Section B · Page 4
The University Daily Kansan
Monday, March 9, 1998
Injuries don't slow Big 12 march
Jayhawks win without starters at full strength
By Tommy Gallagher
By Tommy Gallagher
tgallagher@kansan.com
Kansas sportswriter
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Someone call a paramedic. This team needs help.
Top-seeded and No. 3-ranked Kansas suddenly appeared vulnerable to opponents during the Big 12 Conference Tournament
LoFrentz: Played through the Big 12 Tournament injured
last weekend in Kemper Arena.
Injuries to two starters — guard Billy Thomas and forward Raef LaFrentz — affected the way the Jayhawks prepared and played as they attempted to defend their
tournament title from last season. Kansas coach Roy Williams said Friday that he would not allow his players to get down on themselves.
"I don't want us feeling sorry for ourselves, because we're better than that," Williams said. "This isn't the best time of year to be banged up like we are, but that's the way it is. We have games to play, and I'm not going to allow us to blame anything for how we perform."
Thomas nursed a left thigh strain and did not play in the tournament.
"I wish I could have been out there." Thomas said.
In his absence during the tournament, backup guard Kenny Gregory made his second, third and fourth starts of his career.
The report on LaFrentz was not as severe.
LaFrentz suffered a sprain in his left shoulder during a game Feb. 23 against Oklahoma. After the injury, LaFrentz said, he had not taken any drugs to prevent or reduce pain or swelling in the shoulder.
That was until Friday night.
In Kansas' quarterfinals victory against Kansas State on Friday, LaFrentz fired an airball on a free throw attempt. He had writhed in pair all game, and Williams said he was doubtful for the semifinals game the next day.
"It it's very, very painful for him," Williams said. "I've seen him play for six years and I've never seen
LaFrentz shed tears as he received treatment for the shoulder in the locker room after the game. The pain was too much.
nim shoot an airball on a free throw."
injuries are not a positive situation," LaFrentz said. "They suck. It was painful today. I don't see how it can be much worse (Saturday)."
LaFrentz succumbed to the pain and took anti-inflammatory drugs Friday night. And after a 19-point, 10-rebound performance in Saturday's win against the Nebraska, he appeared to be in no pain.
Williams said the proper treatment for LaFrentz's shoulder could have cost him the season, but emphasized that he did not have to play if the pain was too intense.
"It's a thing if he takes three weeks off, it'd be fine," Williams said. "He doesn't want to rest three weeks. I will not play him if it's a problem, but (one day of) rest is not the answer. We're going to have to see how painful it is."
Thomas most likely will rejoin the team for first-round action of the NCAA Tournament, assuming his thigh improves with rest. LaFrentz said he was content with playing in pain for the remainder of the season.
"It's very,very painful for him.I've seen him play for six years and I've never seen him shoot an airball on a free throw."
Roy Williams Kansas coach
"Injuries are not a positive situation. They suck. I don't see how it can be much worse (Saturday)."
Raef LaFrentz Kansas forward
"I wish I could have been out there."
Billy Thomas Kansas guard
Kansas coach Roy Williams and injured guard Billy Thomas have a chat before the Kansas State game. Thomas sat out the entire Big 12 Conference Tournament because of an injured thigh. Photo by Steve Puppe/KANSAN.
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