Jeff Withey making a statement during NBA preseason

Former Kansas basketball standout Jeff Withey is making every effort to earn a full-time roster spot in Dallas. He had a strong performance Thursday night.

Jeff Withey is among my favorite recent players in the Bill Self era of Kansas basketball. The young man who transferred from Arizona worked his tail off, helped lead the Jayhawks to a final-four and is still getting paid big bucks in the NBA.

I was concerned when I heard this summer Withey signed with Dallas. As a matter of fact, it seemed to me like a lot of politics with players and Maverick decision makers. On the other hand, Jeff is making the most of his opportunities during the preseason.

The 7-footer from San Diego looked good in 19 minutes of action Thursday night. Not known for scoring, Withey had 11 points and more important he also grabbed 8 rebounds. Mavs coach Rick Carlisle is playing Withey an average of just over 12 minutes a game in their first three games. As long as Withey hustles the way he did Thursday, he will do fine.

In his 4-year NBA career Withey is averaging just over 10 minutes a game. He played in 51 games for Utah in each of the past two season. Kansas basketball fans know Withey is a shot blocker. He did get 50 rejections in his rookie season with New Orleans but only 18 in 37 games the following season.

More from Through the Phog

During the first season in Utah Withey blocked 53 shots— the most for a season in his career. I don’t know why Jazz did not keep him on the roster. Maybe because he only blocked 32 shots last season. I know Kansas basketball fans want Withey to have a great season in Dallas.

Home/Kansas Jayhawks Basketball