2B • THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
SPORTS
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2002
Holiday trip to NY
Game one: N.C.67,Kansas 56;
Hinrich's battered back key to losses, KU's future
By Jessica Scott
jscott@kansan.com
Kansan sportswriter
NEW YORK-Kansas men's basketball fans did not have a lot to be thankful for during the team's final two games of the Preseason NIT. But at least Kirk Hinrich, though hobbled, returned to Lawrence in one piece.
Hinrich strained his back in Kansas' semifinal loss to North Carolina on Wednesday after an awkward fall under the basket. The senior preseason All-American convinced his coach he felt good enough to play just two days later against Florida.
Hinrich's back appeared to affect his game against the Gators. He hit just 1-of-7 three-point attempts and ended with five points, much less than his 13.5 season average.
"He doesn't miss those shots," coach Roy Williams said. "Looking back on it now, we probably shouldn't have played him."
William said he noticed Hinrich struggling to put his shoes on, even after medical treatment, medication and a stretching routine, but he trusted Hinrich enough to make the decision. The star senior talked to his parents before
deciding to play.
"He wanted to play—he's a senior," Williams said. "He loves to play. He's a tough, kid."
After the North Carolina game, Hinrich said his back hurt and did not know if he could play against Florida.
"It's pretty sore," he said. "I don't know what's going on. It's been bothering me a little bit, but not like this."
Hinrich underwent medical tests, with results expected sometime today. He is already looking ahead to the upcoming week as his team tries to straighten itself out after the dismal tournament performance.
"We've got to get some practices under our belt and try to regain that swagger and confidence," he said. "If you told me we would come out 2-2, I would say you're crazy."
Despite a 2-for-8 shooting performance against the Gators, Williams is convinced his team needs Hinrich on the floor.
"You look at his stats and say. 'Well, he wasn't important to the game,' but he was important," Williams said. "The kids get so much strength from him."
— Edited by Matt Norton
John Nowak/Kansan
ABOVE: Aaron Miles eludes Florida's Anthony Roberson as he heads for the goal. Miles made all four of his free throws but was 3-12 from the floor.
RIGHT: Senior forward Nick Collison tries to drive past Florida's Mario Boggan. Collison's 16 points and 13 rebounds were not enough to edge Florida, as he led KU in turnovers with four.
BELOW: Openings were few and far between for Keith Langford and the always-trailing Jayhawks: KU hit only 8 of 25 field goals in the first half.
John Nowak/Kansan
Junior guard Jeff Graves slams home two of his five points during the first half. Graves saw limited action, playing approximately 15 minutes of KU's 83-73 loss to Florida.
John Nowak/Kansan