Kansas basketball: Excited about return of Azubuike
By Ryan Unruh
Kansas basketball season is still a few months away. However, there are things that crazed Jayhawk fans can start looking forward to including the return of center Udoka Azubuike.
Udoka only played in eleven games last year due to a wrist injury suffered in practice. Bill Self had to use Landon Lucas full time instead. Dwight Coleby also filled in at times. These two did a good job holding down the post. However, there is nothing quite like having a 7ft tall player in your lineup.
Before suffering the injury, Azubuike showed just why Bill Self was so interested in the teenager. He is now fully recovered and working hard this summer as Tom Keegan reported last week.
At 7 ft. and 280 lbs., Azubukie has almost 30 pounds on former KU center star Joel Embiid. This weight, mixed with his height allows Azubuike to play Bill Self’s high-low offense that is very difficult to stop.
Not only does Udoka go hard to the rim in the paint, he is very effective in the alley-oop department. In November, I sat behind the basket during the UNC-Asheville game. Dok was impressive on the alley-oop.
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Another key part of Azubuike’s game: he blocks shots. In the eleven games for Kansas basketball last season, he blocked 18. That will make a huge difference this season. With big men like Jeff Withey and Joel Embiid before him, Azubuike has a legacy to live up to for Kansas basketball.
However, I believe with the time he has had to mature as a player and with the experience gained this summer, Udoka has the potential for a legendary sophomore season.