Kansas basketball: Udoka Azubuike makes the right call
By Stan Unruh
Kansas basketball fans heard the news they’ve waited for all month. Udoka Azubuike is going to return to the Jayhawks for his junior season.
Did you hear the sigh of relief Wednesday morning? Kansas basketball fans are thrilled to hear that 7-foot junior to be Udoka Azubuike is going to return for another season with Hall of Fame coach Bill Self. It’s certainly not a surprise. On the other hand, players fans never expected left the team earlier than anyone wanted.
Like most youngsters, Doke waited until the final hours before letting anyone know his decision. The deadline was May 30. The native of Delta, Nigeria probably was not procrastinating. With his size and the NBA’s lust for potential, there is undoubtedly a team that would draft him next month.
Social media celebrated the great news for Kansas basketball fans. There are so many reasons to celebrate. Without Doke, the Jayhawks are loaded for next season. With his return, watch out! Coach Self has Mitch Lightfoot and Silvio DeSousa returning from the Final Four squad. Add transfer Dedric Lawson and freshman David McCormack to the front court along with Doke and it’s difficult to have to wait for October.
Happy that Udoka Azubuike will return to @KUHoops for next season. Sky is the limit!
— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) May 30, 2018
You certainly must give Doke a lot of credit for how he has handled this NBA Draft combine experience. As a matter of fact, he’s gone far beyond the 5-day tryout in Chicago. We also saw pictures of Doke in Southern California getting advice from Magic Johnson. The big fella watched learned, listened and did the right thing.
"I received good feedback from many sources around the NBA over the last month but in the end decided it would be in my best interest to return to Kansas"
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Doke has so many ways to improve on what we’ve seen in the 47 games we’ve watched him play for Bill Self. Now he can focus on his academics too. I’m sure that is important to his mother beyond a big professional pay day. The patience Doke displayed now will provide far more success in the future.