Kansas basketball: Malik Newman deserves national attention
By Stan Unruh
Kansas basketball fans are counting down the hours to the start of the 2017 season. It’s nice to see Malik Newman getting more national attention.
The start of the Kansas basketball season is just days away. One of the Jayhawks is patiently waiting to get on the court. Malik Newman has been waiting since March of 2016 to play again. He wrapped up his final game for Mississippi State in a loss to Georgia in the SEC tournament.
The Bulldog’s loss is fabulous for the Jayhawks. Kansas basketball fans know Newman practiced every day last season with do-everything Frank Mason. I can’t image how difficult it was to face Mason in practice each day and not get in on a real game. I’m thrilled that Newman’s hard work and patience is paying off.
A few days ago, the Big 12 conference named the 6-foot-3 guard from Jackson, Mississippi it’s preseason Newcomer-of-the-Year. That is great news for any Jayhawk. On the other hand, the recognition was overshadowed by all the recognition going to Devonte Graham. Nothing against Graham, he deserves it. He is the unquestioned leader of Bill Self’s team this season.
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I’m happy Newman just received a new, national honor all by himself. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced this week that Newman is one of 20 candidates for the 2018 Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year. The Kansas basketball team sees Newman daily in practice. Fans don’t. We did get a glimpse of his ability when he wowed crowds during the summer tour of Italy.
As a matter of fact, Newman led the Jayhawks in scoring on that Italian tour. This is Devonte Graham’s team but Newman may be the Big 12’s best in many categories this season. All Kansas basketball fans are pleased to see him get this preseason recognition.