Kansas' Udoka Azubuike to Miss Big 12 Tournament Due to Knee Injury

The Kansas Jayhawks are going to have a big hole up front during the Big 12 tournament, as 7'0" center Udoka Azubuike will be out due to a knee injury.

Kansas coach Bill Self announced the news on Wednesday:

The sophomore from Nigeria averaged 13.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game this season in helping the program win its 14th consecutive conference title.

Adjustments must be made with Azubuike out. Kansas will need to find a way to protect the paint without their leading rebounder and shot-blocker.

While winning the Big 12 tournament could improve the Jayhawks' seeding come Selection Sunday, Self knows that the NCAA—not the conference—tournament is the top priority. A healthy Azubuike gives the team its best chance at cutting down the nets at the end of the season.

Kansas will open up its postseason play by facing the winner of the Oklahoma-Oklahoma State showdown on Thursday.