Bill Self praises Kansas’ performance vs. Oklahoma

As the dominant force in the Big 12 for years, Kansas had a shaky start to conference play with a close call at home and a loss on the road to one of the league’s new member. However, the Jayhawks got back on track this past weekend in a Top-10 matchup against Oklahoma.

Bill Self assessed his team’s performance in their 78-66 win over the No. 9 Sooners in Lawrence on Saturday during his postgame press conference. In his opinion, it was probably the best outing from his players since a month a half ago when they defeated the defending champions on December 1st.

“Yeah, I thought we played really well – probably the best game that we’ve played in a long time,” said Self. “Maybe, since Connecticut, the best game that we’ve played.”

Self believed it was as good as it was because of what they did offensively against OU. As a team, they shot 43.9% from the field, even with a 20% mark from three, with 17 assists on 29 baskets. Individual games highlighted the victory, though, with Hunter Dickinson (24 points, 14 rebounds), Kevin McCullar Jr. (21 points, four rebounds, four assists), and KJ Adams Jr. (15 points, 10 rebounds) leading the way.

“I thought we shared it – we got what we wanted on offense, we didn’t shoot it well,” said Self. “We didn’t defend great but pretty good. We had some guys have good individual performances.”

The second half, as Self noted, was key in the game. After leading early, Oklahoma made it a back and forth game heading into halftime. Then, over the final 20 minutes, the Jayhawks went on two separate runs of 18-6 and 11-2 to win the half by 11 in the end.

After nearly faltering against TCU and losing at UCF, Kansas bounced back with a 12-point victory over a quality Sooner team. It was what Self was wanting to see too as they now fully dive into their league.

“It was a good win,” Self said. “OU is good. They’ve got a good team.”

“First half? I thought we actually played well and we were up one. Then, in the second half, we kind of separated a little bit.”

ESPN’s College GameDay debates National Player of the Year candidates

On the first episode of College GameDay for the basketball season, analysts Seth Greenberg, Jay Bilas, Jay Williams, and Andrea Carter debated the merits of this year’s candidates for National Player of the Year.

In doing so, they highlighted who they specifically believe can give Purdue C Zach Edey a run for his money with a pair of Jayhawks leading the conversation.

Kevin McCullar

Jay Bilas: “I don’t think we’re going to have to worry about it. I think Edey is going to win it again. But, if I were voting now, I would vote for Kevin McCullar of Kansas at No. 2 to Zach Edey. McCullar, in my judgment, has been the best two-way player in America. He is a great defender. He averages just under 20 points a game, seven rebounds, almost five assists and just under two steals per game.

“They don’t beat UConn without him knocking down three threes late in that ballgame – something he has not been known for. The jump that Jalen Wilson made from his junior to senior year? I think the jump Kevin McCullar has made his senior year is even bigger.”

Jay Williams: “I would still give it to Zach Edey right now but McCullar is leading the team in points, assists, steals, minutes per game. I think the job he does defensively on the opposing team’s best player and the job he’s done offensively? Like, he also makes critical plays.”

“One of the things I love about him – he’s not afraid to put his nose in it defensively. He’ll stick his nose in there and he’ll do the dirty work. I think that needs to be rewarded.”

Andrea Carter: “He plays with so much physicality as a guard. It is so fun to watch his hustle and his heart.”

Hunter Dickinson

Carter: “When Hunter Dickinson is at his best? Let’s not kid. He had 27 points and 21 rebounds against Kentucky. He put up a 30-piece on 65% against TCU. He’s averaging a double-double, he has the ability to stretch the floor and knock down threes. I think he brings a lot to this game. When he’s at his best? I think he can make a run at Zach Edey.”

Seth Greenberg: “I’ll tell you the other thing he brings -he brings a little attitude. He’s got a little edge to him.”