Hunter Dickinson showed some ‘rust’ in Jayhawks’ season-opening win over Howard
Frustration showed on Hunter Dickinson’s face after the 7-foot-2 Kansas senior center failed to complete a pair of slam dunks in the Jayhawks’ 87-57 season-opening win over Howard on Monday night at Allen Fieldhouse.
The Big 12 preseason player of the year was hard on himself, shaking his head and frowning despite the fact he was fouled on the second second-half dunk try.
“Obviously there was some rust from the finishing aspect,” said Dickinson. He missed several days of practice after aggravating a strained foot during a scrimmage at the Oct. 18 Late Night in the Phog. He did not play in KU’s two exhibition games, instead had daily treatment leading up to a return to practice several days ago.
Considering the time he’d missed, Dickinson was satisfied with Monday’s line of 16 points, six rebounds, three steals and two blocks. He also had one assist against two turnovers in 21 minutes.
“It (foot) felt really good. I might not have been able to play 35 minutes, maybe a couple more minutes,” Dickinson said. “Thankfully we’ve still got a couple more days before a big game.”
That would be Friday’s 6 p.m. home contest against North Carolina.
“I was able to get my feet under me to let other guys handle it and build that lead,” Dickinson said. “Our defense led to our offense and helped us get to an early lead (46-19 at halftime).”
Fellow big man Flory Bidunga scored 13 points and grabbed eight rebounds with two blocks and two steals in 17 minutes. Forward KJ Adams had seven points off 3-of-3 shooting with four rebounds and three assists in 23 minutes. Junior forward Zach Clemence had five points and a rebound in 14 minutes.
Guard Zeke Mayo hit five 3s and had 19 points to lead all scorers. In all, KU hit 11 of 22 3s to Howard’s 8 of 22.
“It felt like we were scoring from all different angles, different positions,” said Dickinson, who hit 5 of 8 shots. “It was super fun to be out there with the guys. We have so much talent out there it makes it easy for me, Juan (Harris) and KJ to play with that talent and let them go make their own plays.”
The Jayhawks held Howard to 22-of-58 shooting for 37.9%. KU was 32-of-53 for 60.4%.
“I think probably just how we defended,” Dickinson, who hit the only 3 he attempted Monday, said of the highlight of the game. “I think I played pretty well defensively. As a team we guarded their actions well. As a team we worked on not letting their shooters get open looks. We did a good job on defense.”
KU coach Bill Self said Dickinson “looked like a guy that had lost some rhythm (and was) out of sorts a little bit. He needed to be out there. That was perfect (getting some minutes before the North Carolina game). He’s so unselfish, a good teammate, a good passer. You could tell he didn’t have his legs yet, a little out of whack. The guy didn’t play much, still gets six rebounds.”
Now after a day off Tuesday, the Jayhawks will prepare for Friday’s game against North Carolina.
The high-scoring Tar Heels, who won exhibition games against Memphis (84-76) and Johnson C. Smith (127-63), defeated Elon 90-76 Monday in the season opener for both teams.
“I mean I think it’ll be hard to guard their three guards. Obviously they have one of the best backcourts in the country,” Dickinson said of guards RJ Davis, Elliot Cadeau, Seth Trimble and Ian Jackson. Davis, a returning first-team All-American, scored a game-high 24 points while also dominating with seven rebounds, seven assists and zero turnovers versus Elon. He shot 7-for-7 from the free throw line.
“Going against ourselves would probably be the best practice. If we are who everybody says we are — the No. 1 team in the country (UNC is No. 9) — we should be able to play each other and make ourselves better the next three days,” Dickinson added. “Today was a good step for us. Some of the guys were able to see the ball go through the net. I think that’ll be huge for them going into Friday. We need all hands on deck. It’s a big game. I know the fans will bring energy. Hopefully we can bring home a win for them.”
This story was originally published November 5, 2024 at 11:00 AM.
