Kansas basketball: Remembering 3 Jayhawk seniors

Kansas basketball will honor three seniors on Monday. Jayhawk fans will celebrate Devonte Graham, Svi Mykhailiuk and Clay Young.

The roller coaster ride of the Big 12 basketball schedule has raced by again this season. I spoke with several Kansas basketball fans prior to Monday’s Oklahoma blowout who were startled when I mentioned senior night was just a week away.  It sneaks up on us again this season.

Clay Young joined the team as an invited walk-on in 2016. We knew the Lansing, Kansas native would bring energy to the practice team.  Nobody ever expected what he provided early in this season. In the November 17 game against South Dakota State, coach Bill Self called on the 6-foot-5 guard for 12 important first half minutes against the Jackrabbits.

Young didn’t disappoint. He filled in after Udoka Azubuike was ticketed for his second foul in the half. Self played Young 6 more minutes in the second half. He was forced to defend a much taller opponent. He scored 2 points and contributed two assists and a steal in 18-minutes.

Four nights later, the Jayhawks ran past Texas Southern,  That limited Young to 7-minutes off the bench. He scored a layup on a no-look assist from Devonte Graham late in the victory. With less than a minute in the game, Young found a wide-open Marcus Garrett for the Jayhawks’ record 19th three-pointer of the game.  Kansas basketball fans are thankful for walk-on players. Young is getting his degree in sports management.

Ukrainian hero

Most Kansas basketball fans had not heard of Svi Mykhailiuk until the Jayhawks announced he was headed to Lawrence.  We love Svi and are going to miss him yelling or tweeting “Svi for three!”It is great fans were able to enjoy him four seasons.

His game has improved dramatically from his junior year.  He’s more aggressive, a better ball handler and defender. Svi has provided so many great memories.  The big shot in December to beat Nebraska was incredible. His three-pointer to end the half against Kansas State on January 13 was one of his best. Our favorite Svi memory will always be his controversial layup to beat the ‘Cats in 2017.

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The player with the million-dollar smile

Devonte Graham showed leadership from the time he arrived in Lawrence. He has played his best in some of the biggest games for Bill Self including Saturday’s 74-72 win to clinch at least a share of a 14th straight Big 12 title. His clutch performance confirmed he is the best player in the conference.

Graham’s performance his sophomore season against Buddy Hield and Oklahoma is also one of the best. His 70 points during a two game stretch this season earned him national honors. Jayhawk fans are going to miss much more than just his million-dollar smile. Devonte has been an outstanding ambassador, role model and winner.  In addition to  Big 12 honors he deserves to earn All-America honors.