Kansas freshman Cheick Diallo makes his first career start at Oklahoma State

After freshman forward Cheick Diallo made the first start of his college career, Kansas coach Bill Self offered a tepid endorsement.

“I didn’t really think anybody had a chance to look that well tonight,” Self said, following Tuesday’s 86-67 loss at Oklahoma State. “But he was fine. That position has been pretty inconsistent for us. I thought he did some good things.”

Diallo finished with four points and two rebounds in 13 minutes. He exited the game early in the second half after having trouble with one of Kansas’ standard offensive plays. HIs first start came just three days after he finished with nine points, nine rebounds and five blocks while playing a career-high 21 minutes against TCU.

“He was so nervous,” Self said. “And a lot of things, he’s got to do to fit in better, but no, I think he did fine.”

▪ Junior wing Brannen Greene sat out Tuesday’s game after bumping knees with a teammate during practice on Monday.

▪ Senior forward Perry Ellis is is one of 30 candidates for the 2015-16 Senior CLASS Award, KU announced Tuesday. The annual award goes to a college senior who has “notable achievements in four areas of excellence: community, classroom, character and competition.”

This story was originally published January 19, 2016 at 5:22 PM with the headline "Kansas freshman Cheick Diallo makes his first career start at Oklahoma State."