Bill Self shares KU basketball injury update heading into exhibition at Arkansas

Kansas men’s basketball will likely be shorthanded for its exhibition game against Arkansas on Friday night at sold-out Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

KU senior center Hunter Dickinson, who re-aggravated a foot injury at Friday’s Late Night in the Phog scrimmage, on Wednesday at Big 12 Media Day in T-Mobile Center said he’s questionable for the charity exhibition.

Meanwhile, former Alabama guard Rylan Griffen is listed as doubtful by coach Bill Self because of a hip flexor injury. And Mississippi State transfer guard Shakeel Moore, who had foot surgery in early September, won’t be returning to practice until next week, likely on Sunday.

“I don’t think we’ll be totally healthy,” KU coach Self said of Friday’s exhibition. ‘Hunt has been out. Shak is out. Rylan had a hip flexor Monday and is doubtful. They can all practice by Sunday, including Shak.”

Self added that Moore has responded well to treatment following his surgery and the other two injuries are not deemed serious.

“We’ll be the healthiest we’ve been five days from now,” Self noted.

Asked if he’d be able to play against Arkansas, Dickinson said at Big 12 Media Day: “I’m not sure. We’re still trying to figure it out. We’ll continue to do rehab. We’ll see. It’s progressing each and every day.”

The AP preseason All-American added that he’ll be “ready for the start of the season.”

“It’s a sprain, not something that will (keep him out extended period),” Self concluded.

Self said the exhibition game will be four quarters (likely 12 minutes each), not two 20 minute halves. Self said he and Arkansas coach John Calipari may stop play at times to work on certain situations.

“We will keep score,” Self stated of the game, set for an 8 p.m. tip. “Since both teams have guys out it will be good to get a lot of guys out there an see how they react to meaningful minutes.”