Bill Self on Kevin McCullar: ‘He Will Try to Go’ vs. Baylor
The Kansas Jayhawks may have their star guard back on the court vs. Baylor on Saturday, with head coach Bill Self mentioning on the College GameDay broadcast that Kevin McCullar would be suiting up.
McCullar has been dealing with a lingering knee injury that’s kept him out of the starting lineup in four of Kansas’ last five games.
“Yeah, I think he’s doing better,” Self said on Thursday. “I don’t know when he’ll play next, but I think he’s doing better. I think he’s gaining on it. Hopefully, we can get him back out there. There is [a chance he could return at Baylor] if he can practice full speed today and tomorrow. If he doesn’t practice full-speed today and tomorrow, I would say no.”
Signs point to McCullar being a full participant at Thursday and Friday’s practice, which led to the decision for McCullar to take the court for the first time since February 17th vs. Oklahoma.
The update comes as a refreshing change of pace from the latest reports that outlined some potential conflict between the Texas native and the Jayhawks, citing differing views on McCullar’s injury. KUHearings’ Mike Vernon reported some drama involved with McCullar’s camp allegedly not wanting the senior guard to risk sustaining another injury ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft.
McCullar’s health will be a storyline to follow on Saturday as the senior guard has been playing the best basketball of his career this season. McCullar is currently averaging 19 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game on 46.3% shooting from the field.
While it is unlikely that fans will see McCullar play for his season average of 35.4 minutes per game on Saturday, Kansas should get a massive boost from the former Red Raider returning from injury—Kansas and Baylor tip-off on Saturday, March 2nd, at 12:00 PM CT in Waco.
