Report: Kevin McCullar expected to return for Kansas vs. Oklahoma
The Kansas Jayhawks have been missing one of their star players over their recent games in Kevin McCullar, but things are looking up.
After missing consecutive games, McCullar is reportedly ready to rock for the Jayhawks’ clash with the Oklahoma Sooners on Saturday, a showdown in which the stakes are high for the Big 12 superpower.
“Kansas star Kevin McCullar Jr. is expected to return and play today in Norman against Oklahoma, source told @TheFieldOf68,” college basketball analyst Jeff Goodman reported. “Huge news for the Jayhawks – who got pummeled in Lubbock last game without McCullar.”
Moreover, McCullar has dealt with injury issues throughout the season, but that’s fantastic news that he’s seemingly ready to suit up for Saturday’s game. Last weekend’s Baylor game was the first that he’s missed, and Kansas was hoping to get him back as quickly as possible, obviously, but there’s always the need for caution with injury recovery to avoid missing more unnecessary time down the line.
After all, while averaging 19.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game this season, McCullar has been vital to the team’s success.
As Goodman mentioned, Kansas missed McCullar during their last time on the court, when Texas Tech took it to the Jayhawks in dominating fashion, defeating the team in a rough showing. Now, he’ll be back and ready to get the team back on track on Saturday afternoon.
Bill Self reacts to shooting at Chiefs’ parade
In other news, Bill Self felt the horror from afar following the mass shooting at the Super Bowl parade for the Kansas City Chiefs’ on Wednesday. Another incident of indiscriminate violence saddened him as it marred what should’ve been a happy day for all.
“It was awful,” Self said. “I didn’t know about it live. A lot of people were obviously watching and knew about it live. I found out about it just a few minutes later. And I’m sure I knew a ton of people at the parade. I haven’t talked to those people, asking them ‘Did you go?’ or whatever. But, yeah, just horrific.”
“We’re in such a sad state, as everybody knows, that the most family-friendly, wholesome thing that you could do to make your city look good and show your support of people that bring joy to you now has just been minimized so much because of all the safety issues that go along with it,” said Self. “Whether it’s a concert, parade or even attending a movie or going to school? These certainly aren’t looked at in the same way back when I was growing up. It’s sad that it has become that.”
The head coach then took a broader, more reflective tack.
“Even something that has been transpiring in a grocery store, at a post office, in a school, or now a parade? Or things like that? It makes you wonder if doing those things are really worthwhile,” Self said. “I certainly hope that it can be improved and corrected and there are some things that can be done to make people more comfortable and wanting to live in a way where they don’t have to worry about the most innocent of things. It certainly will change the outlook of many people and already has. But, certainly, yesterday was another indication that we’re not moving in a very good direction.”