Kansas basketball: What we learned from from first Italian win
By Stan Unruh
The Kansas basketball team opened their Italian tour with a run-away win. Here are a couple of thoughts on what we learned.
For the first time since March, Kansas basketball fans had a chance to see or in many instances, hear their Jayhawks in action. I was traveling but used several digital sources to listen to the action from the minute the pregame show went on the air.
It sounded like it was an oven inside the Honey Sports City for the 11:30CDT tip. I didn’t realize many of the players on this Stella Azzurra team were not Italian. Many call Africa home. It didn’t seem to matter much as the Kansas basketball team used early turnovers to create offense.
As a matter of fact, I think anyone who watched or listened had to be thrilled Devonte Graham scored the opening basket of the game. After what he went through last March, I was happy to see him get off to a great start. We know Graham is the leader of this team. He set the tone with the first basket and 14 points.
If Graham set the tone outside, Udoka Azubuike did the same inside. Fans in Rome will never forget him or his goal slamming thunder dunks. I think we can safely say we know the big man is healthy and ready for an outstanding Sophomore season.
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Freshman Billy Preston scared fans when he came off a dunk and walked gingerly from the floor. He didn’t stay sidelined long and we now know he is as talented as advertised. Malik Newman with16 points and Svi Mykyailiuk both shot the ball well. Admittedly, this exhibition win is not West Virginia in February. On the other hand, all Kansas basketball fans felt good about the team’s first contest of the year. This is going to be another fun, entertaining team.