Kansas Jayhawks guard Elmarko Jackson. Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas men's basketball suffers offseason injury setback

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Jun 5, 2024 9:55 PM ET

Soon-to-be sophomore guard Elmarko Jackson was supposed to be a big part of what the Kansas Jayhawks wanted to do in 2024.

Unfortunately, head coach Bill Self announced on Wednesday that Jackson will miss the entirety of the 2024-25 season due to a patellar tendon injury he suffered while working a youth camp.

“Yesterday, while working out in front of the campers, Elmarko Jackson tore his patellar tendon, an MRI conducted by the Kansas team health confirmed last night,” Self said in a statement (h/t On3). “It will require surgery within the next several days and a full recovery is anticipated. Elmarko will be able to assume non-contract basketball duties in the next several months but the full rehab process will take approximately 12 months."

Our thoughts are with Elmarko and we wish him a speedy recovery ❤️ pic.twitter.com/spqQ4EPFEK
— Kansas Men’s Basketball (@KUHoops) June 5, 2024

Jackson played in 34 games, starting in 17 of those, as a true freshman last season. Sure, he averaged just 4.3 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game, but as a former McDonald's All-American who averaged 19 points and six assists in his final prep season, the expectations were high coming into 2024.

While Jackson wasn't projected to be a starter in 2024 with reigning Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Dajuan Harris returning for his sixth season at point guard, he was still going to be an important depth piece for Kansas.

“We are all crushed by this. Elmarko” has had a terrific spring," Self continued. "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.”

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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