Jalen Wilson discusses playing through adversity after Big 12 Tournament win over West Virginia

Kansas kept up their recent great play in Thursday’s opening game of the Big 12 Tournament. The Jayhawks ran into a feisty West Virginia team who really needed the win to solidify their position on the right side of NCAA Tournament bubble but were able to stave the Mountaineers off, controlling the game from tip to finish to win 78-61.

Right after the game, ESPN’s Kris Budden caught up with the Player of the Game, Kansas forward Jalen Wilson, who scored a team-high 25 points in the win, to ask how the team responded given the circumstances. Of course, Kansas had to deal with the sudden and surprising news this morning that head coach Bill Self would miss the West Virginia game with an illness. Instead, top assistant Norm Roberts took over head coaching duties for the time being and led them in the win vs. WVU.

Wilson said it was business as usual for the players and they’re used to having to handle adversity.

“Just riding together no matter what adversity we go through. Throughout the entire season, we’ve just found a way to come together and play as a team in the toughest moments,” said Wilson. “So I think today is a great example of that.”

Budden then asked Wilson about the play of point guard Dajuan Harris, who was excellent on both sides of the floor today but had a particularly strong outing on offense.

“Everything that we need. You know, he’s our floor general,” complimented Wilson of his lead guard. “He’s always finding guys throughout the game. And when he’s an aggressive scorer it opens our offense up so much more.”

Harris finished with 13 points and eight assists on the day while hounding the Mountaineer backcourt on the other end. Meanwhile, Jalen Wilson recorded a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Solid performances from the team’s veteran leaders.