Kansas falls, Joel Embiid seems to be favoring his back
By Joe Nardone
Mar 1, 2014; Stillwater, OK, USA; Kansas Jayhawks center Joel Embiid (21) is defended by Oklahoma State Cowboys forward/center Kamari Murphy (21) and guard Markel Brown (22) during the first half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
The Kansas Jayhawks lost to the mystery that is the Oklahoma State Cowboys on Saturday. While the win is huge for Oklahoma State, the loss isn’t the end of the world for the Jayhawks. However, it was what happened immediately after the game that should have Kansas fans worried.
After falling to the Cowboys, 72-65, ESPN ‘s cameras Joel Embiid walking stiffly back to the locker room. While that might seem normal after a hard-fought game, it’s a little more troublesome because of Embiid’s back issues. Which are now either recurring or the kind of which that have never fully healed.
When the game was over Kansas coach, Bill Self, said that Joel Embiid “tweaked his back“. As of this writing, no other information has come to light.
Obviously, this would be a huge loss for Kansas if Embiid is out for any amount of time. However, Kansas doesn’t play just for regular season and Big 12 glory, they play to go deep in the NCAA Tournament. Getting Embiid healthy, even if it might cost them a Big 12 Conference Tournament title, is paramount.
It will be interesting to see how Embiid’s back issues play out and how Kansas adjusts down the stretch, but right before the NCAA Tournament, if at all.