Josh Selby could come off bench in first game with Kansas

After serving his nine-game suspension to start the season, Kansas freshman Josh Selby is ready to finally hit the court for the No. 3 Jayhawks.

Selby will make his debut on Saturday when Kansas squares off with Southern California.

According to the Lawrence Journal-World, that debut may not include a spot in the starting lineup.

"He's getting all the reps with the first group now (at practice)," Kansas coach Bill Self said. "I don't think I'm going to start him, even though I don't have a 'made-decision' positively. I don't think I will, because he has to beat somebody out. He needs to perform well in the games, and not just practice, but he's going to give us some scoring punch."

Self also said that he will not use Selby as the team's point guard to start, instead using him off the ball. Self said it will take time for Selby to learn the point guard position.

"Josh is going to be a point guard for us," Self said. "He will end up being a true point guard in time. It's a lot to throw at a guy, 'OK, you are not only responsible for yourself, you are responsible for every single possession, and if we don't have a good one, it's going to basically be your fault.' I'd rather put that on Tyshawn right now than Josh."

Selby, meanwhile, is fine with whatever role Self asks of him.

"I don't mind not starting right away because I missed nine games. There's players who played very well over those nine games who play the same position," Selby said Monday. "I'm not worried at all. I just hope I can bring a lot of energy off the bench."

-- Tim Gardner