Kansas University men's basketball players past and present will participate in season-opening "Late Night In the Phog" festivities Oct. 17 at Allen Fieldhouse.

Members of KU's 1988 national-championship team will attend and be recognized, associate athletic director Jim Marchiony said Monday.

"I think it's a great idea," Marchiony said of first-year coach Bill Self's idea to honor the '88 champs at Late Night. "We think the fans will love it. We hope everybody will have a great time recognizing the 1988 championship team."

Self is excited about recognizing Jayhawks like 1988 national player-of-the-year Danny Manning, who has joined KU's staff as director of student-athlete development/team manager, plus Kevin Pritchard, Milt Newton, Jeff Gueldner, Chris Piper, Mike Maddox, Clint Normore, Lincoln Minor and others.

"This past April marked the 15th-year anniversary of the championship. We felt it'd be very appropriate to bring those guys back," Self said. "Late Night is a time where a majority of the guys can come. This is the best time to get everybody together so our fans can definitely honor a remarkable team."

Self couldn't guarantee former coach Larry Brown -- now with the Detroit Pistons -- would be back, but he lent hope.

"Coach Brown and I have talked," he said, "and we are in the process of getting things worked out."

Asked whether the '88 players would suit up and play, Self laughed and said: "I don't want to comment about that. I think we'll do some fun things. We're not looking for any to play, but, hey, a couple of them still can.

"You get Danny and Milt out there ... Kevin can, too, I'm sure. I've not seen Piper or Gueldner lately. Maybe they can still play, too."

Newton, in his first year as director of player personnel of the Washington Wizards, said he'd attend Late Night, despite the fact the NBA preseason will be in full swing.

"Being new here (with Wizards), you can always find reasons to spend more time in the office, but this is something I'll definitely return for," Newton said.

"Late Night is always a production. I haven't seen one since 1989. The memories are great, and I'm looking forward to seeing a more modern one."

Newton said he'd be willing to take a few jump shots if asked.

"I still weigh the same as I did at KU," the 6-4, 180-pound small forward said. "I play pick-up every now and then. I played two weeks ago for the first time in a year. My jumper is still there. Like Bud Stallworth, I can always shoot it."

Pritchard, who is a scout of the San Antonio Spurs, also said he wouldn't miss Late Night.

"I think it's awesome," Pritchard said. "I mean, that was a wonderful time. To have coach Self honor it again and bring us back together ... we have a lot of fond memories. This is something we won't forget.

"Coach Self didn't have to do this. He's making an effort to connect with some of the former players, and we appreciate it."

Pritchard, 36, said he wouldn't be taking part in any Late Night drills.

"I will not be playing," he said. "That will not happen, not unless they give me a diet pill to get me in unbelievable shape in a week. If I got injured, I'd need one of those big insurance policies. My career is not yet over."

Langford rehabbing: KU junior Keith Langford, who had arthroscopic right knee surgery Sept. 30, is well into rehab.

"Keith was on the (stationary) bike today," Self said. "He's probably a little ahead of schedule."

Langford, KU's leading returning scorer from last year, is ticketed to miss two to three weeks of basketball.

More on Late Night: The Kansas City Marching Cobras drum/drill team will perform at Late Night. Also, each of KU's sports teams will be recognized. Doors will open at 7 p.m. a week from Friday, with the show to start about 10 p.m. There's no charge for admission, but fans are encouraged to bring canned goods to be donated to area shelters.