Devonte Graham has come a long way over the past four seasons for Kansas basketball. The senior guard is finally receiving the national attention he deserves.
Last March, Kansas basketball fans hurt for Devonte Graham. The Raleigh, North Carolina native started all 36 games during his junior season. With an average of 13-points and 4 assists a game, Graham earned 2nd team all Big 12 honors. Despite playing in the shadow of National Player of the year Frank Mason, Graham was a critical member of the 2017 team primed for a run to the Final Four. In the biggest game of the season Graham couldn’t make a shot. He did make three free throws but missed attempts from beyond the arc and another two-point attempt.
That Midwest Regional Final at Sprint Center was difficult to watch. Most Kansas basketball fans believed the Jayhawks would whip coach Dana Altman and the Ducks. The season didn’t end the way we wanted for Mason or Graham. At the time and considering the stats, I knew Graham would return for his senior season.
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Graham missed Mason but has had a fabulous season. From the back to back 35-point games and National Player of the Week recognition to leading the team in a route of Oklahoma and their Mr. Everything freshman. His performance in the Big 12 game of the year in Lubbock showed the nation he is the best player in the conference. Many in the national media including USA Today believe Graham is the best in the country.
Perfect time for a strong finish
As a matter of fact, Graham is on a roll. The Big 12 honored him and Malik Newman for their performances against Texas Tech and Oklahoma. Graham dropped 18 points in the final 14 minutes to knock off the Red Raiders. He didn’t need a great scoring performance on Monday to beat the Longhorns. His double-double 10 points and 11 assists were just fine. He’s coming on strong just as the exciting month of March Madness begins.