Kansas basketball: Silvio De Sousa the perfect gift
By Stan Unruh
Kansas basketball is set to add some depth in the front court. The news on Silvio De Sousa is a great gift for coach Bill Self and the Jayhawks.
The 2017 Kansas basketball team is set to roll into conference play with a new addition to the front court. Silvio De Sousa, the 6-foot 9-inch power from IMG Academy will join the team on Tuesday. Bill Self’s got his Christmas wish. Did anyone ever dream that De Sousa might see the court in Crimson and Blue before Billy Preston?
I was thrilled when De Sousa announced his initial intention to wear Crimson and Blue. On the other hand, I scoffed at the initial news he might want to play for Kansas basketball this season. As a matter of fact, I thought the report was crazy and dismissed it as “fake news” How many high school kids leave their teams mid-season to enroll in college basketball. How many kids can even think about doing it?
Give De Sousa credit for considering the idea and making it happen. I’m still surprised he will be enrolling this season. If he is as creative and active on the basketball court, the Jayhawks will have a great addition. The ESPN scouting report on De Sousa explains all the excitement.
How many players see the terms “brute force” associated with how they play basketball? That is how ESPN described De Sousa. We know Udokah Azubuike plays with brute force. To have another player with similar ability is incredible.
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How much will De Sousa play?
We know De Sousa will join the team but how much will he play? Coach Self is hesitant to use players he doesn’t trust. Sam Cunliffe arrived at KU months ago and practiced daily with the Jayhawks. Self used him a total of 2 minutes in the one-point win over Nebraska. I realize the Kansas backcourt needs bodies and fouls to give but it will be interesting to see what Self does with De Sousa as Big 12 play begins.