Hawks of the Year Standings: Dotson’s Showing Off His Value

Kansas’ first game of the week against Iowa State saw the Jayhawks come back from a halftime and early second-half deficit to beat a top-25 team. The inverse took place Saturday, as Kansas played well in the first half and once again couldn’t convert down the stretch on the road.

Whatever questions seemed to be answered on Monday came back in Lexington. Where is Lagerald Vick for long stretches of the game? Can Marcus Garrett be a consistent offensive force?

The question that doesn’t need to be answered is if Dedric Lawson is the best and most valuable person on the team. The answer is a clear yes. After that, it gets a little murkier.

Most Valuable Jayhawks

Players whose skills and play most directly impacts the success of the team.

1 - Dedric Lawson (Last Week: 1)

This team would be in bad shape without Lawson. He’s the go-to scorer, and unless Silvio gets cleared, it’s up to him to be the low-post presence on both ends of the court. He’s also one of the only options to keep plays alive with offensive rebounds, and can score from every spot on the floor in an offense that an otherwise go stagnant.

2 - Devon Dotson (Last Week: 3)

Dotson jumping Garrett was no fault of Garrett’s, and the race for No. 2 is still extremely close. Dotson gets the nod because Kansas can’t afford for him not to be on the floor. He is by far the Jayhawks’ best ball handler, is clutch at the free-throw line, and responsible for a large chunk of the team’s assists. Point guard is a critical position, and Dotson is the best option to lead Kansas.

3 - Marcus Garrett (Last Week: 2)

The rough offensive performance against Kentucky aside, Garrett has solidified himself as a crucial perimeter player. Not only is he the best defender, he has become one of the best rebounders, and was the main ball handler when Dotson sat due to foul trouble against Kentucky. He missed most of his shots Saturday, but the aggressiveness to try and get to the rim was still good to see.

Honorable Mention: Lagerald Vick, Ochai Agbaji

Most Productive Jayhawks

Players who are putting up the best numbers for the Jayhawks.

1 - Dedric Lawson (Last Week: 1)

It only took a half Saturday for Lawson to earn his 14th double-double in 20 games this season. The production is impressive considering teams can place most of their defensive focus on Lawson, double teaming him and trying to push him out of the paint. Yet he still puts up All-American numbers and sits at 19.5 points and 11.1 rebounds per game.

2 - Devon Dotson (Last Week: 3)

Vick’s season averages, especially in points, looks more impressive than Dotson’s thanks to a red-hot November. But recently Dotson is growing closer to Vick in the areas Vick is supposed to excel. Here are each player’s numbers through the past 10 games:

Dotson: 10.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists

Vick: 12.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists

Vick has the better opportunity for explosive offensive performances, but Dotson has been more consistent of late. The rebounding numbers especially jump out considering the height difference and position.

3 - Lagerald Vick (Last Week: 2)

When Vick is on, he has the ability to completely take over the game on offense like only Lawson can. But it’s hard to tell which Vick will show up for any given game. Fans have to hope Vick is on and confident coming into the game so he doesn’t disappear for stretches and force tough shots.

Honorable Mention: Marcus Garrett, Quentin Grimes

Assets of the Week

1 - Agbaji’s Energy

No other Jayhawk comes into the game and immediately sparks the team like Ochai Agbaji. Whether grabbing an offensive rebound or hitting an early 3-pointer, Agbaji has already become the ultimate sixth man.

2 - Lawson’s 3-Point Shooting

Lawson’s proven to be more of a 3-point threat of late, going 4-5 from deep over the past two games. It’s a nice addition to his game, especially as defenses continue to clog the lane and make it difficult for him to get solid positioning.

3 - Dotson’s Dishing

The point guard’s assist numbers have been somewhat up and down, and his decision making in transition can still use some improvement, but Dotson has been making more plays happen for teammates in rhythm, resulting in 12 assists (to one turnover) in his last two games.