Redshirt junior Dwight Coleby continues to come up big for the short-handed Kansas Jayhawks during their National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Tournament run.
Although the 6'9" forward only registered two points and two rebounds off the bench in Kansas' 98-66 win over fourth-seeded Purdue on Thursday night, he did an excellent job defending Purdue's massive big men Caleb Swanigan and Isaac Hayes, to help the Jayhawks advance to the Elite Eight.
Coleby and sophomore guard Lagerald Vick, were called on to give starters a break less than five minutes into the physical matchup.
"I expected to play a big role," Coleby said of his effort on the defensive end. "I had no idea I'd be the first off the bench or something like that. I just take it as it comes and I'm always ready."
Less than a minute after checking in, Coleby made an assist to Devonte Graham on the wing for one of his five three-pointers. Shortly after, Coleby followed that up with a score on the inside on a post pass from sophomore Lagerald Vick.
Despite Coleby's spirited effort, there were times when Purdue's duo of Swanigan and Hayes got the better of him. However, instead of being scolded for blown possessions, Coleby said he received nothing but positive reinforcement when he went to the bench.
"Just play better defense. Just do your work early and you should be fine," Coleby said of the Jayhawks game plan to stop Swanigan and Hayes.
Despite an up and down first half, the trio of Coleby, Landon Lucas and Josh Jackson helped keep Haas scoreless and limited Swanigan to just six points in the second half.
"He was huge," Kansas junior guard Devonte' Graham said, when asked about Coleby's contributions. "We have been telling him, 'Be ready when your number is called,' and he's been doing a great job in practice. He's been looking ready since the tournament started and we're going to need him to keep playing like that."
Now just one win away from a Final Four appearance, Jayhawks coach Bill Self said he's been pleased with Coleby's effort in the tournament up to this point.
"Obviously, Dwight bought us a ton of minutes whenever Landen was in foul trouble," Self said. "But I thought Carlton came in and did a good job, too. You add those guys together you get 23 key minutes out of that position when Landen can't be in the game. So I think they both kind of bailed us out."
The Jayhawks will take on the Oregon Ducks today for a spot in the Final Four.

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