The Kansas Jayhawks of the Big 12 will be entering the ‘March Madness’ on a disappointing note. The prestigious NCAA team finished their regular season with two losses, by at least a difference of 20 points, and it looks like the losing streak might continue. However this time, one loss is enough to bid farewell to their 10-8 run in the regular season. Ahead of the crucial playoff game against Samford Bulldogs, the Jayhawks have announced that their best player is likely to be shut down for the rest of the tournament. 

Kevin McCullar Jr., a 7’6 guard of the Jayhawks has been one of the few breakout stars of the NCAA this season. In his fifth year of college basketball, McCullar Jr. is averaging 18.3 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, which are the best averages of his career. Sadly, all these excellent numbers will be put on hold as the 23-year-old has been sidelined with a knee injury. 

Jayhawks head coach Bill Self shared the devastating news ahead of March Madness, “Kevin’s not gonna play. Kevin says his knee pain has not subsided any and it’s too bad for him to be able to contribute. So Kevin will not play. We’re shutting him down for the tournament.” Notably, McCullar missed six of the last 12 games of the regular season because of the same knee pain.

Although he did play against the Houston Cougars on 10th March, he went scoreless despite playing for 15 minutes. Well, the Jayhawks have decided not to risk it, and thus, McCullar Jr. will not be seen on the court for quite a few months.

However, in this devastating time, the Jayhawks have managed to bring in a key player back on the court after a scary injury. 

Can the 7’2 center of the Kansas unit fill in for McCullar Jr.’s absence in March Madness? 

The Kansas Jayhawks offense mainly runs through a dominant guard-center combo. While McCullar Jr. has quit the March Madness run, Hunter Dickinson has returned at the right time from his injury. The 7’2 giant is scary inside the paint, but he had dislocated his right shoulder just before the Big 12 tournament. He was sent to MRI and surprisingly; the Jayhawks have already announced his return. 

“First-Time Dislocations Take Longer to Return”: Veteran Sports Orthopedist Provides a Disheartening Update on Hunter Dickinson Just Before March Madness

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Coach Self shared, “Hunt looks great…He’s practiced basically every day since Saturday. Non-contact. The last two days has been full contact.” What’s noteworthy is that Dickinson is averaging a double-double this season, with 18.0 points and 10.8 rebounds in the 31 games he has played so far. If the Jayhawks manage to find an alternative to fill McCullar’s absence, then they might put the Samford Bulldogs to sleep. However, that will be a big challenge! 

Absence of Star Duo – Hunter Dickinson and Kevin McCullar – Costs Kansas Jayhawks Shocking Exit From Big 12