Scott McClurg/Journal-World File PhotoDarnell Jackson is getting there, but he’s still not all back. Even after a string of good days, a speed bump always seems to remind him of the incident.
“The 10th was my Grandma’s birthday,” Jackson said, “so that day was kind of tough for me.”
Jackson still is adjusting to life after a May 29 car accident that took the life of his grandmother Evon and left his mother, Shawn, with numerous broken bones.
He knows only one way back. And that is through basketball.
“I have to be that guy to go after the loose ball head-first,” Jackson said. “I have to be that guy to hurt myself for the team to help the team win.”
More determined than ever, Jackson will look to contribute on what will be an inexperienced Jayhawk squad.
“He was dealt a hand that forced maturity in a lot of ways that nobody would want to go through,” Kansas coach Bill Self said. “I think in some ways that has brought a sense of a new focus than what he’s maybe had in past years.”
Jackson also is ready to lead.
Gone are Aaron Miles, Michael Lee, Keith Langford and Wayne Simien, who helped Kansas to a pair of Final Four appearances.
“It’s going to be different,” Jackson said. “When they were here, they stayed all four years. They knew everything — they knew what was coming. But now it’s our turn. We have to try to fit in their shoes.”
Jackson has started himself by working hard in the offseason not only on his game but also on his might.
With help from strength and conditioning coach Andrea Hudy, the sophomore has added 10 pounds of muscle to bulk himself up to a solid 250.
“I think he’s improved in all aspects of his game and his approach and everything else,” Self said.
Teammate and friend Matt Kleinmann said he had been impressed with the way that Jackson had continued to work hard, remaining positive despite his tough situation.
“That’s something that no one ever experiences or takes easily,” Kleinmann said. “He did a great job of keeping his head up.”
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Pickin’ up the pace KU coach Bill Self on what each player needs to do to enable the Jayhawks to play a more up-tempo style this season: “Sasha (Kaun) and Darnell need to play knowing they’re not going to be in there for a long time. When they go all out, they’re great athletes. When they pace themselves with the idea of getting tired, they become pretty good athletes.” |
Jackson was used sparingly for the Jayhawks last season, averaging 2.0 points, 1.7 rebounds and seven minutes per game.
With defensive rebounding as his strong point, Jackson said he was looking forward to the new experience of playing with a younger crowd.
“There’s a lot of new things,” Jackson said. “We don’t have Wayne (Simien) and Keith (Langford) to lean on now. We have to just carry on the tradition.”
And move on.
Jackson has learned this is a task that can be accomplished.
He just has to work on it a little each and every day.
“Darnell’s a very strong character — a really strong personality,” Kleinmann said. “I think as tough as that (incident) was for him, I don’t think he’s going to let it hold him down.
“I think, if anything, he’s going to use that as motivation to improve.”
