Kansas Jayhawks Basketball

Kansas men's basketball sophomore forward Silvio De Sousa has been suspended 12 games for his role in a brawl between KU and Kansas State near the end of the Jayhawks' 81-60 home win Tuesday.

De Sousa was just one of four players suspended by the Big 12 as a result of the melee:

• Kansas forward Silvio De Sousa: 12 games
• Kansas forward David McCormack: two games
• Kansas State forward James Love: eight games
• Kansas State forward Antonio Gordon: three games

"This kind of behavior cannot be tolerated and these suspensions reflect the severity of last evening's events," Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby said of the brawl. "I am appreciative of the cooperation of both institutions in resolving this matter."

This discipline comes after head coach Bill Self had suspended De Sousa indefinitely.

"I have suspended Silvio De Sousa indefinitely pending the final outcome of the review by KU and the Big 12 Conference," Self announced earlier Wednesday. "As I said last night, we are disappointed in his actions, and there is no place in the game for that behavior."

Self and the Jayhawks expressed their support regarding the discipline in a statement, per the team's official website:

"Chancellor Girod, Jeff Long and I fully support the decision by the Big 12 Conference and appreciate their commitment to working through this situation with us. Like I said last night, I am disappointed and embarrassed by what transpired because there is no place for that type of behavior in any competition. After meeting with my team and discussing the incident in detail, it is evident that everyone fully understands the magnitude of their actions and all are remorseful for what occurred. We represent the University of Kansas and will all learn from this experience moving forward."

De Sousa took to social media to apologize for his actions:

I’m sorry for my actions last night, please read this: pic.twitter.com/cmkEO0I5Ax

— Silvio De Sousa ™ (@SilvioDeSousa5) January 23, 2020

De Sousa was seen picking up a stool in the middle of a scrum during the fight before dropping it:

The photo of the night, from @nickkrug pic.twitter.com/vfqXfYul3Y

— David Gardner (@byDavidGardner) January 22, 2020

https://twitter.com/WIBWTyler/status/1219802735308091393

Tyler Greever of WIBW and Rock Chalk Blog provided background on what led to the fight:

https://twitter.com/WIBWTyler/status/1219802735308091393

Kansas State went for an F U dunk at the end. Silvio De Sousa blocked it at the buzzer. Both benches went running to the dust-up. De Sousa, as well as at least two K-State players, threw a punch. What a scene.

— Rock Chalk Blog (@RockChalkBlog) January 22, 2020

De Sousa is averaging 2.8 points and 2.9 rebounds per game for the Jayhawks.

The 6'9" native of Angola came to Lawrence as a highly touted recruit out of IMG Academy in Florida, ranking 32nd on 247Sports' class of 2017 list. However, his KU career has not panned out, as Jeff Goodman of Stadium noted:

Silvio De Sousa was supposed to be a huge lift for Kansas. Instead, his KU career has been a complete mess. His guardian took money, kid was suspended basically for a year and a half, was a complete non-factor this season (2.8 ppm, 2.9 rpg) & now this. Should be done for a while.

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) January 22, 2020

DeSousa had played eight or fewer minutes in seven of his past eight games.

Kansas men's basketball coach Bill Self called his team's role in a game-ending fight with Kansas State on Tuesday an "embarrassment" and said that he's "sure" he will announce further consequences Wednesday:

"That was an embarrassment on our part for the role that we played in it and there will be consequences that I'm sure I'll announce tomorrow." - Bill Self on the fight.#kubball #kstatembb #billself pic.twitter.com/PXBMcZafZX

— Pete Francis (@Pete_Francis) January 22, 2020

The matchup's conclusion saw both teams engage in a massive brawl that spilled past the baseline.

Tyler Greever of WIBW explained how the fight started:

https://twitter.com/WIBWTyler/status/1219802735308091393

Of note, KU forward Silvio De Sousa was seen picking up a stool before dropping it:

Kansas’ Silvio De Sousa went full WWE and picked up a chair amid a huge brawl between Kansas and Kansas State. pic.twitter.com/flC5NDPRfd

— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) January 22, 2020

Kansas beat its in-state rival 81-60 at home. After the game, athletic director Jeff Long released a statement:

https://twitter.com/Kyle__Boone/status/1219818863552012288

It's been a tumultuous season in Lawrence.

The NCAA sent the school a notice of allegations on Sept. 23 alleging that Kansas committed three Level I violations, which are the most severe penalties in the NCAA rulebook.

Kansas then apologized for Snoop Dogg's performance at its "Late Night at the Phog" event during which the rapper shot fake $100 bills out of a T-shirt gun and dancers performed on stripper poles. This came after KU promoted Snoop Dogg's performance with a video starring Self.

Now KU will have to navigate the fallout following a brawl between the two in-state rivals, who will face each other again on Feb. 29 in Manhattan, Kansas.

The No. 3 Kansas Jayhawks began Big 12 play with a 60-53 victory over the No. 16 West Virginia Mountaineers at Allen Fieldhouse on Saturday afternoon.

The Mountaineers led by as many as 10 points, including a 30-24 halftime lead despite being held scoreless for the final three minutes of the first half, but Kansas surged once the second-half whistle blew.

Jayhawks senior center Udoka Azubuike had just six points in the first 20 minutes before leading KU's comeback effort by notching his fifth double-double of the season. Azubuike and sophomore guard Devon Dotson combined for 33 of Kansas' 60 points.

Neither squad shot particularly well. Kansas shot 40.4 percent from the field but went only 3-of-17 from three-point range, while West Virginia labored toward a 32.2 shooting percentage from the field (3-of-14 from three).

The Jayhawks improved to 11-2, having most recently lost 56-55 to No. 10 Villanova on Dec. 21. Kansas was ranked No. 1 in the country at the time.

West Virginia saw its four-game winning streak snapped by the Jayhawks. The 11-2 Mountaineers were riding high into this matchup after upsetting No. 2 Ohio State 67-59 on Sunday.

       

Notable Performances

KU C Udoka Azubuike: 17 points, 11 rebounds, 1 steal, 6 blocks

KU G Devon Dotson: 16 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals

KU G Marcus Garrett: 12 points, 1 rebound, 6 assists, 2 steals, 1 block

KU G Ochai Agbaji: 7 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 1 steal

WVU F Oscar Tshiebwe: 17 points, 17 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 blocks

WVU G Miles McBride: 13 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal

WVU F Derek Culver: 5 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block

WVU G Jordan McCabe: 7 points, 1 assist, 1 steal

       

Oscar Tshiebwe's Importance to Mountaineers Reiterated in Loss

The freshman big man established his territory in the paint early and often at Allen Fieldhouse.

Tshiebwe entered halftime with 15 points and 10 rebounds, notching his sixth double-double of the season.

Halftime, Kansas trailing West Virginia 30-24. Devon Dotson with 12 to lead the Hawks. Oscar Tshiebwe with 15/10 to lead everyone, and also this pic.twitter.com/PWkuOKZXWM

— Matt Henderson (@mhendersontv) January 4, 2020

That didn’t take long... Big O with the double-double in the first half.#HailWV pic.twitter.com/2pm1XPI0Hc

— WVU Men's Basketball (@WVUhoops) January 4, 2020

Big O scores four straight and will go to the line as WVU takes a 21-13 lead. Official timeout comes at 7:57. pic.twitter.com/himjew4bL4

— WVU Men's Basketball (@WVUhoops) January 4, 2020

Kansas experienced firsthand what the Tshiebwe-led Mountaineers are capable of when the Congo native avoids foul trouble.

Oscar Tshiebwe is doing to Kansas what we have become so accustomed to seeing Udoka Azubuike do to whoever Kansas is playing. Straight bully ball.

And he started talking sh*t after banking in a three. I'm all in on Big Sheeb™.

— Rob Dauster (@RobDauster) January 4, 2020

West Virginia still managed to upset No. 2 Ohio State while Tshiebwe was held scoreless in an abbreviated eight-minute outing. That was not the case for West Virginia on Saturday when Tshiebwe was neutralized in the second half:

In the first half, #WVU guard play was abysmal, but bailed out by an unreal Oscar Tshiebwe performance. In second half, Oscar has been just okay which won't cover up the guard play (or poor play from Culver).

— Chris Anderson (@CMAnderson247) January 4, 2020

Tshiebwe's dominant first-half performance did not completely absolve the Mountaineers from struggling:

West Virginia didn't score in final 3:30 of half and still takes a 30-24 lead into the break. Missed opportunity for KU there.

— Jesse Newell (@jessenewell) January 4, 2020

WVU at 0.91 PPP in that first half. Even with Tshiebwe going crazy on the offensive glass ... KU's defense hasn't been the issue.

— Jesse Newell (@jessenewell) January 4, 2020

West Virginia doesn't need to feel discouraged by this, however. It's January, and the Mountaineers are already four victories away from matching their 2018-19 win total. Instead, leaving Kansas with a loss should serve as an early reminder for head coach Bob Huggins that Tshiebwe's supporting cast can't rely solely on him in order to ride this wave into the NCAA tournament.

       

KU's Quest to Regain Big 12 Title Won't Be Easy

Kansas State and Texas Tech shared the Big 12 regular-season title last season, marking the first time since 2003-04 that the Jayhawks did not at least hold a share.

Iowa State then beat Kansas 78-66 in the Big 12 tournament final.

Saturday's opening of conference play, even though it resulted in a win, served as a reminder that the Jayhawks are no longer necessarily automatically a lock to claim the Big 12 like they were for 14 consecutive years.

Head coach Bill Self seemed to acknowledge this postgame:

Bill Self says in a weird way, he felt like his guys grew up today. Said the players who were out there learned the toughness needed to win games in the Big 12.

— Jesse Newell (@jessenewell) January 4, 2020

The Mountaineers' efforts fell apart once Tshiebwe was shaken off his game in the second half, but moving forward, what could be more concerning for Kansas is that West Virginia's bench outscored Jayhawks reserves 20-6.

KU's next three games will serve as a good gauge. The Jayhawks will rematch with Iowa State in Ames, Iowa, before hosting the No. 6 Baylor Bears (Jan. 11) and traveling to Oklahoma (Jan. 14).

Baylor owns the conference's second-best scoring defense, second-best scoring margin and third-best scoring offense, according to the Big 12's official website. Kansas ranks seventh, first and first in those respective categories.

The Jayhawks' win over West Virginia served as a primer for what can be learned about this team against the Bears.

       

What's Next?

The Mountaineers will continue their road trip Monday against Oklahoma State.

The Jayhawks will travel to take on the Iowa State Cyclones, the reigning Big 12 tournament champions, on Wednesday.

University of Kansas head basketball coach Bill Self has shot down speculation he'll replace San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich for the 2020-21 NBA season.

"There's zero truth to that," Self told reporters Friday.

Seth Greenberg of ESPN forecast the potential Spurs coaching change during an appearance on Wednesday's Get Up as part of his bold predictions for 2020:

In April, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported San Antonio ownership believes Popovich is "entitled to manage his future the way he wants," so it's fine with letting him decide whether to keep coaching on a year-to-year basis regardless of his contract status.

The Spurs are coming off their 22nd consecutive playoff berth and hold the eighth seed in the Western Conference despite a 14-19 record. However, they are no longer among the NBA's select group of title contenders without Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Kawhi Leonard.

As well, Popovich will lead what should be a star-studded Team USA roster in the 2020 Summer Olympics, potentially providing an exit strategy for the 70-year-old Air Force veteran.

If the Americans win gold, Pop could enter retirement on a high note and hand the Spurs' coaching staff to someone else to lead a new era in franchise history. He'd probably handle some type of emeritus role within the organization, though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fy9yqWHPMBQ

Self, who owns 35 years of coaching experience at the collegiate level, has never worked in the NBA. He's posted a 690-213 record as head coach at Kansas, Illinois, Tulsa and Oral Roberts. He guided the Jayhawks to a national championship in 2008 and has three Final Four appearances.

His resume and the stability he's provided at Kansas since 2003 seemingly make him the type of candidate San Antonio, one of the gold standards in sports organizations, would consider.

That said, Self would likely be an underdog candidate to Spurs assistant Becky Hammon, who'd become the first female head coach in a Big Four sport; one of the team's other assistants (Duncan, Will Hardy, Chip Engelland and Mitch Johnson); or any of the numerous former Spurs staffers who've accepted jobs elsewhere.

A plane carrying the Kansas men's basketball team needed to make an emergency landing Sunday because of an engine issue.

"Upon our return flight home from San Jose, CA, roughly 20 minutes into the flight, one of the engines failed," the school said in a statement. "The pilot immediately contacted the San Jose Airport, where we returned and made a safe landing. We are grateful to the pilots and the entire flight crew of Swift Air. We will stay the night in San Jose and return to Lawrence once the plans have been finalized."

The Jayhawks' official men's basketball account added that "everyone onboard is safe and sound."

Ryan White, Kansas' senior associate athletic director of development, shared a video from inside the plane as it was in the air:

@KUHoops plane blows engine on flight back to Lawrence. We just landed safely back in San Jose. 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/aAKPcavCUK

— Ryan White (@ryanwhite_01) December 30, 2019

The fifth-ranked Jayhawks beat Stanford 72-56 at Maples Pavilion on Sunday to improve to 10-2. Isaiah Moss had a team-high 17 points off the bench, while Devon Dotson and Ochai Agbaji chipped in with 14 points apiece.

Kansas doesn't return to action until Saturday when it hosts No. 22 West Virginia for its Big 12 opener.

Nobody is safe in college basketball this season. 

First then-No. 1 Kentucky lost to Evansville on Nov. 12. Then, preseason No. 1 Michigan State lost to Virginia Tech on Monday. Not to be outdone, current No. 1 Duke lost to Stephen F. Austin in overtime on Tuesday.

The No. 4 Kansas Jayhawks nearly joined the list.

The Big 12 powerhouse survived a scare from the Dayton Flyers of the Atlantic 10 with a 90-84 overtime victory in the 2019 Maui Invitational championship game on Wednesday. Dayton's Jalen Crutcher drilled a three-pointer in the waning seconds to force overtime, but the Flyers had no answer for big man Udoka Azubuike in extra time.

What a shot by Dayton to force OT with No. 4 Kansas for the Maui Invitational Championship! pic.twitter.com/sxsSnlmlls

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 28, 2019

Azubuike fouled out with 27.3 seconds remaining in overtime but only after he poured in 29 points with four blocks and three rebounds on 12-of-15 shooting.

It appeared as if the Flyers were going to pull away when Ibi Watson hit a three-pointer to open up an eight-point lead with less than eight minutes remaining in regulation, but Kansas responded with an 11-0 run. It consistently turned to Azubuike down low as it battled back, and the big man registered a monster block while nursing a one-point lead in the final 30 seconds of regulation.

He was also the focal point in the extra period, as Kansas patiently played through the low post.

While Dayton didn't have the strength on the inside to counter the senior, it responded by unleashing three-pointers throughout the contest.

The Flyers finished 16-of-33 (48.5 percent) from deep, while Obi Toppin spearheaded the overall effort as someone who could attack the basket, score from the blocks and extend his game beyond the arc. Toppin finished with 18 points, nine rebounds, three blocks and one stare down of the Kansas bench:

That’s cold, Obi.

Turned around and stared down the Kansas bench before the shot went in 🔥

(via @marchmadness)https://t.co/AzrwZ9Ty27

— Bleacher Report CBB (@br_CBB) November 27, 2019

It wasn't all Azubuike and Toppin for their respective teams.

Devon Dotson had 31 points, six rebounds, five steals and four assists for Kansas, while Ryan Mikesell posted 19 points, five rebounds and four points for the Flyers.

Kansas is now 6-1 on the campaign, while Dayton fell to 5-1.

The Flyers proved their mettle against power conference foes throughout the tournament, defeating Georgia and Virginia Tech to reach the championship game. Kansas beat Chaminade and BYU in its first two contests.

Both teams return home for the next game. Dayton hosts Houston Baptist on Tuesday, while Kansas faces Colorado on Dec. 7.

The Kansas Jayhawks added one of the highest-regarded recruits in the 2020 class to their future backcourt Tuesday.

Bryce Thompson, who checks in at 6'5" and 175 pounds, committed to the Jayhawks over North Carolina, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, per CBS Sports:

The next big Kansas Jayhawk.

Bryce Thompson officially commits to playing in Lawrence for Bill Self and @KUHoops.https://t.co/8azcNxTE3n pic.twitter.com/iR5moEnQe5

— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) November 12, 2019

“Great fit for me, (Bill Self) told me everything and where I could fit in.”

Bryce Thompson breaks down his decision to join @KUHoops.https://t.co/8azcNxTE3n pic.twitter.com/zdUvR4ZfIa

— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) November 12, 2019

According to 247Sports' composite rankings, Thompson is a 5-star prospect and the No. 19 overall player, No. 4 combo guard and No. 1 player from the state of Oklahoma in the 2020 class. 

Thompson can score in a variety of ways.

He can hit from three-point range, attack off the dribble, finish through contact and cut into space away from the ball, helping to open the offense whenever he is on the floor. He is also a capable facilitator whenever he draws additional defensive attention.

Thompson's versatility allows him to defend multiple positions.

Gary Bedore of the Kansas City Star noted a hyperextended left elbow forced him to miss drills at the SC30 Select camp, but it is a testament to his ability that he was even there, considering it is an invite-only camp sponsored by Golden State Warriors great Stephen Curry.

Thompson averaged a head-turning 25.3 points per game on the Oklahoma Run PWP during the Under Armour Circuit this past AAU season, per Bedore. He also hit 47 percent of his three-pointers, which is music to the ears of his new school.

He fits the profile of so many difference-makers in a modern game that emphasizes versatile playmakers on the wing who can both handle the ball and shoot from three-point range.

That should allow him to compete for significant playing time right away, and he only figures to capitalize on his immense potential as he garners experience with the Jayhawks.

Kansas is on the short list of national powerhouses in large part because of its ability to land players such as Thompson. If he fulfills his potential, he'll help the Jayhawks compete for conference and national titles.

The specter of NCAA discipline is doing little to dampen Bill Self's enthusiasm ahead of the 2019-20 season.

The Kansas head coach said he's instead using the situation as a catalyst to spur himself and his players on to the new year.

"Certainly, I haven't liked it," Self said, per ESPN's Myron Medcalf and Paula Lavigne. "But it's also, in a strange way, motivating me, probably, in a way that maybe I have never been, to combat this by taking care of our business on the basketball court, working with our players in a way that maybe exceeds any way I've ever done it."

Yahoo Sports reported in September the NCAA had sent a notice of allegations to Kansas.

The Jayhawks are facing a lack of institutional control charge and three Level I violations, which are the NCAA's most significant designation. Self is facing a head coach responsibility charge as well.

The Associated Press' Dave Skretta noted the NCAA will hold a formal hearing, at which point Kansas can present its case against the allegations. A final decision may come "within several months" of that hearing, though Kansas could appeal the ruling and drag the process on further.

The Jayhawks finished 26-10 in 2018-19 and lost in the second round of the NCAA tournament. They head into this year ranked third in the preseason AP Top 25 poll.

Kansas lost Dedric Lawson and Lagerald Vick, its top two leading scorers, but gets Udoka Azubuike and Devon Dotson back. Self also added 4-star small forwards Jalen Wilson and Tristan Enaruna, with 4-star point guard Dajuan Harris redshirting this season.

The NCAA investigation will cast a shadow over Kansas' season, and outcome could carry significant consequences for Self. However, it wouldn't appear the situation will alter his preparation or mindset as he looks to guide the program back to the Final Four for the second time in three years.

Kansas coach Bill Self bristled at the notion the school is thumbing its nose at the NCAA about upcoming sanctions on the program after the controversy surrounding Late Night at the Phog.

"Anybody that knows me knows that I'm not smart enough to figure out some of those things that transpired that would relate to anything other than that moment," Self told reporters Wednesday. "If you followed us, I do stuff for Late Night every year. This year was no different. I just happened to be wearing an Adidas shirt, who happens to be a sponsor for our next 14 years, that helps sponsor the event.

"It was innocently given to me, and I just put it on. And I already addressed and spoke to what happened the other night. I don't know how an entertainer would in any way, shape or form be thought to sticking it to anybody, including the NCAA by having an entertainer perform. I do not love the narrative that has been said concerning that with me, but I also understand that I can't control what the media writes or their opinions, and I do know the people that know me know that's not factually true in any way, shape or form."

Big Late Night in the Phog announcement 😎

🎶 One...Two...3 and to the fo’

Snoop Doggy Dogg will be performing live on AFH floor 🎶 @KUHoops x @KUWBball pic.twitter.com/cOZyqWeQdr

— Kansas Jayhawks (@KUAthletics) September 27, 2019

Self's black-and-white hype video for Late Night features the coach in an Adidas shirt and wearing a large chain while walking in to announce Snoop Dogg's performance. Kansas later apologized after Snoop's performance featured women dancing on poles and him shooting a fake money gun into the crowd.

Snoop found the controversy regarding the performance odd. He also denied a claim Kansas asked him to leave following the performance. 

"The audience enjoyed that s--t. I don't know what the f--k they talking about," Snoop said on the Howard Stern Show.

Kansas is expected to face major sanctions after being named in the federal pay-for-play investigation. Self could face a suspension for lack of institutional control. Former Adidas consultant T.J. Gassnola pleaded guilty to playing a role in conspiring to get high-level recruits to sign with Kansas and other Adidas-sponsored programs.

The guardian of forward Silvio de Sousa allegedly received a $20,000 payment at the behest of Self and Jayhawks assistant Kurtis Townsend. Gassnola denied Self or any Kansas assistants were aware of the payments. 

Snoop Dogg rapped "gotta give 'em what they want" on Dr. Dre's 1992 smash "Nuthin' But a 'G' Thang," and the 47-year-old thinks he did nothing more or less than exactly that during his controversial performance at Kansas' Midnight Madness on Oct. 4.

"The audience enjoyed that s--t," Snoop told Howard Stern on Tuesday (h/t TMZ Sports). I don't know what the f--k they talking about." 

The Grammy-nominated artist added: "I think it was more the publicity of what I did. They had to cover it up. And I respect them, and I wasn't gonna put no smut on their name and say they did anything wrong because they invited me to come do what I do. ... And when you pay for Snoop Dogg, you're gonna get Snoop Dogg."

The "Late Night at the Phog" event at the university's famed Allen Fieldhouse included clothed pole dancers (NSFW language): 

It’s actually happening. Snoop Dogg is actually at Allen Fieldhouse #kubball pic.twitter.com/V76w7PyOLa

— 580 Sports Talk (@580SportsTalk) October 5, 2019

September 23rd: Kansas basketball program accused of major NCAA violations

October 4th: Kansas has stripper poles and Snoop Dogg shoot a gun full of money into the crowd at March Madness

Jayhawks...doubling down? ✅pic.twitter.com/McsTBaj7Ia

— Mike Randle (@RandleRant) October 5, 2019

In the aftermath, KU athletic director Jeff Long issued an apology (h/t ESPN): 

"We apologize for the Snoop Dogg performance at Late Night. We made it clear to the entertainers' managers that we expected a clean version of the show and took additional steps to communicate to our fans, including moving the artist to the final act of the evening, to ensure that no basketball activities would be missed if anyone did not want to stay for his show.

"I take full responsibility for not thoroughly vetting all the details of the performance and offer my personal apology to those who were offended. We strive to create a family atmosphere at Kansas and fell short of that this evening."

Kansas head basketball coach Bill Self said that the performance went in a direction that nobody at the school would have wanted it to go. "Regardless of the entertainment that it provided many, it was still not the right way to provide the entertainment," he said. 

Self had been notified by the NCAA of allegations concerning three Level I violations against himself and the program on Sept. 23, including lack of institutional control.

The university's office of public affairs released a statement in response that it would "fiercely dispute much of what has been presented." 

In the meantime, having Snoop Dogg shoot money into the crowd isn't necessarily the best way to lay low.