Kansas coach Bill Self criticized big man Hunter Dickinson for what he termed a “bonehead play” during the Jayhawks’ recent victory over TCU. In a moment of intense competition, Dickinson secured an offensive rebound and held the ball tightly against his body, showing no intention of relinquishing it to TCU.
Self expressed his dissatisfaction with the aftermath of the play involving his preseason AP All-America center. Despite Trazarien White’s attempts to wrest the ball away, Dickinson continued to fight for possession even after the referees blew their whistles during the second half of the Jayhawks’ 74-61 win.
“I thought it was asinine that our guy would hang onto the ball like that,” Self remarked, clearly frustrated with the situation.
The 7-foot-2 Dickinson and 6-foot-6 White became entangled as they stumbled out of bounds, with TCU players Vasean Allette and freshman Malick Diallo also reaching for the ball. After Dickinson finally released it, officials reviewed the play and handed out technical fouls to both players.
“That was a bonehead play. But what made it a bonehead play as much as anything … when the whistle blows, you stop. And I’m sure they blew it several times,” Self commented. “Cost us a possession, so yeah, I wasn’t happy to see that at all.”
Following the tie-up, TCU capitalized on their possession when White executed an alley-oop dunk off a pass from Noah Reynolds, putting the Horned Frogs ahead 48-47 with 12:44 remaining. This lead, however, would be short-lived as Kansas regained control.
Dickinson, who led the Jayhawks with 16 points and nine rebounds, did not participate in the postgame interview session with his teammates.
In contrast, TCU coach Jamie Dixon, observing from the opposite end of the court, had a different take on the incident. He dismissed it as unimportant and did not perceive any malice in the play.
“I don’t even know what the T’s were for, but I guess the officials told them to stop,” Dixon stated. “They didn’t do what they were told to do by the officials.”
