Five familiar faces will be in Kansas University’s starting lineup tonight in Allen Fieldhouse.
Coach Bill Self on Monday’s Hawk Talk radio show said he’d open the KU-Washburn game with Cole Aldrich and Matt Kleinmann in the frontcourt to go with guards Sherron Collins, Brady Morningstar and Tyrel Reed.
The only way that could change, Self said after the show, is if Washburn goes with a very small lineup, meaning Self would start Conner Teahan over Kleinmann.
“They deserve it. They’ve been here,” Self said. “They have great attitudes, work hard and are good leaders. Conner (Teahan) will be in soon off the bench. It will give them a chance to get out there and feel what it’s like to start. Those others (newcomers) will get in (soon).
“I’m not saying they’re our top five now. I think it will be best for us.”
¢ Little update: Mario Little will miss the game as he rests a stress fracture in his left leg.
“He had a spot on his leg. It’s similar to what they’re saying about Tyler,” Self said of North Carolina center Tyler Hansbrough’s injury.
“Realistically, we’re not banking on having him in games in November. If he could be 100 percent in early December, I’d sell out for that now. Unfortunately, these things can linger.”
¢ Lots of unknowns: Self doesn’t know what to expect tonight.
“To be candid, the last couple of times we played exhibition games there was a calmness or air of confidence going in. We had some returnees and knew we had a chance to be good,” he said. “This year there are unknowns.”
