ESPYS: Just 1 bright spot for Kansas basketball fans

It was a long night for Kansas basketball fans who tuned into to watch the ESPY awards. Fans saw Joel Embiid but Frank Mason wasn’t there.

I wonder how many Kansas basketball fans watched the ESPY awards show on ABC Wednesday evening? Most of us who voted to help Frank Mason win the award for Best Male College Athlete of the Year waited to see who won. We wanted to see Mason waltz down the ESPY Red Carpet. He won every other award for his incredible senior Kansas basketball season. We expected him to get this award too. I wanted to see the NCAA Player of the Year take home just one more honor.

I did not expect to see Mason attend the ceremony. On the other hand, you never know with private jets and ABC money.  I’ve worked every national award show from the Academy Awards and Grammys to many more. Anything is possible since Mason is playing with his Sacramento Kings in nearby Las Vegas. When I saw Wednesday the Kings announce Mason signed their NBA contact, I knew he would not be in Los Angeles for the show.

As a matter of fact, I believed Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson would be tough for Mason to beat for the Best Male College Athlete honor.  I still believe Mason deserved the award instead of Watson. College football rules again.  After winning every award possible, Mason does not need an ESPY in his trophy case.

Next: Maybe Kansas football needs an official brew too

There was one bright spot for Kansas basketball fans. We enjoyed seeing former Jayhawk Joel Embiid and actress Issa Rae present the ESPY for best championship performance to Kevin Durant.  How could you miss the 7’ Embiid in that bright orange sport coat?