Kansas basketball: Thank you, Malik Newman

The star of the Kansas basketball run through the month of March is turning pro. Malik Newman provided a lot of enjoyment in such a short time.

Thank you, Malik Newman. The 2015 McDonald’s All-American made the past six weeks a lot of fun for Kansas basketball fans. As a matter of fact, I’m not sure what the Jayhawks would have done without him and his attack the basket mentality this season.

Throughout the 2016-17 season, Kansas basketball fans enjoyed watching  National Player of the Year Frank Mason. We were reminded frequently that Newman was battling Mason every day in practice.  We couldn’t wait to see what a year off would do to for his game.

The red-shirt season had a huge impact on the 6-foot-3 Mississippi State transfer. We saw the best of Newman the past few weeks. It went too fast. It always does. Now he’s taking his game to the NBA.

After what Newman did over the past month, I selfishly hoped he might stay at least another season. He is so much fun to watch. I thought after seeing what Mason and Devonte Graham accomplished Newman might decide another year in McCarthy Hall and at Allen Fieldhouse was a good idea.

Newman gave us a taste of just how good he was during the Jayhawk’s trip to Italy. He put up 25 points so fast that hot August afternoon I couldn’t wait for the regular season to begin. We had to wait until January for that Newman to arrive. As a matter of fact, his 27 points were the difference in the win over Iowa State.

Next: One reason Jayhawk fans are glad March Madness is over

One play stands out

This year’s Big 12 Tournament and March Madness might have been a disaster without Newman. He was definitely Mr. March for this Jayhawk team. Fans will always remember his offensive explosion of 32 points in the NCAA Midwest Regional final victory. On the other hand, his defensive effort at the end of regulation against the Devils that day was among the best plays of the year.  Thank you, Malik Newman.