LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) Kansas guard Lagerald Vick is taking a leave of absence from the basketball program, leaving the No. 13 Jayhawks even more short-handed as they face an uphill climb to a 15th straight Big 12 title.
Jayhawks coach Bill Self said in a statement Thursday night that Vick has “some personal matters that require his immediate attention.” Self said there is no timetable for his return.
The Jayhawks are 17-6 and 6-4 in the Big 12, leaving them 1 1/2 games behind Kansas State.
The mercurial Vick, who has appeared in 117 games for the Jayhawks, turned pro after last season before deciding to return to Kansas. He has started 20 of 23 games this season, averaging 14.1 points and four rebounds while providing a young backcourt with veteran leadership.
Kansas is already playing without starting center Udoka Azubuike, who was lost for the season to wrist surgery, and defensive stopper Marcus Garrett, who is dealing with a sprained ankle.
(Associated Press 2019)
