Kansas players discuss how cancelled 2020 NCAA Tournament motivates team

The Kansas Jayhawks were well on their way to claiming the top seed in the 2020 NCAA Tournament when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down sports and eventually more. With several players from that team still around, the view of Ochai Agbaji and David McCormack differ heading into the national championship game.

First, Agbaji described what could have been in the 2020 NCAA Tournament and what still could be in 2022 as he thinks of the Kansas teammates who played a large role then but were not able to experience this run.

“There’s always that what-if factor after that 2020 season, especially after the run that we had to close out that season was unbelievable,” said Agbaji. “Just thinking back to that and that feeling of playing on that team, I think it just kind of replicates to how we are now and how this team moves and our confidence on this team. That’s why I keep saying that we’re doing it for them because we just have that same feeling.”

McCormack then gave his opinion with a slight twist to it.

“Kind of like Ochai but a little different,” said McCormack. “I don’t think of it as a what-if. I know what we would have done that year. We were just on a positive slope. Everything was kind of going right for us. Everybody was gelling, connecting.

“So I just see this year as an avengement to that team and what they likely deserve. And now it’s just our year to go get it. I think we would have went all the way, just the way Marcus was playing, Doke was playing, Isaiah, Dotson, Och — and the way we were coming off the bench, me, Silvio, CB — everybody was just kind of playing their best ball at that time.”

Kansas players on national championship game

It’s been a long road for Agbaji and McCormack, both members of Kansas’ 2018 recruiting class, as the Jayhawks have finally made it to the biggest game of the year, needing just one win over the No. 8-seeded North Carolina Tar Heels to claim a national championship.

“This is the moment that every kid dreams to be in, to play for a national championship for their school, to represent their school on the highest stage of basketball itself and play in front of all these people,” Agbaji said. “I think that’s just a dream come true for me and all the guys on my team. So we’re just excited to play tomorrow and everyone’s just ready.

Like Agbaji, McCormack is coming off a career night, and he will look to repeat it in the national championship.

“I know for me I remember the days of watching every game in March Madness and watching the finals and you’re raving about it with your friends what team you’re picking,” said McCormack. “Now I get to play a part in that.”