With the 2024 March Madness tournament on the horizon, basketball fans everywhere are eagerly anticipating the postseason action. However, as excitement builds, it’s crucial to keep an eye on several key injuries that could influence team performance and matchups, particularly the status of Kansas’ Kevin McCullar Jr.
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While the excitement of March Madness is palpable, injuries can dramatically alter a team’s trajectory and impact crucial matchups, potentially affecting outcomes all the way to the national championship. If you’re looking to make informed decisions for your bracket or betting strategy, here are six significant injuries to monitor:
1. Kansas Jayhawks – Kevin McCullar Jr., Guard
Injury: Bone Bruise (knee)
Status Kansas head coach Bill Self recently indicated uncertainty about McCullar’s availability for the tournament. Although Self hoped McCullar would be ready by Monday, the latest update from Jordan Guskey of the Topeka Capital-Journal confirms that McCullar will miss the NCAA tournament.
2. Kansas Jayhawks – Hunter Dickinson, Center
Injury: Dislocated shoulder
Status: Hunter Dickinson, who was injured during the regular-season finale against Houston, is showing progress with non-contact rehab. According to Gary Bedore of The Kansas City Star, Dickinson is expected to be available for the NCAA tournament.
3. Marquette Golden Eagles – Tyler Kolek, Guard
Injury: Oblique strain
Status: Tyler Kolek has been practicing with Marquette and is expected to play. Head coach Shaka Smart noted that Kolek needs to complete a progression during the week to be fully ready, as reported by Ben Steele of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
4. Purdue Boilermakers – Braden Smith, Guard
Injury: Calf strain
Status: Braden Smith, Purdue’s primary ball handler, sustained a calf injury against Michigan State but has continued to perform. Zach Osterman of the Indy Star reports that Smith feels good and is confident about his readiness, with teammate Zach Edey praising his resilience.
5. Alabama Crimson Tide – Rylan Griffen, Guard
Injury: Calf strain
Status: Rylan Griffen, who strained his calf during Alabama’s regular-season finale, played in the SEC Tournament despite not being fully fit. Head coach Nate Oats expressed hope that Griffen will improve with more practice, as noted by Matt Connolly on On3.
6 Florida Gators – Michah Handlogten,
Leg injury
Michah Handlogten suffered a significant leg injury in the SEC Tournament championship game. He underwent successful surgery and is expected to return to Gainesville, Florida, according to Jacob Rudner of 247Sports.
Stay tuned as the tournament approaches to see how these injuries impact the competition and your bracket predictions.