Kansas basketball: Malik Newman show has arrived
By Stan Unruh
Malik Newman scored a career high 27-points to lead the Jayhawks past Iowa State on Tuesday. Kansas basketball fans are thrilled to see him excel.
In August, Kansas basketball fans could not wait to get Malik Newman on the Allen Fieldhouse court full time with Devonte Graham. During the Jahyawks’ tour of Italy, the sophomore guard showed why he could earn first-team All-Big 12 honors. He played some amazing basketball and shot the lights out in the finale.
The four Italy games were highlighted by the Kansas basketball team’s 118-point performance in the win over an Italian professional team. In that Sunday contest at Palasport Enrico Somaschini, Newman exploded for 10 of the Jayhawk’s first 15 points. He scored 25 points in just the first half. He hit13 of 17 shots including 6 of 8 from beyond the arc. In addition to scoring 32 points, the Mississippi State transfer grabbed 7 rebounds and handed out 5 assists.
Success in exhibition wins are one thing. Kansas basketball fans had waited for that Malik Newman to show up on the basketball court this season. The Big 12 Preseason Newcomer of the Year has shown flashes of brilliance. On the other hand, he has shown nothing close to what we expected.
The 2015 McDonalds All American looked every bit as outstanding Tuesday against Iowa State. He played the way we know he must have played last season on the scout team against NCAA Player of the Year Frank Mason. It couldn’t have happened at a more important time.
Newman did it all Tuesday night
I don’t know and don’t care what kept Newman from exhibiting his tremendous athletic ability. Kansas basketball fans are thrilled to see him have fun and attack the basket. As a matter of fact, the 6-foot-3 guard attempted more shots in the first 14 minutes against Iowa State than in the three previous games combined. In addition, he hustled for rebounds and contributed on defense. He also blocked two shots.
Next: What we learned from win over Iowa State
This is the Malik Newman the Jayhawks desperately need as they enter a very difficult stretch of Big 12 Conference play. The Saturday-Monday contests are ahead including a trip to Morgantown. Newman can take some pressure off Devonte Graham. He just might make the difference in finding a conference title again this season.