KJ Adams went down with an achilles injury just a few months ago. Now, he will be on Kansas' coaching staff while he also heals, with a mission to bring a new player perspective while he is on the staff.
Kansas' Bill Self is entering his 23rd year in Lawrence. The head coach is coming off one of his toughest seasons in terms of record and performance. This year, he’ll look to right the ship, as Kansas has quietly assembled another contending roster.
Last season hit a low point when the Jayhawks suffered their worst loss under Self. In the aftermath, he made it clear the team needed time apart.
“I’m talked out. We need to get away from each other, I’ll tell you that point blank. I thought this would be a great opportunity to do some team bonding. But it hasn’t been,” Self said postgame.
Things got worse in the NCAA Tournament when fan favorite KJ Adams suffered an injury. After the game, Self provided an uneasy update.
“He’s got an Achilles injury. I’m not sure it’s going to be great news... To see him potentially lose a year on top of the game, that’s a tough blow," Self told the media.
A few months later, Self made it clear Adams would still be involved with the program.
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“We're going to hire him in some capacity," Self said. "KJ's going to be part of our staff next year. So, in whatever capacity that is, I don't know from a title standpoint yet, but whatever it is to allow him to stick around and be at practice every day and also work on rehab."
Recently, Adams spoke about his new role and shared his perspective on coaching.
“Just helping do clips and stuff, whatever they need from me I’m going to be there,” Adams said. “I’m going to bring a different perspective to the coaching staff just because I was there a couple of months ago, so I can kind of get what the players had, what they are feeling. Give them a different perspective they usually wouldn't have in a position like mine.”
Adams’ presence brings familiarity to the locker room, especially since he's close in age to the current players. He was a key contributor on the court for the Jayhawks, and now he’ll look to make an impact from the sidelines as well.
Category: General Sports
