Nick KrugKansas coach Bill Self on Thursday said that senior point guard Frank Mason III was doing fine after tweaking his right knee during Monday’s win over Iowa State and was not expected to miss any time, including practice.
That message was right in line with Self’s thoughts following Monday’s victory.
“Just like what we said,” Self began. “He practiced (Wednesday), and he may be a little sore or stiff or whatnot, but structurally, he’s OK.”
The first sign of discomfort from Mason showed up early in KU’s 76-72 win at Iowa State, but after a brief stint on the bench and a couple of examinations from team medical personnel, Mason returned to the floor and played through whatever pain he was experiencing.
He finished with a team-high 16 points, 6 rebounds and a steal in 33 minutes.
If ever there were a time for Mason to need a little extra rest, the tweak came at the right time, with Kansas playing a Big Monday game and then being off until 1 p.m. Saturday, when Texas comes to town.
“We’re fortunate we played on Monday,” Self said on Thursday morning’s Big 12 teleconference. “Those Big Mondays are really nice if you’re able to get a W because it gives you time to rest and also more time to prepare for your next opponent.”
Self said the Jayhawks were off completely on Tuesday — the first day of the spring semester — and practiced Wednesday, when they began working on some specific things Texas likes to do.
Practices will continue Thursday and Friday in preparation for the Longhorns, who enter the game at 7-11 overall and 1-5 in Big 12 play during head coach Shaka Smart’s second season in charge.
