Kansas basketball: Devonte Graham just getting started
By Stan Unruh
Kansas basketball fans hurt for Devonte Graham following the team’s exit from last spring’s NCAA Tournament. Graham’s senior season is off to a fabulous start.
Over the past three seasons, Kansas basketball fans have watched Devonte Graham do some amazing things. He’s played his best in some of the biggest games for Hall of Fame Coach Bill Self. The senior from Raleigh, North Carolina had two huge games last week. That is not to say Graham didn’t have outstanding performances in the Jayhawk’s first five games of the season. He did.
When you score 70-points in back to back games, a lot of people take notice. It’s difficult not to notice the never-ending smile Graham brings to the basketball court or anywhere on the University of Kansas campus. He is full of fun and brings 100 percent enthusiasm to every game.
Who can forget the outstand games Graham played against Buddy Heild and Oklahoma during his sophomore season? His 27-points in the rematch that followed the three-overtime thriller at Allen Fieldhouse earned him the Big 12 Player of the Week. He deserved the honor for offense and defense in that contest. That is the only time the conference named him Player of the Week until Monday.
One of my favorite Graham moments came during the final moments in last season’s unbelievable, come from behind win over West Virginia. He couldn’t miss and enjoyed every minute of the victory. I’ve watched the replay more than once. I still don’t believe the Jayhawks won it.
Graham award collection just beginning
I have heard that no Kansas basketball player since Wilt Chamberlin has scored 70 or more points in back to back games. That says a lot about Devonte’s performance last week. As a matter of fact, I think he could have scored 50 against the Rockets on Tuesday.
Next: Social media shows Lagerald Vick some love
His 35-points against the Orange on Saturday in Miami helped him earn a pair of national player of the week awards too. All this doesn’t surprise hard core Kansas basketball fans. Devonte learned a lot playing next for National Player of the Year Frank Mason last season. This won’t be the last time Graham earns a Big 12 honor this season.