The new guys looking good their first time in the Crimson and Blue ???? ???? #KUbball pic.twitter.com/GN93jWex7o
— Kansas Men’s Basketball (@KUHoops) June 23, 2017
Although it’s unlikely that he’ll be asked to fill Frank Mason III’s shoes in Kansas’ starting lineup, KU freshman Marcus Garrett will be looking to do just that in his chosen jersey.
Garrett, one of nine newcomers on this year’s Kansas basketball team, will wear No. 0 during his first season with the Jayhawks.
KU Athletics last weekend released a short video with the newcomers — six of which will be eligible during the 2017-18 season — revealing their jersey numbers and talking about the experience of wearing a KU uniform for the first time.
“Today we’re taking action shots to put up in our locker and just to feel the Jayhawk uniform,” said Memphis transfer Dedric Lawson, who will wear No. 1, the same number he wore at Memphis.
Added Cal transfer Charlie Moore, who wore No. 13 with the Golden Bears and will wear No. 5 at Kansas: “I’m just excited to put on this uniform and represent.”
The other newcomers featured in the video were William & Mary graduate transfer Jack Whitman, who will wear No. 41, Memphis transfer K.J. Lawson, who has chosen to wear No. 13; freshman Billy Preston, who picked No. 23; and walk-on Chris Teahan, the younger brother of Conner Teahan, who will wear No. 12 during the upcoming season.
Although Garrett did not address wearing the same number as the reigning national player of the year, the group expressed similar thoughts when talking about putting a KU uniform for the first time.
“I’m thrilled to be here and can’t wait to get started,” said Whitman, who will be eligible to play immediately.
Added Preston: “I’m excited to play in front of the crowd, the most crazy fans and the best fans in the country.”
As for Garrett and K.J. Lawson, they seemed most excited about joining the tradition-rich Kansas program.
“This town loves basketball,” K.J. Lawson said. “And I’m just excited to be a part of a great tradition.”
Added Garrett: “I’m very excited for Late Night. Everybody tells me how many people are gonna be there and I just can’t wait.”
Two other newly eligible faces on this year’s roster are guard Malik Newman, who will wear No. 14, and Sam Cunliffe, who will wear No. 3 when he’s eligible to play following the end of the first semester.
Here’s a quick look at the entire numerical roster:
—————————
0 – Marcus Garrett, Fr. G
1 – Dedric Lawson, Jr. F
2 – Lagerald Vick, Jr. G
3 – Sam Cunliffe, Soph. G
4 – Devonte’ Graham, Sr. G
5 – Charlie Moore, Soph. G
10 – Svi Mykhailiuk, Sr. G
12 – Chris Teahan, Fr. G
13 – K.J. Lawson, Soph. F
14 – Malik Newman, Jr. G
21 – Clay Young, Sr. G
23 – Billy Preston, Fr. F
35 – Udoka Azubuike, Soph. C
41 – Jack Whitman, Sr. F
44 – Mitch Lightfoot, Soph. F
