Through the Phog
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Kansas basketball: Former Jayhawks battle in NBA action

By Stan Unruh

GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: Josh Jackson of the Phoenix Suns poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: Josh Jackson of the Phoenix Suns poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Former Jayhawks faced off against each other in Tuesday NBA action. Joel Embiid and Frank Mason’s earned wins over former teammates.

Kansas basketball fans who follow Jayhawks in the NBA had a rare treat Tuesday night. The NBA schedule had former Jayhawk teammates in two games.  Josh Jackson’s Phoenix Suns stopped in Sacramento to battle Frank Mason’s Kings. Earlier in the evening Joel Embiid returned to action after missing a couple of games. The big man and his Philadelphia 76ers were in Minnesota to tangle with Andrew Wiggins and the Timberwolves.

I don’t watch of lot of NBA action. On the other hand, with many colleges including KU taking the week off for finals it was perfect timing. It is fun to see former Jayhawks in action especially when their teams face each other.  I especially wanted to see Mason get after Jackson.

No. 4 NBA draft pick Jackson started but struggled shooting against Sacramento. He is averaging 9 points in 21 minutes a game. He only hit 3 of 14 shots in 30 minutes including 1 shot from beyond the arc. Jackson didn’t have a free throw opportunity but is only hitting just over 50 percent of those on the season.  That stat didn’t surprise me. As a matter of fact, last season’s Big-12 freshman of the year only hit 56 percent for Bill Self in 35-games.  In addition, Jackson had 4 turnovers in the loss.

Mason didn’t start but played almost as many minutes as his former teammate.  In 27-minutes of action he scored 6 points, handed out 4 assists, grabbed 4 rebounds and didn’t miss a free throw. Last season’s NCAA player of the year also followed his shots and kept his hands active to earn the Kings extra possessions in the 99-92 victory.

In Minnesota, stars Wiggins and Embiid started and each played about 40 minutes.  After missing a couple of games, fans enjoyed seeing the 7-footer get another double-double.  Embiid had 28 points and hustled to 13 rebound compared to a 20 point, 7 rebound night for Wiggins.

The former Big 12 Freshman of the Year missed 7 of 8 shots from the 3-point line. Embiid’s free throws in the final seconds sent the game to overtime and he dominated the extra period to lead the 76ers to victory.

Next: Former Jayhawk shows he can coach

Both games were good unless you want to see some defense. Kansas basketball fans have not seen much defense over the past few days. Josh Jackson is still finding his way. I wish he was still growing up in Lawrence. Frank Mason’s play shows the value of 4 years of college basketball with Bill Self. Wiggins is smooth but I always feel like he could and should do more. Maybe that is because he is so gifted he makes it look easy.  Embiid is amazing and is on his way to league MVP honors.

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