Dickinson’s 27-21 effort assists Kansas get away UK

• Myron Medcalf, ESPN Staff WriterNov 15, 2023, 01:53 AM ET

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  • Covers college basketball
  • Joined ESPN.com in 2011
  • Graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato

CHICAGO– For 40 minutes, Hunter Dickinson did what he constantly does.He pumped his fist after he made clutch shots, he chirped at the crowd and talked garbage to his challengers throughout No. 1 Kansas’ exhilarating 89-84 return success over No. 17 Kentucky on Tuesday in the Champions Classic at the United Center.With an outstanding effort– 27 points, 21 rebounds( both a career high and Champions Traditional record)and 3 steals– Dickinson likewise did something else: He made the case that ruling Wooden Award winner Zach Edey will have a severe rival in the nationwide player of the year race. “[ Coach Expense Self]

was discussing the intense lights of playing in the Champion Classic,”Dickinson stated after the game.” That’s something that a lot of individuals dream of having the ability to play in. So I feel really fortunate to be able to do that. It helps that I played respectable– to be able to let [everybody] understand that you’re playing excellent. “Editor’s Picks 2 Related Dickinson’s effort, which marked

the first time a Kansas player registered 20 points and 20 rebounds versus a ranked opponent since 2003, stressed a furious resurgence by the Jayhawks.With 16:21 to play, the Jayhawks were down by 14 points(58-44), but they ended up the game on a 45-26 go to win. Kevin McCullar Jr.(12 points, 10 rebounds, 10 helps) taped the school’s very first triple-double since 2012, while K.J. Adams Jr. scored 16 points and Dajuan Harris Jr. contributed 23 points and 7 assists.But Dickinson’s effort altered the game. And his flair stimulated– or inflamed– the crowd depending on what side you were on.” [Self] truly told him that he should get 10 rebounds a game, but I didn’t even understand he had 21 rebounds up until [Self] stated it in the locker space recently, “Harris stated. “However we require him to be a beast. That’s why we got him and I believe that was probably his best game, most likely, in college.” Against a Kentucky team led by luxury freshmen– Reed Sheppard finished with 13 points(3-for-4 from the 3-point line)and Rob Dillingham had 18 points– and a handful of veterans, Dickinson got to the rim and muscled his way around the lane late in the game.Kentucky’s Adou Thiero stated it was hard to stop Dickinson, who didn’t remain quiet. “He’s an excellent player,” said Thiero, who finished with 16 points and 13 rebounds. “He had the ability to get to his areas, get in the post, go up and finish it. He was talking a good little bit of smack however it belongs to the game so it’s all love.” Kentucky went into the matchup without three of its key huge guys: Aaron Bradshaw, Ugonna Onyenso and Zvonimir Ivisic. Bradshaw and Oyenso are dealing with injuries and Ivisic is waiting to get NCAA clearance to play.Kentucky coach John Calipari said he’s still discovering more about his group and who to play down the stretch. He stated the Wildcats, who shot 38 3-pointers, will continue to grow. He likewise stated the lack of his

three huge guys is not an excuse for the loss.” You know, one guy’s anguish is another guy’s chance, “Calipari stated.”So [Jordan Burks] succeeded. [Thiero] did well. They’re taking advantage.

So when these guys come back, we’ll figure it out.”Dickinson stated he understood the stakes of playing his very first match with Kansas against a ranked opponent at the United Center. And he invited the pressure. Those characteristics, Self said, help everyone on the group.”

He captures some crap,”Self stated.”Often with good factor and many times not. He captures some crap, but one thing he does, he does not run from it. Ever. So I think guys like that give groups self-confidence.

“ESPN Statistics & Info added to this report.