If Kansas is going to go on a run this year during March Madness, they’ll have to do it without star guard Kevin McCullar Jr.
Kansas coach Bill Self said Tuesday that McCullar was not healthy enough to play in the NCAA Tournament effectively ending both his time playing for the Jayhawks and his collegiate career.
“He’s out,” Self told reporters, according to The Topeka Capital-Journal. “We’re shutting him down for the tournament. So, if we’re fortunate enough to win two games we would have done it without him. And he hadn’t practiced in six weeks, basically, and so, yeah, he hasn’t done more damage to his knee.”
McCullar’s bone bruise won’t require surgery, but the pain hadn’t subsided enough in McCullar’s knee where he would have been able to play.
The news was a tough break for McCullar, who thanked the fans for their support in a post on social media on Tuesday night.
“In regard to me not playing in March Madness, if I could play, I would,” he wrote. “I am more devastated than anyone, knowing that I can’t play and compete alongside my team and that my college career has now come to an end. I have done everything that I possibly could have done to get back playing at a high level to help my team. This included 6-7 hours a day with the training staff at Kansas for over a month now, while not participating in practice but competing in games.
“While trying various treatment options, it’s simply not where it needs to be to play the game.”
He added: “This is the best time of the year and I wish I was able to help my brothers and KU on the court during this time, but unfortunately, I cannot. I will be supporting them in Utah and the rest of this March run!”
McCullar will still be with his team during their run in the NCAA Tournament and help as it prepares for its first-round matchup against No. 13 seed Samford on Thursday.
McCullar averaged 18.3 points per game, six rebounds and 4.1 assists for Kansas during the regular season.
