NBA Respond,Kansas Elmarko Jackson suspended out for two years off …
NBA Respond,Kansas Elmarko Jackson suspended out for two years off
Kansas sophomore guard Elmarko Jackson has torn the patella tendon in his left leg and will miss the 2024-25 season, the school announced Wednesday.
The injury occurred on Tuesday during a scrimmage during the annual Bill Self Basketball Camp. Jackson is expected to undergo surgery in the next few days and will require a 12-month rehab, according to a press release issued by the team.
The 6-foot-3 Jackson started 17 of the Jayhawks’ 34 games last season, averaging 4.3 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 18.7 minutes per game. He saw his minutes decrease when Johnny Furphy emerged as a starting option, and Jackson’s lack of outside shooting prowess — he made just 12 of his 45 3-point attempts (26.7 percent) — added to Kansas’ problems spacing the floor.
Jackson is a former McDonald’s All-American who ranked as the No. 20 prospect in the Class of 2023, according to the 247Sports Composite. He was expected to take on a larger role this season for the Jayhawks, who ranked No. 4 in CJ Moore’s latest preseason Top 25.
“We are all crushed by this,” the team said in its announcement. “Elmarko has had a terrific spring. He has worked so hard and improved so much. This will be a challenge that he will meet head on and he will return as good as ever.”
Kansas has depth at the guard spot to cover for Jackson’s injury, with transfers Rylan Griffen (Alabama), Zeke Mayo (South Dakota State) and AJ Storr (Wisconsin) coming aboard this offseason.
The Jayhawks added another guard Wednesday evening when Shakeel Moore announced his decision to transfer to Kansas. Moore averaged 7.9 points in 33 games with Mississippi State last season.
(Photo: Ben Queen / USA Today)
