roberts did have some significant praise for the young talent.

Roberts described Cuffe as arguably the second best, if not the best, athlete on the team. Roberts said Cuffe is quick and explosive. Although Cuffe is still learning the game, Roberts volunteered that Cuffe is shooting the ball a lot better.

Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas Athletics at The Topeka Capital-Journal. Contact him at jmguskey@gannett.com or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: 3 takeaways from Kansas men’s basketball's first ‘Hawk Talk’ episode

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Norm Roberts reiterates how young Kansas is at the 5-spot

A familiar face is coaching Kansas’ exhibition opponent

Norm Roberts has high praise for Kyle Cuffe Jr.

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