‘Hopefully they can figure out a way to get it:’ KU is back on ESPN+ for game at WVU
After having its last nine games televised on either ESPN, ESPN2 or CBS, Kansas’ basketball team returns to the online-only ESPN+/Big 12 Now streaming service on Wednesday night at West Virginia.
It remains to be seen if fans who do not purchase the Big 12-branded digital offering will voice displeasure about not being able to see the game between No. 3-ranked KU (20-3, 9-1) and No. 14 WVU (18-5, 6-4) set for a 6 p.m. Central time tipoff at WVU Coliseum in Morgantown.
“I don’t think we’ve been on ESPN+ (of late). We have gotten a lot of feedback over time. I believe we have two games left on it,” KU coach Bill Self said, referring to Wednesday’s game as well as a March 4 home game vs. TCU. The Jayhawks have had six games streamed thus far in 2019-20.
“Our fanbase, if they can’t get it, obviously will not be happy this Wednesday. Hopefully they can figure out a way to get it. Nobody likes it as far as not having people that support you being able to watch. Nobody likes that.
“This is a conference decision. I’ve said this before too, we can all jump to conclusions on how this still needs to play out, to see what it’s going to be like over time. I think whenever you go through major changes there’s usually some kinks to work out on a lot of different things.
“I’m not making excuses for anybody. I’ve been pretty outspoken on it. Hopefully our fanbase and West Virginia’s fanbase can see it because it should obviously be a very competitive game.”
Self grinned when a reporter asked if he figured out how to watch Big 12 Now on ESPN+ games at home.
“I don’t watch it at home. I do have it in my office, though,” Self said.
Will Self use two big men at same time?
West Virginia starts a pair of big men in 6-10 Derek Culver and 6-9 Oscar Tshiebwe. Could Self, who has started a four-guard lineup the past five games, play Udoka Azubuike and David McCormack with three guards Wednesday?
“We are looking at trying to maybe do some more of that,” Self said of playing two bigs together with three guards. “I’m not saying we’ll start that way. I think depending on foul situations I think it would benefit us to have two bigs out there at least a larger portion of the game than what we’ve been playing with.”
Azubuike wins Big 12 honor
Kansas senior Udoka Azubuike on Monday was chosen Big 12 player of the week in a vote by a media panel that covers the league.
Azubuike had 17 points and 12 rebounds in a home win over Texas and 20 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks in a win at TCU.
A KU player has claimed the award the last three weeks. Azubuike claimed the accolade on Jan. 27 and Devon Dotson on Feb. 3. Azubuike also won the award Jan. 27. Dotson has won the honor three times.
“We rely on them a lot,” KU freshman Christian Braun said Monday of Azubuike and Dotson. “They do a lot for our team. Last game Devon had 17 (points) and 11 (assists) and Doke was player of the week. To have those kind of numbers on the same team … I know they don’t pay much attention to that. They care about winning. You can have guys put up those crazy numbers ... as long as they care about winning it’s a good thing to have.”
Girod to attend Senate hearing
KU chancellor Douglas Girod will testify at a Senate hearing Tuesday in Washington on NCAA student-athlete compensation. Jerry Moran (R-Kansas) will ask for testimony from NCAA and Big 12 officials, including conference commissioner Bob Bowlsby and NCAA President Mark Emmert.
The hearing is entitled: “Name, Image, and Likeness: The State of Intercollegiate Athlete Compensation.” The hearing, according to a Senate press release, will examine issues “that surround compensating collegiate athletes for the use of their name, image, and likeness. Witnesses will also discuss the use of third party agents, current definitions of amateurism, and allowable incentives made available to today’s college athletes.”
“I actually have no preconceived hopes on what comes out of that. I am not schooled on exactly how they are trying to come to resolution,” Self said. “I think it’s still very early in the process.
“I don’t think there’s anybody out there who has the perfect answer for it because you can certainly go against the grain with whatever particular ideas anybody has. If I’m not mistaken Sen. Moran is kind of leading the charge or the committee on this. It’s probably natural somebody from Kansas be involved. I would think the chancellor is looking forward to playing a role in which we create positive change. I think he’ll be excited about it.”
This story was originally published February 10, 2020 at 4:46 PM.
