Wichita — Kansas starting center Udoka Azubuike said Wednesday at Intrust Bank Arena he hopes to play in the Jayhawks’ NCAA Tournament opener versus Penn, or, if KU advances, Saturday against North Carolina State or Seton Hall.

In the meantime, the 7-foot sophomore, while rehabbing his injured left knee, has enjoyed watching freshman big Silvio De Sousa step into the spotlight in the postseason.

“I wasn’t able to play, so he knew he had to step up,” Azubuike said. “He had to step his game up if we were going to have a chance.”

KU coach Bill Self said Azubuike went through about four live reps at Wednesday morning’s practice, and said the center will be a game-time decision Thursday versus Penn.