Kansas basketball: Malik Newman puts Big 12 on notice
By Stan Unruh
Kansas basketball fans new Malik Newman was talented. On Sunday, the sophomore guard showed us why he could be a first-team All-Big 12 selection and more.
The Italian exhibition games were great for everyone involved. Coach Bill Self had the opportunity to conduct practices with the team. They players and staff had a wonderful opportunity to see Rome and Milan. It was the trip of a lifetime.
The Kansas basketball fans at home received a rare, summer taste of Jayhawk basketball. Four games and four victories were highlighted by Sunday’s 118-point performance in the win over an Italian professional team at Palasport Enrico Somaschini.
It was the Malik Newman show on Sunday. He had 10 of the Jayhawk’s first 15 points and the game was over except on the scoreboard. Newman hit 13 of 17 shots including 6 of 8 from beyond the arc on his big day. In addition to the scoring, the Mississippi State transfer grabbed 7 rebounds and handed out 5 assists.
Malik Newman can't be stopped! He's got 25 👀
— Kansas Men’s Basketball (@KUHoops) August 6, 2017
4 min left in Q2, Jayhawks up 53-29.
Watch on @FloHoops: https://t.co/R5zCUXwRVk pic.twitter.com/0tO1rfda3O
In January during the heat of the conference race we won’t remember Sunday’s exhibition victory. On the other hand, Big 12 conference coaches won’t forget in preparing for the Jayhawks. Newman just sent a message to the rest of the conference. Watch out. He can and does do it all.
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When you consider the Jayhawks scored 118 points without Udoka Azubuike and Billy Preston, it is even more impressive. As a matter of fact, this version of Kansas basketball is full of weapons. When teams line up to stop Newman, Devonte Graham, Svi Mykhailiuk or Lagerald Vick can do just as much damage. This team is going to be fun to watch.