Kansas University’s Cliff Alexander and Kelly Oubre Jr., are included on the preseason Wayman Tisdale Award watch list. The award, which goes to the country’s top freshman, is sponsored by the USBWA. Duke’s Jabari Parker won a year ago.
Off to Florida: After defeating Rider, 87-60, the Jayhawks were to leave Tuesday for Orlando, Florida, site of the bracketed portion of the Orlando Classic at HP Fieldhouse in Kissimmee, Florida. KU will practice Wednesday in Florida, then meet Rhode Island approximately 1:30 p.m., Thanksgiving Day.
If KU beats Rhode Island, it would meet the winner of the Santa Clara-Tennessee game at 11 a.m. Friday. Teams on the other side of the bracket are Marquette, Georgia Tech, Michigan State and Rider. Rider will play Michigan State at 5:30 p.m., Central Time, Thursday in another first-round game.
Stats: KU’s bench outscored the starters, 44-43. … KU swatted a season-best six shot attempts, including two by Jamari Traylor … Hunter Mickelson scored KU’s final three baskets. … Brannen Green’s previous career high was 10 points against Kansas State.
