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Former KU big man David McCormack back in Lawrence

by: Shay Wildeboor07/15/25JayhawkSlant
McCormack
Former KU big man David McCormack at the Roundball Classic

David McCormack, a key contributor on KU’s 2022 National Championship team, was back in Lawrence on Thursday night for the 17th annual Rock Chalk Roundball Classic. 

McCormack, the 6-foot-10, 250-pound forward from Norfolk, Va., saved one of the best performances of his career for the biggest game college basketball has to offer. 

On April 4, 2022, Kansas, despite a 15-point halftime deficit, rallied to stun North Carolina, 72-69 in New Orleans, La

In helping delvering Self his second National Championshp at Kansas, McCormack scored a game-high (tied) 15 points and pulled down 10 rebounds. Against the Tar Heels, KU’s big man hit 7-of-15 field goals and was 1-of-2 from the free-throw line.

Trailing by one point with 1:27 left in the game, McCormack scored four straight points, the biggest points of his Kansas career, and paved the way for the Jayhawks to secure their second National Championship under Self.

The 16-point deficit was the largest ever overcome to win a championship.

It surpassed the previous record of 15 points set by Loyola Chicago against Cincinnati in 1963.

David McCormack talks about 2021 National Championship

“It still hasn’t fully settled in,” said McCormack. “Every time I come back, I see something has changed, or I see something new. Going to Allen Fieldhouse, it’s a great feeling.”

Down 15 points at the half, Kansas rallied to stun North Carolina in the second half. Self’s squad got off to a fast start following intermission and, in doing so, cut into the deficit rather quickly.

“Down by 15 points at the half, we came out with a great spark,” said McCormack. “Dajuan (Harris) set the tone and, from there, we just kind of came out and played like we know how to.”

Fans will have the opportunity to get another look at McCormack later on this month. KU’s former big man is playing with JHX Hoops in TBT. McCormack and the rest of his teammates will take the court against OffDaHook on July 19.

The game will be played inside historic Municipal Auditorium

“I think it’s a great group of guys,” he said. “To know each other and build chemistry, even through generations, will be something spectacular.”

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