Jayhawks Gets Stronger With Return Of Pollard

Kansas center Scot Pollard is ready to return to the top-ranked Jayhawks after missing eight games with a stress fracture in his left foot.

Coach Roy Williams said Pollard would start Saturday when the Jayhawks (26-1, 12-1 Big 12) play Kansas State on what’s sure to be an emotional day in Allen Fieldhouse - the last home game for six seniors, including Pollard.

“I would hope to get 15-22 minutes out of him,” Williams said Thursday. “I want it to be significant playing time. I don’t want it to be a cameo appearance for a senior in his last home game.”

Before he went out, the 6-foot-11 Pollard was averaging more than 11 points and eight rebounds. In his absence, 6-11 junior forward Raef LaFrentz has taken up the slack and averaged better than 20 points and 11 rebounds in the stretch.

“Scot being back gives us more of an inside presence, more of a threat inside. We’re a lot better team with him than without him,” said B.J. Williams, who slid into LaFrentz’s spot much of the time while Pollard was out.

“I know teams have tried to run at Raef with two people sometimes in games because they know he’s basically our only inside scorer,” he added. “But with Scot, they won’t be able to do that. Scot also brings more strength and rebounding and shot-blocking.”

Pollard practiced this week without any apparent problems.

“We did some running and shooting workouts and he handled that very well. He did not come in and get treatment, so I take that as good news,” Roy Williams said.

Pollard, who hasn’t played since the Jayhawks beat Texas A&M on Jan. 22, adds great strength defensively.

“Greg Ostertag may have been a better shot blocker, but Scot, as far as getting position, playing it properly … is the best defensive center I’ve had,” Williams said.

Without Pollard, the Jayhawks went 7-1, their only loss a twopoint setback in double overtime at Missouri.

A victory Saturday would clinch the Big 12 title for the Jayhawks, their sixth conference championship in seven years. After the Kansas State game, they have two remaining regular-season games - at Oklahoma on Monday night and at Nebraska on March 2.

“Having him back is exciting for all of us,” guard Jerod Haase said.