Well, that’s that. Silvio De Sousa banned from the NCAA until 2020-2021. Held out for all of the 2018-19 season this point, hope remained with the Jayhawks that they might get their big back before March.
Back in October, Adidas rep TJ Gassnola testified De Sousa’s guardian accepted $2,500 from Gassnola. De Sousa has not participated in a game with the Jayhawks since. In the meantime, De Sousa continues to be a good sport about the whole ordeal. While maintaining innocence in terms of being totally oblivious to any payment to his guardian, De Sousa attended practices and meetings to support his team.
Kansas Director of Athletics Jeff Long and Bill Self both voiced their displeasure in the ruling:
Current State of The Jayhawks
The news is especially difficult to swallow considering the struggles Kansas has endured without Udoka Azubuike. Azubuike tore a ligament in his wrist that will keep the game-changing big man sidelined for the remainder of the season.
In the new year, the Hawks are 5-4, 5-3 in the Big 12 with their only non-conference game being a loss to the Kentucky Wildcats. With three losses in their last four games and no double-digit victories since December 29th, Azubuike’s absence has left Bill Self’s squad in a world of hurt.
The possibility of a Silvio De Sousa return gave Lawrence a reason to believe this team could flip a switch. Instead, they’re left hanging in the balance en route to a… *checks notes* 15th straight Big XII Championship. So maybe things aren’t as dire for the Jayhawks as they seem.
But a showdown against Texas Tech could induce more panic in the hearts of Jayhawk nation or sterilize the wounds received in the past two weeks. The Red Raiders are 5-3 entering Saturday. This matchup isn’t as daunting as it seems.
While things haven’t been easy for the very young Jayhawks roster, and while a Silvio De Sousa return could’ve given a much welcomed push for March, there’s plenty of time to “right the ship.” And last time I checked, Bill ” Big Flex” Self still runs the sideline in Allen Fieldhouse.
