LAWRENCE — Kansas basketball’s depth took a hit recently, according to head coach Bill Self.
Self, speaking Sunday after an 87-53 win against Brown, noted redshirt junior forward Zach Clemence didn’t play in the game because of an injury he suffered just days ago. Clemence had played in eight games so far this season, after redshirting last season, and came in off the bench each time to mostly play limited minutes. He entered the weekend averaging 1.4 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 5.3 minutes per game.
“Zach pulled his groin pretty significantly about three days ago, so he’s going to be out,” Self said. “He may be out a while, we don’t know yet, so it’s more significant — sometimes those groins, you come back too early then you’re going to tweak it again, more than likely. So, we’ll wait and see how he responds after Christmas.”
Clemence’s absence will make it all the more important that freshman forward Flory Bidunga continues progressing on a positive trajectory this season. Bidunga, who’s played well this season, serves as graduate center Hunter Dickinson’s lead backup at the 5-spot. Bidunga and senior forward KJ Adams are Kansas’ lone two conceivable options at the 5-spot outside of Dickinson for however much time Clemence misses.
Looking ahead, the Jayhawks don’t have another game until their Dec. 31 game against West Virginia at home that will open their Big 12 Conference slate. With the win against Brown, Kansas improved to 9-2 this season. The Jayhawks have yet to lose at home this season, with a 7-0 record inside Allen Fieldhouse that includes a win against UNC and a win against NC State.
Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas Athletics at The Topeka Capital-Journal. He is the National Sports Media Association’s sportswriter of the year for the state of Kansas for 2022. Contact him at jmguskey@gannett.com or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.
