KU basketball injury report: Bill Self has positive news on Kevin McCullar, Dajuan Harris
Kansas basketball coach Bill Self is “hopeful” guards Kevin McCullar and Dajuan Harris, who suffered ankle injuries in Tuesday night’s 87-76 victory at Oklahoma State, will be able to play in Saturday’s home game against Baylor.
Tipoff is 3 p.m. at Allen Fieldhouse.
“They’ve both had at least four treatment sessions so far since we’ve been back, maybe five,” Self said Thursday. The Jayhawks returned to Lawrence early Wednesday morning following the 8 p.m. Tuesday tipoff at Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
“I don’t know either one will practice today (Thursday) but I’m hopeful they can be on the court tomorrow. If they are on the court tomorrow they’ll play Saturday.”
McCullar walked into the hallway outside the locker room before Thursday’s practice without a limp and without any protective boot. He tweaked his right ankle, while Harris sprained his left foot during the victory over OSU.
Self provided updates on KU’s other “nicked up” players.
“Bobby played. He didn’t play much,” Self said of guard Bobby Pettiford, who played three minutes Tuesday night. He’s been slowed by a hamstring injury.
“I didn’t want to play him much unless we had to play him. Fortunately it was a situation when Juan got hurt we had to, but he wasn’t out there a lot,” Self said. “I do think his availability will be more come Saturday and hopefully Monday (at TCU) just because we kind of bought another week by giving him (basically the night off at OSU).
“Even though he played he didn’t really have to push it. Hopefully we bought a little time in him becoming more whole.”
Forward Zach Clemence (knee) did not play at Oklahoma State.
“Zach is still bothered by his knee, but you know we’re not going to play 11 guys more than likely,” Self said, “Even if he would have been available to put in the game he wouldn’t have been 100% and may not be for a little while to actually play. He can get out there 85 to 90%. He is still not 100%.”
Forward Zuby Ejiofor (foot) played eight minutes at OSU and is available, Self saId. Of forward Cam Martin (shoulder), Self said: “His shoulder is still not well. He will not play.” Also, guard Kyle Cuffe remains out with a knee injury.
Braun, Agbaji may be in house Saturday
Some of the Jayhawks currently in the NBA may sit in the Allen Fieldhouse stands for Saturday’s 3 p.m. game against Baylor. The NBA this weekend will be at the All-Star break.
“I think C.B. (Christian Braun, Denver Nuggets) and ‘Och’ (Agbaji, Utah Jazz) will be back,” Self said. “I’ve not talked to all of them (Jayhawks in the NBA). I don’t know who all will positively be back.”
Continued Self, smiling: “I’m sure C.B. and Och will want to come back just so they can have everybody cheer for them again.”
Those two, of course, were members of last year’s NCAA title team.
“I know Christian will be here,” KU forward Jalen Wilson said, before adding with a smile: “Mitch (Lightfoot) and (Chris) Teahan for sure. They’re not in the NBA but I’m sure will be back.”
