Is Zach Emerging?

Zach had his best minutes as a Jayhawk last night. He had a couple completely terrible defensive possessions, but I truly chalk that up to needing more reps. With more reps I think his defense will radically improve. Zach is not Raef LaFrentz but he is Raef-esque. He can stretch the defense and he can also protect the rim a little. I think Zach and KJ going against each other in practice is the ideal situation for both, especially Zach. I was very excited to see how Zach performed last night. And I don’t just mean the 2 threes although that was exciting as well to see him find his stroke. He was rugged and trying to find his beast mode. Thanks KJ for that to some degree. I have thought all along that Zach is the logical optimal choice to emerge on the team to back up KJ. If Zach can find beast mode, with his stoke and his height and his quickness, he can be an important cog in this team. I give him credit for great mental fortitude to still have his head in the game after what has to be a disappointing career thus far. I credit him and also Self and co. They are obviously finding a way to keep these guys engaged and vying for minutes. It would seem we have OU starting 5 set. But last nights game showed how important it is to have a bench who can come in in situational times and bring the leather.

Not sure if I agree. He did show a couple of flashes on offense, but his defense is still not up to where it needs to be. In regard to "getting reps" I'm sure he gets plenty in practice, and I have a feeling that the defensive inadequacies he had yesterday are just as obvious when he's guarding KJ in scrimmages.

Not to be down on him as I think he has tremendous upside. He just hasn't "flipped the switch" yet. in that regard, you can see somebody like KJ who went from playing a little tentatively last year to playing with supreme confidence this year.

It's a fear thing. Fear is based in the unknown. Once you have a few good outcomes you no longer play with fear and confidence takes over. In that regard, I'm all for giving him some minutes in the hopes that he gets some success and builds confidence. Confidence is the "switch".

Zach is one of my favorites and I was glad to see him out and contributing. I think the switch will flip soon enough.