Nigeria native Azubuike, who averaged 16.9 points and 9.7 rebounds his senior season at Potter’s House Christian High in Jacksonville, Fla., hit 13 of 15 shots Wednesday. Most came off dunks, making some wonder how the rims were able to withstand such force.
Has Azubuike ever brought down a backboard?
“Oh, yes, yes, several times,” Azubuike said.
Of his most spectacular slam, the one in which he showed off nifty ball-handling skills, the McDonald’s All-American said: “It’s something I’ve been practicing. I did it in high school sometimes. I’m really trying to show off my point-guard skills a little bit.”
He was only kidding — something KU coach Self does not do when discussing the powerful player’s potential.
“He is probably as athletic off two feet as any big guy I’ve ever had,” Self said in introducing Azubuike to campers Friday at Self’s parent/child camp. “He could go down … Jo Jo (Embiid) was unreal … but Udoka could go down as the best big man Kansas has seen in many, many, many, many years.”
Self has said the same thing to Azubuike, who turns 17 on Sept. 17, many times.
BLUE (111)
Josh Jackson 9-13 0-0 19, Frank Mason III 13-17 0-0 29, Udoka Azubuike 13-15 0-0 26, Carlton Bragg, Jr. 11-20 0-0 22, Clay Young 1-2 0-0 2, Brady Morningstar 5-6 0-0 11, Justin Wesley 0-0 0-0 0, Elijah Johnson 1-2 0-0 2. Three-point shots made: Mason 3, Morningstar, Jackson.
RED (88)
Lagerald Vick 9-17 0-0 23, Landen Lucas 2-6 0-0 4, Devonte Graham 5-14 0-0 12, Evan Maxwell 3-7 0-0 6, Mitch Lightfoot 2-5 0-0 4, Travis Releford 10-16 0-0 24, Kevin Young 4-7 0-0 8, Tyler Self 3-11 0-0 7. Three-point shots made: Vick 5, Releford 4, Graham, Self.
LJW
RSS Feed