The Kansas Jayhawks resumed their basketball journey post-Christmas break with standout performances and updates. From Hunter Dickinson’s electrifying halfcourt shot at the holiday clinic to promising practice sessions by A.J. Storr, the team is gearing up for their Big 12 opener. Injury updates and team morale reflect readiness for the season ahead.
Hunter Dickinson Wows at KU Basketball Holiday Camp
Hunter Dickinson, the 7-foot-2 center from Alexandria, Virginia, impressed young participants at Kansas’ holiday men’s basketball clinic on Friday. Opening the event with flair, he effortlessly sank a half-court shot on his first attempt, drawing cheers from the crowd of first-to-sixth graders.
Dickinson celebrated by sprinting through the northwest tunnel at Allen Fieldhouse before returning to take a bow. For the next two hours, he joined his teammates in drills and scrimmages. Kansas head coach Bill Self introduced him as “the tallest, goofiest person you’ll ever meet,” highlighting his charismatic presence.
Jayhawks Return to Practice Post-Christmas Break
After a short Christmas break, the Kansas Jayhawks reunited for practice on Thursday night, followed by a session on Friday morning. Preparing for their Big 12 opener against West Virginia on Tuesday, the team seemed re-energized. Self noted, “We had a good practice today,” and praised junior guard A.J. Storr, calling his performance in the last two days exceptional. “He’s excited and ready to get back to work,” Self added.
The players had minimal travel disruptions despite the holiday season, with only a few flight delays reported. Self shared that he and his wife, Cindy, spent Christmas in Dallas and Oklahoma City with family, bringing their grandchildren back to Lawrence.
Injury Updates and Player Condition
Kansas is dealing with a few injury concerns as they gear up for conference play:
- Elmarko Jackson: The sophomore guard is out for the season after undergoing surgery during the summer to repair a torn left patellar tendon.
- Zach Clemence: The junior forward sustained a groin injury during practice. While he participated in Friday’s camp activities, his recovery timeline is uncertain. “It could be a week, a month, or more,” said Self.
- Rylan Griffen: The junior guard, who suffered an eye injury during Sunday’s game against Brown, has fully recovered and participated in the camp without issues.
Team Progress and Outlook
The Jayhawks, now sitting at a 9-2 record, have shown improvement but still recognize the need for growth. “We’ve made progress in recent weeks, but there’s a lot of room for improvement,” Self said.
He commended the team’s positive attitude and singled out Wisconsin transfer A.J. Storr as a player to watch in the second half of the season, describing his recent practice as his best of the year.
| Player | Injury/Update | Status | Recovery Timeline | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elmarko Jackson | Torn left patellar tendon | Out for the season | N/A | Recovering from summer surgery |
| Zach Clemence | Groin pull | Out indefinitely | 1 week to several months | Participated lightly in camp |
| Rylan Griffen | Eye injury during game | Fully recovered | Immediate | Participated fully in camp |
| A.J. Storr | Exceptional practice performance | Healthy | N/A | Expected to excel in the season |
FAQs
What was the highlight of Hunter Dickinson’s appearance at the camp?
Hunter Dickinson amazed attendees by sinking a half-court shot on his first try, followed by an enthusiastic celebration. He then participated in drills and scrimmages with his teammates.
Which players are currently dealing with injuries?
Elmarko Jackson is out for the season, Zach Clemence is recovering from a groin pull, and Rylan Griffen has fully recovered from an eye injury sustained in the game against Brown.
How has A.J. Storr performed since returning from the break?
Wisconsin transfer A.J. Storr has had his best practices of the year, impressing the coaching staff and positioning himself for a strong second half of the season.
When is Kansas’ next game, and who are they playing?
Kansas will face West Virginia in their Big 12 opener on Tuesday at 1 p.m. in Allen Fieldhouse, with the game broadcast live on ESPN+.
What’s Bill Self’s perspective on the team’s progress?
Self acknowledges the team’s improvement in recent weeks but emphasizes there is still significant room for growth. He is optimistic about their potential as they head into conference play.
