One of the things that made [Saturday’s Elite Eight loss to Oregon in Kansas City, Mo.,][1] so tough for so many Jayhawks to swallow was the fact that none of them wanted seniors Landen Lucas, Frank Mason III and Tyler Self to end on anything other than a victory.
Although Self did not play much — even though he did get into the first three games of KU’s run this season — the coach’s son emerged this season as a true member of the team, who helped the young players understand the culture and requirements of playing for Kansas while also putting in the kind of work that’s impressive to see for a player not rewarded with playing time.
Lucas and Mason leave Kansas as two of the most appreciated players in recent memory, partly because of their status as seniors in an era that has been dominated by early departures and transfers and partly because of the paths they took to prominence. Somewhat overlooked during their early days at KU, the two kept their heads down, put in the work and became such strong players who embodied everything that head coach Bill Self wants Kansas basketball to be known for.
[While the rest of the team tries to move on,][2] the reality of Saturday being their last game in a Kansas uniform hit everybody in the program hard, and all three found time, amid their grieving, to hit social media with heart-felt goodbyes and thank you’s to the Kansas basketball family.
Here’s a quick look at their messages.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSHG5kFhMtM/
Feel like my life is over, thanks for everything Jayhawk Nation. You guy will forever have a special place in my heart. ❤️????
— Frank Mason (@FrankMason0) March 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/T_Self11/status/846092823464214529
[1]: http://www2.kusports.com/news/2017/mar/25/bitter-end-shots-dont-fall-jayhawks-dropped-elite-/
[2]: http://www2.kusports.com/news/2017/mar/26/pain-elite-eight-loss-lingers-jayhawks-have-faith-/