KU notebook: Devonte’ Graham out of walking boot, still waiting word on status

For the moment, Devonte’ Graham’s status has not changed. Kansas coach Bill Self does not know when Graham — a freshman point guard who is sidelined with a sprained right big toe — will be able to return to practice or resume regular basketball activities.

But Graham did see the doctor on Tuesday morning, and he did receive a modicum of good news. He can lose the walking boot he has used to get around for the last three weeks.

“That can be headline news,” Self joked. “He’s out of the boot. But we knew he’d be out of the boot in three weeks anyway. But there’s absolutely no report, as far as when he can get back on the practice floor, or anything like that.

“But it is a positive direction that the doctor let him be out of the boot. He can do limited exercise from a cardio standpoint.”

Graham, a native Raleigh, N.C., was averaging 5.9 points in 17 minutes per game before spraining his toe in a road victory at Georgetown on Dec. 10.

▪ When asked if freshman wing Kelly Oubre had cemented himself as the Jayhawks’ starter on the wing, Self was somewhat emphatic, saying: “It’s Kelly’s spot.”

“That doesn’t mean that Svi (Mykhailiuk) or Brannen (Greene) can’t crack the lineup,” Self continued. “But right now, I’d say that Kelly has been our best wing player, so I don’t see that changing.”

▪ No. 13 Kansas, 10-2, will conclude its non-conference season against UNLV at Allen Fieldhouse at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.

First half

Key play: Guard Frank Mason converted a three-point play with 49 seconds left in the half, giving the Jayhawks a 39-33 lead at the break.

Key stat: Kelly Oubre hit four three-pointers.

Second half

Key play: Forward Cliff Alexander ignited an 8-2 run with his first bucket of the game with 8:21 left. Alexander had all eight points during the run.

Key stat: KU had 19 points in transition.

This story was originally published December 30, 2014 at 11:12 PM with the headline "KU notebook: Devonte’ Graham out of walking boot, still waiting word on status."