Kansas players Perry Ellis, left, Cliff Alexander and Wayne Selden celebrate a bucket by Alexander late during the second half on Friday, Nov. 28, 2014 at the HP Field House in Kissimmee, Florida.

After nine straight games coming off the bench to begin his Kansas University career, freshman power forward Cliff Alexander is about to get his first crack at the starting five.

Jayhawks coach Bill Self said Friday afternoon Alexander (8.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, 19.0 minutes) will replace sophomore big man Landen Lucas (3.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 0.3 blocks, 10.6 minutes) in the starting lineup Saturday against Lafayette (7-2) — 2 p.m. tipoff at Allen Fieldhouse.

No. 10 KU (8-1), Self added, will again feature sophomore guard Brannen Greene in its lineup, with regulars Frank Mason III, Wayne Selden Jr. and Perry Ellis.

The Kansas coach also said backups Evan Manning and Hunter Mickelson have practiced well this week.