KU basketball blows out Howard. Here are three takeaways from Jayhawks’ season opener
Zeke Mayo flashed a huge grin.
The Kansas guard had just hit a deep 3-pointer over the outstretched arms of a Howard defender midway through the first half, as the Jayhawks pummeled the overmatched Bison.
The Lawrence native was finally home and fulfilling a childhood dream, so naturally, he looked at ease.
He had plenty to smile about on Monday.
No. 1 KU defeated Howard 87-57 in its season opener at Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks were led by Mayo, who scored 19 points. Hunter Dickinson added 16 points.
Kansas guard Shakeel Moore (recovery from surgery) missed the game due to injury. KU’s starting lineup was Dajuan Harris, exhibition game standout David Coit, KJ Adams, Dickinson and Rylan Griffen.
Sophomore guard Jamari McDowell did not play and will redshirt, coach Bill Self said.
The Jayhawks won their 52nd consecutive home opener, a streak dating back to 1973. Kansas, which led by as many as 38 points, held the lead almost the entire night while shooting a blistering 11-for-22 (50%) on 3-pointers.
Up next: The Jayhawks host North Carolina on Friday at Allen Fieldhouse.
Until then, here are three takeaways from Monday’s season opener…
Kansas freshman Flory Bidunga shines
Boy, is Flory Bidunga exciting to watch.
Bidunga showcased why Self and Bidunga’s teammates have spent the offseason raving about his play.
The freshman had 10 points and five rebounds … in the first half (he played nine minutes). He also protected the rim with two blocks.
For a player who’s a little raw on the offensive end, he did an excellent job of running to the rim and putting pressure on Howard’s defenders on fast breaks. He even created his own shot with a post spin that led to a layup and nifty baby hook.
The most promising part of Bidunga’s play was that he never looked uncomfortable despite playing in his first-ever college game.
He finished with 10 points on a perfect 5-for-5 shooting, along with seven rebounds.
“It was exciting to be there,” Bidunga said. “Obviously I came after Hunt, and then I was just focused on bringing the energy for the team, making sure that the second team is not letting down everybody’s energy.”
Transfers Zeke Mayo and David Coit stand out
Guards Zeke Mayo and David Coit looked the best among the slew of transfers that joined the Jayhawks this offseason.
Mayo and Coit weren’t shy about shooting from deep — combining to go 7-for-11 (63.6%) from 3-point range.
Both players played with great energy and led multiple fast breaks, leading to quick points for the Jayhawks as Howard players didn’t get back in time.
Although both players are undersized, both played with plenty of effort on defense and consistently contested shots.
Kansas having two guards who can provide instant offense — while not being a liability on defense — is a definite change from last season. Coit finished with eight points and four assists in 22 minutes.
“He deferred and pitched ahead and did a lot of other things other than just look to shoot the ball,” Self said of Coit. “Which (means) he’s figuring it out.
KU’s defense shuts down Howard
Look, Howard isn’t exactly UConn or UNC. And it’s still Game 1 of the regular season.
Still, KU’s defense was excellent.
The Jayhawks limited Howard to 22-for-58 (38%) shooting. Kansas did an excellent job blocking off the paint, as the Bison only had 20 paint points compared to KU’s 40. KU also had 22 points off 17 Bison turnovers.
Although the opponent wasn’t the most formidable, it was a good sign the Jayhawks didn’t let up defensively vs. the Bison.
This story was originally published November 4, 2024 at 9:04 PM.
