Kansas basketball: Big 12 coaches get it right
By Stan Unruh
The Kansas basketball team has much to celebrate this week. This team few believed in ran away with Big 12 conference honors.
Kansas basketball fans received some fantastic news to brighten their quiet Sunday afternoon. When the Big 12 announced their annual list of conference honors, the Jayhawks dominated the awards. As a matter of fact, last fall’s preseason honors predicted some of this. Preseason honors are wonderful. Living up to the expectation is something different indeed. Devonte Graham did just what we knew he could and this Kansas basketball team is getting the recognition they earned.
Back in January and early February, many were frustrated with this group of Jayhawks. Coach Self was far from pleased following home losses to Texas Tech and a lack of effort against Oklahoma State. The team had a lot of work to do and a tough schedule ahead. The wait for Billy Preston dominated out thinking. It was a waste of time. When Preston left, Self had to make the best of his thin bench and a 6-foot-9 youngster fresh from his last high school game.
Some fans could see how it might all work out. Self always finds a way. Devonte Graham would lead the team to big road wins. Udoka Azubuike would improve in the paint and at the free throw line. Malik Newman would find his shooting touch and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk would finish the season strong. We could see it happening but maybe fans expected too much from this group of Jayhawks.
Next: Devonte Graham making more history
The coaches determine the winners, not a social media poll.
Give the Big 12 coaches credit for their decision to honor Graham as the unanimous conference Player of the Year. Newman certainly deserved the newcomer of the year. The coaches were right on with that selection too. In addition, just as many believed, Self earned the Big 12 co-coach of the year. The man is in the Hall of Fame for a reason.
Svi made All- Conference second team and Dok the third team. The coaches even recognized Lagerald Vick with an honorable mention. This group of Jayhawks are champions. We can’t wait to watch them play a lot more over the next four weeks.