Ernest Udeh Jr. becoming difference maker for Kansas basketball

When the Kansas Jayhawks went into Norman on Saturday, it was no surprise that a player like Jalen Wilson – who finished with just two points against Texas in the previous matchup – would step up and play well.

But there was one surprise in yesterday’s game that should have every Kansas fan’s attention, and that is the emerging play of freshman center Ernest Udeh Jr.

Udeh, a top-40 prospect and McDonald’s All-American coming out of high school, had perhaps his strongest showing of the year against the Sooners and his presence was felt all over the court.

He finished the game with 8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 steals, and 1 assist. One of those blocks came at the three-point line against Oklahoma guard Milos Uzan – showing just how athletic and instinctive Udeh is.

He also impacted a lot of shots inside the paint on defense and forced big man Tanner Groves and the Sooners to take several ill-advised shots or defer to lesser-quality shots.

It was back-to-back encouraging performances for the big man after he chipped in six points, two rebounds, one assist, and one steal against the Texas Longhorns Monday night.

Head coach Bill Self had high praise for the freshman following his performance, calling him the best player of the game.

If Udeh can continue to develop and produce like he did yesterday, that is going to be huge for this Kansas team that has often lacked production from its bench throughout the year.

Having a backup like Udeh, who can block or alter a few shots and slam a few dunks, can go a long way for this teams’ chances in the postseason if KJ Adams Jr. were to get hurt or in foul trouble.

Udeh’s emergence is also going to help KU’s chances against bigger, longer teams who have given the Jayhawks trouble this year. Not to mention, having a rim protector like that and someone who can get an easy bucket at will is invaluable for a team in the NCAA Tournament.

The Jayhawks were title contenders even before Udeh started to show flashes. But if his game continues to grow, this team will only become that much more dangerous.