Kansas guard Kevin McCullar Jr. will be sidelined for the NCAA Tournament due to a bone bruise on his knee. The injury has plagued him, causing him to miss six of the past 12 games, including the Jayhawks' recent exit from the Big 12 Tournament.
Head coach Bill Self confirmed McCullar's unavailability, citing that the knee pain has not improved, leading to the decision to shut him down for the tournament. Despite McCullar's efforts to return to the court, the persistent pain has hindered his ability to play.
McCullar, who received honorable mention All-American recognition, had an impressive season with back-to-back triple-doubles and was a key player for the Jayhawks. His absence will be felt as the team prepares to face Samford in the first round of the tournament.
On a positive note, second-team All-American Hunter Dickinson is set to return for the NCAA Tournament after recovering from a shoulder injury. The 7-foot center's presence is crucial for the Jayhawks, as he contributes significantly to their offense and rebounding.
Coach Self acknowledged the challenges of their upcoming matchup against Samford, emphasizing the competitiveness of the tournament regardless of seeding. He expressed confidence in his team's ability to overcome obstacles and compete at a high level.
The Jayhawks will rely on Dickinson and the rest of the team to step up in McCullar's absence as they aim to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
For more updates and coverage on March Madness, visit the AP March Madness bracket and stay tuned for the latest developments.
