In a recent media day interview, KU basketball coach Bill Self revealed a potential setback for the team's upcoming scrimmage, Late Night in the Phog. The spotlight is on Jayden Dawson, a senior guard, whose participation is uncertain due to a sore knee.
But here's the twist: While Dawson's injury is concerning, the team has also seen remarkable recoveries. Elmarko Jackson, a sophomore guard, has made a full comeback from a torn patellar tendon, an injury that sidelined him for the entire 2024-25 season. And Bryson Tiller, a freshman forward, is back in action after ankle surgery in March 2025.
Coach Self praised Jackson's dedication to rehabilitation, drawing a comparison to Brandon Rush's comeback from an ACL injury. He also expressed relief that the team has been relatively injury-free, but acknowledged the challenge of making redshirt decisions.
"It's a tough call to make so early," Self might have said, referring to the redshirt rule in basketball. And this is where it gets controversial: He wishes for a more flexible system, similar to football's four-game allowance, allowing players to test the waters before committing to a redshirt year. But is this a fair request, or a potential advantage for basketball teams? You decide.
As the scrimmage approaches, all eyes will be on Dawson's recovery and the team's overall health. Will the Jayhawks be at full strength for Late Night in the Phog? Stay tuned for updates, and feel free to share your thoughts on the team's prospects and the redshirt rule in the comments.
