Kansas did not make sophomore guard Tyshawn Taylor available on Friday to talk about his Facebook post earlier this week that fueled rumors that he was considering leaving the KU program.
But KU coach Bill Self said he did not think that Taylor’s intention was to transfer.
“I don’t think that’s even remotely true,” Self said. “But if he has said that, which I do not think to be the case, then that’s the reason why he’s not playing well. Because his head’s not right. But I don’t believe he’s said that. What I believe has happened is he’s probably frustrated. He’s probably said some things that, because of his frustration and because of his popularity, things like that, everybody can take anything that any one of our players say and spin it in a direction they want to spin it. So I’m not remotely concerned about that.”
Self took the opportunity to send a message to any player that may be considering a transfer.
“If any of our players are thinking about that, then trust me, I will be the first one to help them find a place when the season is over,” Self said.
Taylor’s Facebook page has been taken down.
Back in September, when the fights between KU football and basketball players occurred, Taylor posted a status update on his page that detailed how he dislocated a finger while throwing a punch. He also posted numerous posts that used racial slurs and inflammatory language. After this latest Facebook-related drama, it appears Taylor won’t have that forum any longer.
“It won’t be a problem from this point forward, ever,” Self said. “I’ve talked to him. You will never ask me another question about that.”
Now, it will be up to Taylor to rectify things on the court. He has had an up-and-down season, which Self called a “sophomore funk” on Friday. Taylor has been removed from the starting lineup several times – the latest coming on Wednesday when Brady Morningstar got the start. Taylor played 15 minutes and had 5 assists and 0 turnovers.
Despite his struggles to figure out his role this season, Taylor has a solid 2.1 assist-to-turnover ratio.