Kevin McCullar 'devastated' he can't play in NCAA Tournament, vows to support team from bench

FaceProfileby:Thomas Goldkamp•03/19/24
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Kansas star Kevin McCullar will not play in this year’s NCAA Tournament, a big blow for the Jayhawks as they seek to make a deep postseason run.

The talented guard was ruled out by coach Bill Self on Tuesday due to knee soreness. McCullar chimed in on the decision and how painful it was for him on his Twitter account on Tuesday evening.

“In regard to me not playing in March Madness, if I could play, I would,” McCullar wrote. “I am more devastated than anyone, knowing that I can’t play & compete alongside my team and that my college career has now come to an end.

“I have done everything that I possibly could have done to get back playing at a high level to help my team.”

Self outlined that Kevin McCullar essentially hadn’t practiced in six weeks, with the knee not allowing him to do so.

McCullar explained all the things he had done to try to get back on the court, ultimately unsuccessfully.

“This included 6-7 hours a day with the training staff at Kansas for over a month now, while not participating in practice but competing in games,” Kevin McCullar wrote. “While trying various treatment options, it’s simply not where it needs to be to play the game. With a collective agreement between myself, the coaches and the Kansas team doctors, it was decided that I should not play.”

McCullar was having a career year, averaging 18.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. He also chipped in 4.1 assists and 1.5 steals per contest, an absolute force on both ends of the floor.

Unfortunately for him, he won’t be able to suit up when Kansas takes on No. 13 seed Samford in the first round of the tournament. But he will be supporting his team.

“This is the best time of the year and I wish I was able to help my brothers & KU on the court during this time, but unfortunately I cannot,” Kevin McCullar wrote. “I will be supporting them in Utah and the rest of this March run!”

Tip-off from Salt Lake City is scheduled for 9:55 p.m. ET on Thursday, being the second to last game of the day. The winner of Wisconsin–James Madison will be waiting in the second round.