G: Jayden Dawson (SR)
Height/Weight: 6’4”/195 lbs.
Previous School: Loyola Chicago
2024-25 Stats: 13.9 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1.9 APG
Offensive Impact
Dawson is a perimeter oriented secondary guard, but he is more than just a spot up player.
63.8% of his FG attempts were from beyond the arc last season (35.5% 3pt).
There is most likely some room for better shooting numbers. Just 37% of Dawson’s 3-point attempts were unguarded (20th percentile), but we should expect that number to increase with Peterson, Council, and White creating more chances for him. He will be creating some himself, but his game should open up.
Dawson is above average in the spot up game (78th percentile in efficiency), but he was used frequently in handoff (99th percentile) and off ball screening actions (84th percentile), which should allow the transition into Bill Self’s offense to go rather smooth.
He has a lightning quick release off the catch, which will allow him to get his shot up within many actions in this Jayhawks’ offense.
Has displayed efficiency off the bounce on average volume as well (76th percentile in efficiency on 106 dribble jumpers.)
His value on the ball mostly comes from his mid-range shot creation out of P&R and handoffs.
Can be a serviceable secondary ball handler against pressure.
Not much of a playmaker, and his creation skills as a whole most likely won’t translate to Big 12 basketball anyways.
Is capable of scoring at the rim, but would rather settle for his jumper when the lane is clogged.
Dawson fits well in this offense if his on ball responsibility is small. He hasn’t been a lights out shooter throughout his career (35.9% 3pt), but if the other Jayhawks’ guards can provide him with more open looks, there is upside for Dawson to be a 38-40% 3-point shooter next season. His release is quick and consistent + his ability to shoot on the move and off the bounce gives him plenty of ways to provide value on the perimeter.
Defensive Impact
Rock solid on the defensive end. Has the combo of size and speed to defend multiple types of guards.
2.4% block rate, 2.3% steal rate in his career. Above average for his position.
Dawson isn’t elite guarding the ball by any means (9th percentile in points per shot when guarding in isolation), but he is not a defender you can pick on or mismatch hunt.
Overall, Dawson fits the Bill Self mold as a solid 2-way guard. Not a game breaker on either end, but he can be a high-quality connector piece for this Kansas team that has needed one for a few years now. 20-27 minutes per game role.