Kansas Senior Night
As the season’s end looms closer by the day, so do some of the college careers of players across the country. In what could be their final home game in NCAA basketball, Jalen Wilson and Kevin McCullar will be making speeches during the Jayhawks Senior Night.
Senior Night will occur during KU’s home finale tomorrow evening against Texas Tech. Both Wilson and McCullar have NCAA eligibility for next year, but the likelihood is that both of them will be leaving Kansas after the 2022-23 season. This can be assumed because they are the only two scheduled to speak, and they are both starting to get a bit old to be polished NBA Draft prospects.
Wilson, a redshirt junior, has been an integral part of the Kansas program since his arrival four years ago. He has made his mark as a three-year starting player who might win the Big 12 Player of the Year award. The 6′ 8″ forward is widely recognized as a top player in college hoops.
McCullar spent his first three years of school at Texas Tech but has turned in a stellar season in his first year as a Jayhawk. His outstanding defensive performance has made him one of Bill Self’s most trusted assets.
The KU basketball team will have two scholarship players go through senior night festivities on Tuesday against Texas Tech. https://t.co/siewPpC1aT
— The Kansas City Star (@KCStar) February 26, 2023
Both players tested the waters of the NBA Draft last season, and both decided to pull their names out. McCullar transferred to Kansas after announcing he would return to college ball to gain more national recognition.
Wilson’s draft stock has definitely taken an uptick this year, as he is nearly averaging a 20-point double-double. He is a projected early-to-mid second-round pick. On the other hand, McCullar’s status in the draft is more of an unknown. Some projections have him going undrafted.
Should he return for a super senior year, McCullar would be able to cement a deeper legacy for himself at Kansas. Nonetheless, he will obviously test the waters and see what is best for him long-term.
Another senior on the squad is fan-favorite guard Michael Jankovich. The walk-on from Dallas, Texas will likely become a five-year player, as did former Kansas walk-on Chris Teahan.
It will be the final home game for several Jayhawks in their careers. Some players might enter the transfer portal after the season, and Gradey Dick is almost a sure thing to be a lottery pick. Emotions will be high in a game with huge implications.
In addition to it being Senior Night, KU can clinch a share of the Big 12 regular season title if they defeat the Red Raiders. It will give the players motivation to play hard for one another.