Kansas freshman Elmarko Jackson may start in place of star player Kevin McCullar Jr., who will miss the 2024 NCAA Tournament due to a nagging knee injury. The No. 4 seed in the Midwest Region, Kansas was already missing another key player, Hunter Dickinson, during the Big 12 Tournament and this resulted in a loss to Cincinnati in their opening game.
McCullar had been having an exceptional season, averaging 18.3 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game on 45.4% shooting. With him out of the lineup, Samford presents a tough challenge even with McCullar healthy as they play an up-tempo style of basketball that presses full-court on every possession. This will test Kansas’ endurance and depth in the tournament.
Samford’s strategy could be problematic for Kansas as they often use 11 players in their rotation while Kansas relies more on their starting lineup. This difference in bench usage puts pressure on veteran point guard Dajuan Harris to break the press on most possessions and may force him to play the entire game. Playing at high altitude adds another challenge for Kansas in facing Samford’s intense style of play in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Coach Bill Self made the announcement about McCullar’s absence from the tournament on Tuesday. He stated that it was a tough decision but ultimately necessary for McCullar’s health and long-term future success.
The loss of McCullar is significant for Kansas as he was one of their top players this season and his absence will impact their chances of winning another title.
Samford’s victory over Kevin McCullar Jr.’s absence marks a milestone moment for them as they advance to face Kansas without one of their biggest stars in the opening round of the tournament.
In conclusion, while Kevin McCullar Jr.’s injury has setbacks for his teammates and fans alike, it also presents an opportunity for other players to step up and prove themselves on the court.
