Bill Self uncertain on status of Zuby Ejiofor
Kansas bounced back from a three-game losing skid in their non-conference matchup versus Kentucky Saturday in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge, defeating the Wildcats 77-68. The Jayhawks may have left Lexington with a win, but not fully healthy, as freshman forward Zuby Ejiofor suffered a first-half injury that he did not return from. Following the game, Kansas head coach Bill Self gave his best assessment and update on Ejiofor’s status.
“He turned his ankle, so yeah he couldn’t return today, so he got it pretty. But I don’t know what his availability will be moving forward at all I have no idea,” Self said.
Ejiofor was spotted in a walking boot following his injury and made his one shot attempt during his four minutes of play before getting hurt. The freshman only averages 5.6 minutes per game, but has provided the Jayhawks with great defensive versatility off of the bench this season with the ability to play four of the five spots on the court with high energy.
Hopefully, Ejiofor can get healthy fast and back into the lineup quickly, but a player like freshman Ernest Udeh Jr. could see some more minutes if he does miss any action.
Bill Self credits Kevin McCullar, Jalen Wilson for Kentucky win
ESPN color analyst Jay Bilas called Kansas‘ performance at Kentucky Saturday night a “character win.” Coming off the backs of a three-game losing streak, Bill Self brought his team into Rupp Arena and will head back to Lawrence with momentum back on their side.
The story of the second half was about Kevin McCullar, who spent some time in the locker room with an ankle injury. Not only was he able to get back onto the court but he made a huge impact on the result, hitting timely shots for Kansas down the stretch.
“I thought he was great,” Self told ESPN’s Holly Rowe during a postgame interview. “He hadn’t made a lot of shots the last couple of weeks — none of us had. And then he makes the biggest shot of the game, probably, to give us a cushion. He’s a tremendous team defensive player. He was terrific.”
Defensive plays were made by McCullar as well, helping the Jayhawks get in transition. The Texas Tech transfer was barely walking during the postgame but showed guts for his performance.
While McCullar came in clutch for Kansas but all season, the consistent player has been Jalen Wilson. He was once again terrific for 40 minutes against Kentucky, finishing with 22 points on 50% shooting from the floor.
Kansas struggled on the offensive end during the three-game losing streak. But Self knew Wilson was going to make an impact on Saturday, showing up in the biggest moments when the Jayhawks are in desperate need.
“Whenever we play our worst offense, it’s when he always plays the best,” Self said. “So, he certainly did that again tonight.”