Kansas basketball: Expect another big weekend from Lagerald Vick

The Kansas basketball team will battle Clemson in the Sweet 16 Friday. The Jayhawks need another big weekend from Lagerald Vick.

The Kansas basketball team will face a trio of veteran guards in Friday’s Midwest Regional semifinal. Clemson will have their hands full with the experienced Jayhawk backcourt. Bill Self’s starting guards All American Devonte Graham, Malik Newman,  Svi Mykhailiuk, and Lagerald Vick are playing as well together as at any time during the season.

Since the Jayhawks opened post season play, Vick is Mr. Consistent.  Including the Big 12 Tournament and the opening weekend of NCAA Tournament play, Vick  is averaging double figures in scoring and has a hot hand. The junior followed his 14 points and two steals against Penn with 13 points in the 83-79 victory over Seton Hall. Vick doesn’t get the headlines but his play could be among the most important in Omaha.

On Sunday, the Jayhawks shot 50 percent to sink the Pirates. Vick who hit 5-7 shots against the Quakers hit 5 of 9 shots.  He also made 3 of 4 from beyond the arc. Vick set the tone for the way the Jayhawks would play. Just 42 seconds into the game, he hit from three to get the Jayhawks on the board.

Just as Vick was dialed in and ready for action with a steal and a three-pointer in the opening seconds against Penn, Vick kick started Bill Self’s offense Sunday. He needs to do the same thing against a stingy Clemson defense Friday. Vick seems to hit shots just when the Jayhawks need it.

With the Pirates attempting to gain some traction midway through Sunday’s second half, Vick hit a pair of huge three pointers.  The first put the Jayhawks back up by ten. The second gave the Jayhawks a 13-point advantage.

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In addition to his scoring, the lightning quick Vick is playing heads up defense. He also positioned himself to grab 4 rebounds on Sunday that Angel Delgado didn’t get. We can’t overlook his important contribution in Wichita.  The coaches who voted him Honorable Mention All-Big 12 know how valuable he is. The Jayhawks need another big weekend from Vick to reach the Final Four.