Why KU’s Bill Self is so proud of Udoka Azubuike: ‘You’ve seen a guy kind of grow up’
When Kansas coach Bill Self entered his team’s locker room after Saturday’s 98-57 victory over UMKC, he did so ready to praise one of his team’s big men.
And it wasn’t only David McCormack, who’d just scored a career-high 28 points.
“(Coach) said that was one of Doke’s best offensive games that he’s seen,” KU guard Christian Braun said, recalling Self’s postgame words.
KU center Udoka Azubuike’s play stood out more than his final line might suggest. He had nine points on 4-for-4 shooting, with four assists, two turnovers and three blocks in 17 minutes.
Most importantly, though, he continued a recent stretch of unselfish thoughts where he’s been less worried about his own production and more focused on the team’s success.
Self labeled Azubuike’s recent mind-set as “great.”
“I thought you’ve seen a guy kind of grow up, when he’s wanting the ball just so he can be a passer today,” Self said. “I thought Doke did pretty well.”
Azubuike was most impressive early in the second half.
On KU’s first possession, Azubuike drew a double-team before kicking out to teammate Devon Dotson for an open three. Azubuike established deep position the next time down for a score, then 25 seconds later, was patient after getting it in the post before finding McCormack across the lane for a layup.
It was the start of a run where KU made nine straight field goals to push its lead from 19 to 35.
“That’s the best our bigs have played together, passing to each other,” Self said.
And it was even better for Self to see Azubuike’s newfound appreciation for plays like this.
Self said Azubuike, in the past, has always been someone that has equated playing well to scoring and getting shots. On Saturday, Azubuike was getting just as much joy distributing to teammates.
That was reflected in the numbers. Azubuike’s four assists tied a career high, while his assist rate this season has now moved up to become exactly double what it was when he last played a full season in 2017-18.
It’s not the only area where Azubuike is on an uptick. He had three blocks during his limited minutes Saturday, and this year is rejecting more than 10 percent of opponents’ two-point attempts when he’s on the floor — a ratio that ranks in the top 35 nationally.
“Having Doke as a rim-protector like that, I think, is a big step for us in the right direction,” Self said. “He needs to play to his athletic ability and his strength, and I just think his energy level and his quickness off the floor, stuff like that, has been better.”
Earlier this week, Self feared a bit that he might be putting a jinx on his big man.
KU’s 17th-year coach has often hesitated to heap too much praise on players in-season, knowing that it only takes one bad practice or game before you’re potentially mad at them again.
So it was with hesitation that he talked about Azubuike being “terrific” and “fabulous” through nine games, with the center also coming off a 17-rebound effort against Milwaukee on Tuesday.
Those compliments didn’t go to Azubuike’s head. He continued his senior-season progression on Saturday, putting up an efficient line while also buying into the type of selflessness that can go a long way toward bringing a team closer together.
Self has to be pleased. Following a year of rocky team chemistry, his 2019-20 roster appears to be filled with talented guys who are doing more than just improving.
They’re also working to play for each other — the mark of Self’s very best teams at KU.
