Bill Self: Nick Timberlake's shooting is a 'welcome sight' for Kansas

Nick Timberlake was one of the best players to hit the transfer portal this offseason and, therefore, was a major addition for Kansas.

Still, one aspect of his game sticks out above the rest to Bill Self. In a media availability last month, Self commented on Timberlake’s ability to shoot the ball. He said that, in Timberlake’s short time in Lawrence, his ability to make shots from deep has already been very noticeable.

“In the practices that we’ve had, I’d say it is a welcome sight. Because I do think he can make baskets,” Self said.

Timberlake improved as a player and a shooter in each of his five collegiate seasons at Towson. He averaged 6.4 points per game and shot 23.8% from three as a freshman. By the time he had played 122 games for the Tigers, though, he left averaging 12.5 points per game for his career on a 37.9% mark from deep.

In his senior season, Timberlake posted career-highs with 17.7 points and 2.4 assists while making 45.5% of his shots from the field and 41.6% behind the arc with nearly three-pointers made per game.

Gradey Dick, Jalen Wilson, and Joseph Yesufu took 177 of Kansas’ 237 three-pointers from last season, or 74.7%, with them to their next stops. That’s what makes Timberlake’s addition even more important for the Jayhawk offense out on the perimeter next season.

Self explains the significance of McCullar returning to Kansas

Kansas basketball got a massive piece of news earlier this summer when veteran wing and Texas Tech transfer Kevin McCullar announced he would return for a second year with the Jayhawks and his final in college. He was a terrific defensive wing for Kansas. He also pitched in as a secondary offensive option, proving to be the ideal role player for Bill Self.

The Jayhawk head coach knows what an important addition he is for the 2024 team.

“Yeah, he’ll make a big difference for us,” Self said of McCullar committing to play in 2024. While he filled his role excellently last season, Self is expecting some kind of leap from the senior.

“You know, obviously he’s got some things he can improve on or he wouldn’t come back. He’ll take it serious. He wants to be a player. You know, he’s got to get more consistent shooting the basketball. He makes some improvements in that area but probably he should take another step. But I’m excited to what see happens. I think we put a pretty good defense in there certain stretches, which was so great about him.”

The defense should be switchable and elite once again in Lawrence. That’s why Self considers his return such a huge win in the offseason.

“This is a big day for Kansas basketball,” Self continued. “We’ve had a lot of good things happen through recruiting this offseason. But nothing that has transpired this offseason was bigger for KU basketball than having a seasoned veteran like Kevin McCullar return to our program.”

McCullar announced his return to the program late in the month of May, via an announcement from the Jayhawks’ official Twitter. Just like Michael Jordan, the announcement simply said, “I’m back.” It’ll be a boost to the 2022 national champions as they embark on their quest to take home the 2024 title.