Kansas’ Hunter Dickinson Applauded by Fans in March Madness Win amid McCullar Injury

Doric SamMarch 22, 2024

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Fourth-seeded Kansas was playing without its leading scorer, Kevin McCullar Jr., in Thursday’s NCAA tournament first-round game against No. 13 Samford, but senior big man Hunter Dickinson was among the players who helped the Jayhawks avoid the upset.

Dickinson dropped 19 points, 20 rebounds, five assists and four blocks to help Kansas secure a trip to the Round of 32 with a 93-89 victory. The Jayhawks were a popular pick to get upset due to their injury woes and recent struggles.

In addition to being without McCullar, Dickinson wasn’t playing at 100 percent after suffering a dislocated shoulder in the regular-season finale March 9. He powered through to record his 17th double-double of the year in dominant fashion, outrebounding the entire Bulldogs starting lineup by himself.

K.J. Adams added 20 points for the Jayhawks, who shot a collective 60.3 from the field. Nicolas Timberlake had 19 points and Johnny Furphy had 16 points to help Kansas stave off every comeback attempt by Samford, which overcame a 20-point second-half deficit to get within one late, but a questionable foul call that appeared to be a block worked in Kansas’ favor.

It was Dickinson who was the star of the show, and fans on social media were impressed with his performance:

Kansas Men’s Basketball @KUHoopsMake that 1️⃣7️⃣ DOUBLE-DOUBLES on the season for Hunter Dickinson 🔥#LevelUp x @H_Dickinson24 pic.twitter.com/5vclWgGM2c

Sam Winton @sam_winton2This team’s energy is different tonight. Eight days off, March Madness time, and Hunter Dickinson back in the lineup have combined to give #kubball a huge boost.

Josh Weinfuss @joshweinfussHunter Dickinson’s passing is a very impressive piece of his game.

PJ Green @PJGreenTVHunter Dickinson bullying these dudes.. as it should be if you’re 7 feet..

Smoke Tokz Kansas @OlatheVapeHunter Dickinson with the Winter Soldier vibes. #RockChalk pic.twitter.com/PY5mikcPW1

Ariel Puterman @arielcbbFirst half analysis: KU is better with Hunter Dickinson than without

Adam Sullivan @Sully_2029With a double-double in the 1H, Hunter Dickinson tallied his 17th this season. Dickinson tied Dave Robisch (17, 1971) for 9th in single season double-doubles in KU history. #kubball

Bleacher Report @BleacherReportFoul or clean block? 👀 pic.twitter.com/A9qizLQf4f

Dickinson transferred from Michigan to Kansas for his senior season, and if high-profile postseason basketball was his goal, he made the right decision, as the Wolverines failed to make the NCAA tournament this season. He performed at a high level for the Jayhawks all year, and his presence was paramount Thursday amid the team’s injuries.

Kansas will play No. 5 Gonzaga in the second round on Saturday. The Jayhawks will need another big outing from Dickinson if they hope to continue their run through the tournament.