Kansas basketball: David McCormack lifts Jayhawks to Big 12 title

There’s been perhaps no player as polarizing as David McCormack has been for the Kansas Jayhawks this season.

At times he’s looked like a freshman still finding his way; other times he’s looked like the All-Big 12 senior he was expected to be. Like all players, he’s had his share of good days and bad days.

But on Senior Day against the Texas Longhorns – in what was almost certainly his last game in Allen Fieldhouse – David McCormack gave the Kansas faithful a performance to remember.

McCormack was easily the best player on the floor as he scored 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. 10 of his points came from the free throw line, where he was an incredible 10-10.

He was aggressive, he drew fouls, he did everything his team needed him to in order to win the game.

After the game, head coach Bill Self said McCormack “basically put us on his back.”

The ending couldn’t have been scripted better for the big man who’s gone through so many ups and downs during his time at Kansas.

At times he’s frustrated fans, he’s frustrated his coach, but that performance is how McCormack should (and hopefully will) be remembered.

A player who gave his all every single time he took the court. A player who played with so much heart and passion. A player who wanted nothing more than to contribute for his team, his coaches, and the fans cheering him on. And a player who represented the Kansas name proudly and flawlessly every day of his college career.

That performance should also give he and the team that much more confidence as they gear up for postseason play. KU needs McCormack at his best if they hope to win another national championship.

If the version of McCormack we saw on Saturday shows up throughout March, then the Jayhawks may just earn another ring before the season’s over.

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