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Kansas Star Suffers Heartbreaking Injury Against Arkansas

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Mar 20, 2025 11:39 PM ET

Update: Kansas head coach Bill Self has confirmed Adams injured his Achilles but didn't say for certain it was torn. The team is expecting the worst though.

Just brutal.

Earlier: Kansas did more than just lose a first round NCAA Tournament game on Thursday night.

During the second half of the Jayhawks' 79-72 loss to Arkansas, star forward KJ Adams Jr. went down with what looked like a serious injury. Adams was chasing down a loose ball and attempting to dribble upcourt when his leg gave out and he fell to the ground. Immediately, it was clear the senior standout was in serious pain, and Adams eventually had to be helped to the locker room.

"A KU official just got KJ Adams' father from the stands to go back to the locker room," said 247Sports Kansas beat writer Michael Swain.

While there has been no formal announcement on Adams, there is a fear on social media that the 2022 NCAA champion tore his Achilles.

By video, @ProFootballDoc believes Kansas F KJ Adams suffered a torn Achilles. If confirmed he would be out for the tournament and next season. More information at https://t.co/QDauOoDaQ0 pic.twitter.com/uDSUoarB9P
— Sports Injury Central (@SICscore) March 21, 2025

"I know an achilles injury when I see one. Hope KJ Adams is alright," said the Barstool Cincy account.

"That replay looks terrible. KJ Adams is holding the back of his heel and being helped off the court. Cripes," added the Rock Chalk Blog.

In what was his final game in a KU uniform, regardless of the extent of his injury, Adams posted 13 points, four rebounds and two assists in 32 minutes.

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND - MARCH 20: KJ Adams Jr. #24 of the Kansas Jayhawks reacts after suffering an apparent injury during the second half in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Amica Mutual Pavillion on March 20, 2025 in Providence, Rhode Island. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)Emilee Chinn/Getty Images

We'll see what Kansas head coach Bill Self has to say about Adams postgame.

Tonight marked the end of a bitterly disappointing season for the Jayhawks, who came in as the preseason No. 1 team and wound up having to settle for a No. 7 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

According to CBS Sports' Matt Norlander, Kansas finished with 13 losses for the first time since 1982-83. It is also the first time the program has lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament since 2006, and the first time it has failed to reach the Sweet 16 in three consecutive years since 1998-2000.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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