KU basketball’s KJ Adams focused on developing jump shot as he prepares for new role
Kansas forward KJ Adams has spent countless hours working on one skill at his hometown court in Austin.
That skill? His jump shot.
“I just did more reps, that’s about it,” Adams told The Star at the Rock Chalk Roundball Classic dinner. “Nothing really special about it. Just going to Austin (and) shooting as many reps as I could.”
Adams doesn’t keep track of the number of shots he takes; he just keeps shooting until his trainer tells him to stop.
It’s all part of getting ready for his new role next season.
Last season, Adams had a breakout year. The forward averaged 10.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists. He was named Big 12 Most Improved Player.
He did this while playing out of position as KU’s undersized center. Still, Adams held his own against bigger and stronger opponents.
There was a lot to like from Adams’ play last season, but the lack of a reliable jump shot was apparent. It’s an even more critical area this upcoming season with KU’s roster.
Adams’ role will look much different after the addition of star big man Hunter Dickinson. Adams has spent most of his time practicing with the perimeter players.
Kansas coach Bill Self anticipates starting Adams at the four spot alongside Dickinson.
It’s a new challenge, but Adams isn’t worried.
“It’s going to be a little different,” Adams said. “It’s going to be an adjustment, but whatever they have me at is going to be where I am.”
Adams added at a media availability earlier in July: “It might be the four, might be the five. It just depends what coach feels is best for me.”
As things sit on Tuesday, KU’s roster has only four returnees from last season: Adams, Dajuan Harris, and Kevin McCullar, plus Zach Clemence, whose return was confirmed by KU coach Bill Self at a news conference.
Adams hasn’t exactly found his new best friend yet, but he’s excited to get closer to his new teammates.
“I’m just getting to know everybody,” Adams said. “I got a lot of trust in a lot of people and I think that once you work hard, start getting really a lot of practices, everybody is going to be together.”
Adams is undoubtedly thrilled about the addition of Dickinson, who averaged 18.5 points and 9.0 rebounds last season.
It’ll make his life much easier on the court, but it’ll be a different style of play from last season.
“It’s just different because we have a big presence inside, so it’s going to be a little different,” Adams said. “We’re going to play how Coach has played in the previous years with David (McCormack) and Udoka (Azubuike). So it’s going to be fun.”
As Adams prepares for a new role, 2022-23 Kansas star and former teammate Jalen Wilson praised Adams’ willingness to play any role.
“That’s a guy you can’t take off the floor,” Wilson said after working out with the Golden State Warriors. “Every team needs a guy that’s going to do whatever he can for the team. (He) doesn’t care if he scores zero points.
“If you look at the stat sheet, you may not see anything, but if you watch the game, you see that he was a guy that won the game for them. And that’s the guy KJ has always been. He’s taken full advantage of his opportunity and his role.”
