Tom Keegan: The bigger the free throws the better Josh Jackson shoots them

Kansas guard Josh Jackson (11) turns around for a shot over Oklahoma State guard Phil Forte III (13) during the first half, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017 at Allen Fieldhouse.

For Josh Jackson, free-throw shooting and 3-point shooting continue to lag behind the rest of a game that otherwise belies his youth.

Still, he’s averaging 15.6 points and will become an even better scorer once he improves, especially from the line.

“I shoot them every day,” Jackson said after making 10 of 17 free throws in Saturday’s 87-80 victory against visiting Oklahoma State. “I’ll probably put up a couple hundred in the next two days.”

Practice never hurts. Jackson also might want to try to trick his mind into believing that it’s a late-game situation every time he goes to the line because as seems to be the case in all areas of his game, the later a close game progresses, the better he performs. Jackson is shooting .722 (13 of 18) from the line in the final five minutes of games, .533 (40 of 75) in all other situations, .570 overall.

If Jackson doesn’t become a smoother 3-point shooter in his one season at Kansas, he always has the option of not taking them. No such escape hatch is available or desirable with free throws. He’s a tough driver to guard and will continue to head to the line frequently. He has attempted 93 free throws, second on the team to Frank Mason (111).

Jackson made 10 of 17 from the line Saturday, including 5 of 7 in the final 2:25 in what was a closer game than anticipated.

Oklahoma State drew within 70-68 with 5:46 left on one of Mitchell Solomon’s six field goals in six attempts.

Then Jackson went to work, helping KU to close on a 17-12 run by doing what he does, which is a little of this, that and the other thing. In the final 5:29, Jackson totaled seven points, five rebounds a blocked shot and an assist.

Afterward, Oklahoma State coach Brad Underwood praised Jackson and said that more than anything what made him stand out on the AAU circuit was his effort.

“I think that’s pretty accurate,” Jackson said. “I’ve always been a big believer in just trying. It always will work out for you. Most guys don’t really try that hard. It really shows when you’re going against a guy who does.”

It’s easier to give effort when you know what you’re supposed to be doing. Jackson has an excellent feel for the game and plays with a great deal of confidence, traits he shares with veterans Mason, Devonte’ Graham and Landen Lucas.

Jackson’s basketball education resumes Monday night in Ames against Iowa State, as crazy a road atmosphere as he will encounter, unless of course, a certain walk turns Manhattan on the wild side Feb. 6.