Kansas guard Kevin McCullar set to return from knee injury vs. Baylor Bears

Kansas guard Kevin McCullar, who has missed four of the Jayhawks’ last five games due to a bone bruise on his knee, is set to return vs. Baylor on Saturday.

McCullar warmed up with the team before KU’s game against the Bears in Waco, Texas.

Kansas coach Bill Self explained why McCullar is returning to KU’s starting lineup on ESPN’s College GameDay.

“He’s going to try to go,” Self said. “He’s practiced the last two days, has been as close to full speed as you can and (has) been pain-free. We’re going to see what he can do today.”

As of Thursday, McCullar’s status to play was uncertain.

“I think he’s doing better. I don’t know when he’ll play next,” Self said Thursday. “I think he’s gaining on it. Hopefully, we can get him back out there.

“I would say there is (a chance he could play this weekend) if he could practice full speed today and tomorrow. If he doesn’t practice full speed today and tomorrow, I’d say no.”

KU’s record in McCullar’s recent absence is just 2-2. He’s had a career year, averaging a team-leading 19.0 points on 46.3% shooting while grabbing 6.4 rebounds per game. On top of that, he’s an All-America and All-Big 12 candidate.

And he’s been itching to get back on the court.

“He can’t wait to be back playing,” McCullar’s mother, Hether McCullar, told The Star on Friday, “and helping the team.”