On Friday afternoon, Bill Self conducted his weekly press conference in Lawrence to preview the Baylor game and much more.
-- Self said that Baylor has obviously been the standard in the league last year and, at least so far, this year as well. Self believes that Baylor has had the best year of anybody in the league so far. Self said that Kansas is looking forward to Baylor coming to AFH on Saturday, and he believes Baylor is really looking forward to the game as well. He added that it will be a big game and will probably have a lot to do with the conference standings, at least through the midway point of the season.
-- Self said that Ochai Agbaji tested negative today and he's out of the COVID protocol. As long as he feels up to it, which Self expects to be the case, Agbaji will participate moving forward. Self is excited about this development, obviously, as well as his teammates. Self also said that KU has practice at 3:00 today and he expects Agbaji to participate.
-- Self said that Jalen Coleman-Lands will play, but added that he fell on both wrists against Iowa State. Self said he took off at full speed from 16 feet out and tried to run over a 7 footer that weighs about 260 or 270. Self said it wasn't the brightest play and when he landed, he landed on both wrists. Self also said that his left wrist got nicked up a little bit more than his right one. Coleman-Lands might not be 100%, but he's capable of playing.
-- It sounds like Joseph Yesufu is going to get some minutes moving forward. If Remy Martin were 100% healthy, things might be different, but that's not the case. Self said that some guys are just gamers and might not always practice well or stand out in practice, but when called on during a game, are just ready to answer the call. Self also said there are times when the games feel so much different than practice from a stress and pressure standpoint, that you don't actually look the same. Self believes that Joe is a little bit of both.
-- Kyle Cuffe is not out of the protocol yet. Self is hoping that happens soon. Self said he's still having a few symptoms.
-- Nothing really new to report on Remy Martin, according to Self. The goal was to give him an extended period of time, which is still the case. Self said he would rather have Remy at 90-95% than at 60-65%. Self hopes Martin can get to 100% this season. He's got a bruise and it is sore, but he's making positive progress. Self also said that Remy is not part of practice right now. Most of the time, in terms of when practice is taking place, Remy is at rehab and not on the practice court with the team.
-- Zach Clemence, according to Self, is also still a no-go. The feel is that Zach is getting closer, but even though it's a crack or whatever it is, according to Self, it's still a fracture and four-to-six weeks for it to heal. Self said this is finishing up the 4th week, so there is a belief that Zach is getting closer. Zach said he's real close to being out on the court at full speed.