Kansas Jayhawks Kevin Young out two weeks

The Kansas Jayhawks will have to do without senior forward Kevin Young, who is a key member of the team due to his defense and leadership. One of the fan favorites of the team, Young broke his right hand during practice on Thursday and underwent surgery yesterday. A screw was placed into his hand.

Mar 31, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas Jayhawks forward Kevin Young (40) shoots over Ohio State Buckeyes forward Sam Thompson (12) during the first half in the semifinals of the 2012 NCAA men

Young is a solid rebounder who averaged three boards per game last season and finished the year by allowing opponents to average just .897 points per possession when matched up against him. This made him one of the most efficient defensive players in the conference, as the underrated F was ranked third in the Big 12 in the stat. First and second? Stalwart big men and teammates Thomas Robinson and Jeff Withey respectively.

Kansas no doubt suffered a blow with this news, but luckily Young will only be out for two weeks and should get back to his 18 PER self quickly when he gets back. The Jayhawks first exhibition game of the season is right around the corner on Tuesday, as they will be facing in-state program Emporia State.

Bill Self told Phog.net, “He should be back shooting and non-contact within 10 days and hopefully back on the court within two weeks. I know Kevin will not lose any conditioning or anything.”