OMAHA, Neb. — Malik Newman’s recent uptick has him looking like a player many haven’t seen in quite some time.

All the way back to AAU, one reporter inquired?

“I wouldn’t say that,” Newman said with a smile. “but we are seeing a different Malik Newman.”

Part of what’s led to Newman’s uptick, the sophomore said, has been an increased focus on the defensive end. That came from coach Bill Self, who Newman said has reminded him about the importance of being good on both ends of the floor.

“You won’t be a complete player until you can defend,” Newman recalled Self saying. “That’s something he always tells me.”