:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2967031/20121030_kkt_sm8_046.0.jpg)
Kansas Jayhawks coach Bill Self stated this week that freshman forward Landon Lucas will miss Friday's opener against Missouri State, with the possibility that Lucas could red-shirt the season.
"Landen will not play (Friday). He may not play Tuesday, because he's definitely a guy that we are strongly considering redshirting," Self said. "We visited with Landen and his family about it, and they are in agreement with that. It's not 100-percent sure, because he could still play two weeks from now, but our thinking is, right now, put a redshirt on him."
Lucas averaged three points and 4.5 rebounds in two exhibition games for Kansas after committing to the school in November, 2011. Recruited out of Westview High School in Portland, Oregon, Lucas has a reputation for being a strong player in the paint with good strength and hands and excels as a rebounder down low.
The Jayhawks are likely looking to add a year to his physical development, however, as the 6'10, 240-pound forward lacks athleticism and struggles in moving up and down the court.
No. 7 Kansas opens the season on Friday night against SE Missouri State, with tip-off set for 7 p.m. CT and coverage on ESPN3. The Jayhawks finished the 2011-12 season No. 2 in the nation with a 35-3 record, losing to VCU in the Elite Eight of the 2012 NCAA Tournament.