Kansas University basketball coach Bill Self announced at his Monday press conference that junior forward Sasha Kaun will miss 3-6 weeks after suffering a partially torn patellar tendon in Sunday’s practice.
The injury was not caused by contact, and Self said it will not require surgery, as the tendon is not ruptured or completely torn. Though Self pointed out later during the press conference that Kaun’s return will be closer to six weeks from now rather than three
With the Jayhawks’ first game just three days away – a Thursday exhibition against Washburn at 7 p.m. at Allen Fieldhouse – the loss of Kaun is felt even more with the ongoing suspension of junior forward C.J. Giles, who was suspended indefinitely on Oct. 17 to get some off-court issues settled. With their absences, the only real height KU possesses is in 6-foot-8 junior Darnell Jackson, 6-foot-8 sophomore Julian Wright, 6-foot-9 freshman Darrell Arthur and 6-foot-10 sophomore Matt Kleinmann.
Self said during his session with the media that Kleinmann, a former walk-on, could see some extended playing time in the early season, as could 6-foot-4 junior Rodrick Stewart, who Self said could be used at the power forward spot to create a smaller lineup with more speed.
Kaun as a sophomore averaged 8.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game while starting 29 of the Jayhawks’ 33 contests.
For more on this story, watch Channel 6 News at 6 and 10 p.m. and read tomorrow’s Lawrence Journal-World.
