Through the Phog
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3 ways Ernest Udeh’s decision to transfer negatively impacts Kansas basketball

By Joshua Schulman

Nov 10, 2022; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks center Ernest Udeh Jr. (23) reacts after scoring during the second half against the North Dakota State Bison at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2022; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks center Ernest Udeh Jr. (23) reacts after scoring during the second half against the North Dakota State Bison at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ernest Udeh Jr. #23 of the Kansas Jayhawks (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
Ernest Udeh Jr. #23 of the Kansas Jayhawks (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

2. As good as Hunter Dickinson is, Udeh’s defensive potential was off the charts. Dickinson’s is not.

KU’s bench might have been dismal last season, but Udeh was the one bright spots. One aspect of his game that stood out was his level of defensive intensity whenever he stepped onto the floor.

His per 40 minutes defensive statistics in 2022-23 were 3.2 steals and 2.9 blocks. Udeh swatted four shots in 13 minutes played vs. Duke and recorded three steals in 14 minutes vs. TCU. Although he was constantly in foul trouble, Udeh had the potential to be an elite rim protector in the Big 12.

The Jayhawks no longer have a center who can play aggressively and not worry about racking up fouls. Even if they acquire another big man in the portal, Kansas does not have a Mitch Lightfoot-type player who is the bench’s defensive anchor. Hunter Dickinson is not known to lock up the opposing team’s big men, meaning KU might struggle mightily against dominant centers.

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