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Volume 128 Issue 95
COMMENTARY What if Alexander had played in the last 8 games?
If you don't live under a rock,you know Kansas was eliminated in the NCAA Tournament's Round of 32 by Wichita State on Sunday.
It was another season that ended in, "what if?"
Last season it was: "What if Joel Embid had been healthy?"
This season it was: "What if Cliff Alexander could have played?"
Alexander was pulled from the lineup before the final Texas game and never returned. From Feb. 28 onward, Kansas was 5-3, two games in which Kansas lost by a combined six points (lost by two against Oklahoma and by four against Iowa State). What if Alexander had suited up in those games? Would it have made a difference?
I'm not some kind of magical genie. I can't turn back time, but let's play it out, this hypothetical question.
In the games Alexander played, he averaged 17.6 minutes, 7.1 points and 5.3 rebounds. All in all, those stats weren't phenomenal, but he did lead the team in field-goal percentage, shooting 56.6 percent from the field.
Keep in mind, his season high of 16 points came versus Tennessee in November.
In Alexander's last four games, he scored six points (four against Baylor, zero at West Virginia, two against TCU and zero at Kansas State). In those games, he averaged 30 percent from the field on 3-of-10 shooting. The most he was on the floor during those games was for 21 minutes against Baylor, and then his minutes drastically were cut. He had only 27 minutes combined in his final three outings.
If the trend were to hold, Alexander wouldn't have been on the floor for many minutes and wouldn't have scored many points. Of course, this is completely based on numbers and doesn't matter whatsoever because Alexander didn't play.
Would Kansas have won the three games it dropped after Alexander rode the bench? Maybe,maybe not.The stats say it's a possibility.
Will Alexander come back? No one knows. Honestly, no one knows anything about Alexander and his predicament. If he leaves, he won't play many minutes in the NBA right away. Alexander is most likely to get significant playing time in the D-League or in Europe. However, if he's deemed eligible and he stays, he could have a better chance of suiting up and potentially starting in the NBA.
Whatever happens, all Kansas fans can say is, "what if?" and wait for some news — good or bad.
Edited by Emma LeGault
If you haven't heard... KANSAN.COM IS ALL NEW!
Junior pitcher Hayden Edwards
KYLAN WHITMER
@KRWhitmer
This single-game series w be the final game for the Ja hawks to prepare for Big play, which begins this week end.
The Jayhawks (9-14) play away from Hoglund Ba park for the first time in the weeks as they travel to Spir field, Mo., to play the Missor State Bears (13-7).
The Jayhawks hosted t past 10 games and recorded 4-6 record against Utah, Central Michigan, Michigan and Iowa. In each series, the Jayhawks managed to put then selves in a position to win t series in a rubber match b were only able to close b the sries against Michigan.
In the Jayhawks' most recr series against Iowa, the baw were active as they manage 29 hits throughout the serie However, the team struggle to capitalize on these hits a they had only 10 runs batte in while 36 runners were le on base.
Tuesday's game against the Bears marks the last game for Kansas pitchers to further im prove before conference play All 14 of the Jayhawks pitchers have played at least an inning and will all be a key fac
On Sunday, coach Megan Smith reached 300 career wins with a 5-4 victory against
Softball
After completing a productive sweep in the Rock Chalk Challenge, the No. 22 Jayhawks will be back in action Tuesday as they face off against the Drake Bulldogs at 6 p.m. in Arrocha Ballpark at Rock Chalk Park.
DEREK SKILLETT
@derek skillett
The Jayhawks are coming off the weekend's sweep of the Rock Chalk Challenge, as they defeated Eastern Michigan, UMKC and Georgia State over the weekend. Kansas also improved its home record to a perfect 8-0.
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
BEN LIPOWITZ/KANSAN play Missouri State.
BEN LIPOWITZ/KANSAN on March 10. The Jayhawks
e record
ile allowing 86 hits, 49 runs
111 home runs. The collec-
pitching staff has a 3.15
A and has struck out 155
ers while allowing 143 hits
181 runs.
this will be the first time s can watch the Jayhawks in their homes, as the game be televised on the Jayk Network and ESPN3. this will be the final non conference game before connie play begins Friday nst the Texas Longhorns, have received votes in the N Top 25 softball rank- The Friday game against s will also be televised on N3.
Edited by Chandler Boese
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