Bill Self said red-shirt freshman Ben McLemore could be the best defensive player the Jayhawks have ever had.

“I definitely like it,” McLemore said of his coach’s praise. “It is a motivator. I don’t think it changes anything. I’m going to play my game and do whatever coach wants me to do.”

Self, who has repeatedly complimented McLemore’s foot speed and overall athleticism, was less effusive when grading the 6-foot-5, 185-pound guard’s offensive skill set.

“Ben is good offensively,” Self said. “He can do a lot of things. Right now he is more a shooter and just an athlete more than knowing how to plug himself in and use his athletic ability.”