Kansas Guard Dajuan Harris Jr. Sidelined with Ankle Injury

LAWRENCE, Kan. — No. 11 Kansas faced UCF on Tuesday night without senior guard Dajuan Harris Jr., who suffered an ankle injury during practice on Monday. This marked the first time in nearly five years that Harris, a key player in Kansas’ 2022 national championship run, missed a game.

Harris, who had started all 19 games this season, averages 9.6 points, 5.8 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game. His absence forced Kansas to adjust its starting lineup, featuring guards Shakeel Moore, Zeke Mayo, and Rylan Griffen, alongside forward Flory Bidunga and center Hunter Dickinson.

Despite Harris’ absence, the Jayhawks received a boost with the return of KJ Adams, who had been sidelined since Jan. 15 with a shoulder injury. Adams practiced on Monday and was cleared to play against UCF.

Harris has been a cornerstone of Kansas basketball, playing in 159 games and starting the last 98. His 4,668 minutes played rank second in school history, trailing only Danny Manning. With 1,078 points and 786 assists, Harris is just 19 assists shy of surpassing Jacque Vaughn for second place on Kansas’ all-time assists list.

The only player to have appeared in more games for Kansas is Mitch Lightfoot, who played in 168 games. Depending on the severity of Harris’ injury, he could surpass Lightfoot by the end of the regular season or during postseason play.

Kansas previously defeated UCF 99-48 on the road earlier this season, with Harris contributing 11 points, six rebounds, and two assists. The Jayhawks will rely on their depth and veteran leadership to navigate Harris’ absence.