Stories for December 2004

6Sports video: Lady Jayhawks knock off Cardinals

The Kansas women’s basketball team beat Ball State, 80-66, on Thursday.

6Sports video: Simien staying game ready

Although Wayne Simien is still healing from the surgery on his thumb, coach Bill Self says the senior forward is already working out.

Jayhawks earn first victory on road

Senior Aquanita Burras and junior Kaylee Brown each recorded career-high scoring nights as Kansas University’s women’s basketball team recorded its first road win of the season, winning, 80-66, Thursday night at Ball State.

Woodling: Woodling: KU needs to solve free-throw woes

If you’re looking for a rationalization about the lack of a playoff system in NCAA Div. I-A football, dig no deeper than season finales. In football, a large number of teams actually can end the season with a win and reflect fondly on that victory for months and months to come.

Pacers 96, Nets 83

Mentally drained from a court battle and slowed by an illness, Jermaine O’Neal showed that being on a basketball court has a way of making everything right.

Miles’ focus? Georgia Tech

KU senior point guard concentrating on win, not assists record

Kansas University senior Aaron Miles sat Dec. 22 in a Kemper Arena locker room when it was announced in the arena that he had overtaken Doug Gottlieb as the Big 12 Conference’s all-time assist leader.

6Sports video: Jayhawks to play small ball

The Kansas men’s basketball team has been practicing with a smaller line-up for about a week and half and the players say they’re now more prepared to face Georgia Tech on New Year’s Day.

Hinrichs keeping busy as Northern Colorado AD

Jay Hinrichs worked his share of overtime during 18 years as a Kansas City Royals executive, three years as a Kansas University fund-raiser and two years as a financial analyst for a major shoe company.

6Sports video: Juniors form dangerous duo

Kansas’ Crystal Kemp and Erica Hallman are putting up some impressive numbers, serving as a two-woman wrecking crew for the Jayhawks.

Pacers put two together

Jermaine O’Neal carried the Indiana Pacers to back-to-back wins for the first time in December. Just when he’ll be able to do it again is unknown.

KU basketball players play host to 400 youths at clinic

Kansas University men’s basketball players held their annual youth clinic Wednesday at Allen Fieldhouse.

X-Factor Game 6: Kansas 100, Georgia Tech 86

No Wayne Simien, no problem for the virtual Kansas University men’s basketball team against Georgia Tech in this week’s X-Factor simulation. Freshman center C.J. Giles started in place of Simien and finished with a solid line of 12 points, 12 rebounds and seven blocks in the Jayhawks’ 100-86 victory over the Yellow Jackets.

Grizzlies rally past Boston

Pau Gasol scored 24 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, and the Memphis Grizzlies rallied in the final period to beat the Boston Celtics 117-109 Wednesday night.

Georgia Tech on KU’s mind

As rematch nears, Jayhawks watching film of NCAA loss

Bill Self saw no need last offseason to view tape of Kansas University’s men’s basketball loss to Georgia Tech in the 2004 NCAA Tournament.

6Sports video: ‘Hawks host youth clinic

Ordinarily they can only watch Keith Langford and the rest of the Jayhawks on television, but 400 kids had an up close look at the KU players Wednesday at the annual youth basketball clinic.

Win at Ball State would be sweet before Big 12 begins

A win away from home would do Kansas University’s women’s basketball team a world of good.

6Sports video: Miles on verge of history

Kansas senior Aaron Miles, who already holds the conference record, needs just five assists to pass Jacque Vaughn’s mark of 804 for the Jayhawks.

Woodling: Woodling: ‘04 was eventful at KU

Such historical events as the retirement of longtime women’s basketball coach Marian Washington punctuated 2004 in Kansas University athletics. The calendar year also produced such trifles as the renaming of the ancient rivalry between Kansas and Missouri. Officially, it became The Border Showdown, but most people still call it what it is — The Border War.

Carter, Nets jell for win

Vince Carter and the Nets are trying to get to know each other, and on Tuesday night they jelled just in time.

6Sports video: Kansas held to higher standard

An 8-0 record and a No. 2 ranking would ordinarily be an A+ in anyone’s book, but expectations for this Jayhawk team are higher.

Recruiting period slowing but not yet finished

Finally, a chance to breathe. In what might be a record, nobody is known to have committed to Kansas University’s 2005 football recruiting class in seven whole days.

6Sports video: Jayhawks slug San Diego State

For nine minutes, Kansas University looked like it had the best women’s basketball team in America. The Jayhawks dropped a 24-0 thunderbolt on San Diego State during the first half on the way to a 71-45 triumph Tuesday night in Allen Fieldhouse.

Aztec smacking

24-0 spurt lifts Jayhawks to easy win

For nine minutes, Kansas University looked like it had the best women’s basketball team in America. The Jayhawks dropped two dozen unanswered points on San Diego State during the first half on their way to a 71-45 triumph Tuesday night in Allen Fieldhouse.

Self gives Jayhawks early season grade of ‘B’

Kansas University professor of basketball Bill Self, who teaches hoops class daily on James Naismith Court and in Horejsi Center, gives his student-athletes a solid grade of “B” for their work first semester.

Seattle shot down

The Seattle SuperSonics are glad they only have to see Allen Iverson twice a season.

LeBron fuels Cavs win

LeBron James was tired of losing on the road, so the 19-year-old superstar gave the Cleveland Cavaliers exactly what they needed - everything.

Mavericks make home stand

The Dallas Mavericks got serious about defending their home court.

Self defends KU’s slate

Despite home games, Jayhawks' schedule 5th-toughest

Kansas University basketball coach Bill Self certainly sees no need to apologize for the Jayhawks’ nonconference schedule.

6Sports video: Lady Jayhawks ready to play after time off

KU’s standout player Crystal Kemp has been unstoppable so far this season.

Pistons 100, Nets 90, OT

In Auburn Hills, Michigan, a leg injury and an overtime loss to the Detroit Pistons ruined Vince Carter’s debut for New Jersey.

SuperSonics 98, Jazz 88

Rashard Lewis scored 22 points, Ray Allen added 19 and the Seattle SuperSonics ended an eight-game losing streak at Utah with a 98-88 victory over the Jazz on Monday night.

KU women to face short-handed SDSU

Bonnie Henrickson has kept her fingers crossed all season, and so far, so good.

6Sports video: Jayhawks will go with smaller line-up

While Wayne Simien is out for the next month or so, KU will probably play small ball.

6Sports video: Free-throw shooting hurting ‘Hawks

Alex Galindo and Wayne Simien have terrific free-throw percentages, but the rest of the team is struggling to sink the charities.

Top 25 remains same

Illinois and Kansas University were 1-2 in the Associated Press’ college basketball poll for a fourth straight week Monday, and the 25 teams in the rankings were the same for the third consecutive week.

Bucks hold on to defeat Chicago

Michael Redd made up for a subpar game in a big way.

Richardson rallies for Warriors

Jason Richardson made his first victory in Sacramento a memorable one.

Sunflower power: 3 state universities undefeated

Just 13 NCAA Division One men’s college basketball teams remain undefeated at this stage of the 2004-05 season. Three of those squads hail from the Sunflower State.

Spurs seal win over Celtics

Tony Parker seems to have found his offensive spark.

Simien assisting from bench

KU senior standout finds ways to help despite being sidelined

Dressed in a well-pressed gray suit instead of a sweaty No. 23 Kansas University basketball jersey, Wayne Simien looked more like a coach than a player Wednesday at Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Mo.

Woodling: Woodling: Going bowling with Big 12

You won’t have any difficulty finding a Big 12 Conference football team on television during the eight-day stretch from Tuesday through Jan. 4. All seven Big 12 teams that qualified for bowl games will be in action during that span.

‘Hawk fan wants it all for 100th birthday

Lawrence resident says she'd like to see KU win NCAA tourney

Gertrude Halberg turned 100 years old today. And she said if she could have anything she wanted for a Christmas/birthday present it would be this: the Jayhawk men’s basketball team winning the NCAA tournament in March.

Downs calls 2005 draft ‘chance of a lifetime’

Kansas University basketball signee Micah Downs wants to play in the NBA next season. In fact, it’s the 6-foot-8 Seattle-area prep player’s dream to enter the 2005 draft and play for pay during the 2005-06 season.

6Sports video: Downs may not enter NBA Draft

The father of Kansas University signee Micah Downs has told the Journal-World that it is not a certainty that his son will enter the 2005 NBA Draft. In Friday’s The Seattle Times, Micah was quoted in saying that he would not be attending KU and that he was headed straight to the NBA. Downs signed a letter of intent with the Jayhawks last month.

Mayer: Mayer: Dr. Magee great reason for student-athlete to pick KU

Kansas University has a wealth of effective athletic recruiting tools. One of the best, which should grab special attention from mommies, daddies and kids, is a somewhat subtle benefit. Subtle, maybe, but vital in countless cases.

6Sports video: Top 10 KU Plays of the Year

The Big 12 soccer championship and the Sunflower showdown against Kansas State are just some of the memorable plays that are on the Top 10 list of the best KU plays of the year.

Big Priority

Jayhawk athletes regularly undergo surprise drug tests

The phone call comes at a cruel time for a college student. Sometimes it comes before the sun while the Kansas University athlete is asleep, his or her body trying to shake off the previous day’s wretched combination of classes, weight training, practice and studying. The woman on the other end leaves rigid instructions. You’re taking a drug test today. Be here in the next two hours. No exceptions.

Woodling: Woodling: Maybe it’s time to do away with AP poll

Late last summer, someone in the Associated Press Kansas City bureau called and said it was the Journal-World’s turn to provide a voter for the weekly AP football poll.

Chat wrap with coach Mangino

Kansas University football coach Mark Mangino chatted with KUsports.com readers for about 15 minutes Friday, answering questions about who will replace Gabe Toomey, the KU-OU game in Arrowhead Stadium and the Jayhawks’ depth, among other topics.

6Sports video: Hans Hammer joke extends to Self

A fake Hans Hammer has been floating around, as a joke, making its way all around the world. It even made its way into the hands of Kansas head coach Bill Self.

Barns of the Big 12

The start of the Big 12 Conference basketball season is just around the corner. What better time, then, to take a look at the basketball arenas around the league?

Jayhawks scatter for break

Santa Claus’ travels will not include Tomsk, Russia, late tonight, and not just because his reindeer might claim animal cruelty with forecasters predicting lows of 16 degrees below zero.

Big Priority

Jayhawk athletes regularly undergo surprise drug tests

The phone call comes at a cruel time for a college student. Sometimes it comes before the sun while the Kansas University athlete is asleep, his or her body trying to shake off the previous day’s wretched combination of classes, weight training, practice and studying. The woman on the other end leaves rigid instructions. You’re taking a drug test today. Be here in the next two hours. No exceptions.

6Sports video: Simien on the mend

Wayne Simien will have the stitches removed from his left thumb a week from today. Simien tore ligaments in his thumb during the South Carolina game on Saturday.

Eagles tap ex-KU aide

Jay Johnson, a former Kansas University assistant football coach, has been named offensive coordinator at Southern Mississippi.

6Sports video: Galindo steps up for Jayhawks

Freshman Alex Galindo scored 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds, both a career-high, against Wisconsin-Milwaukee on Wednesday at Kemper Arena.

6Sports video: Brown improving on game

Kaylee Brown started out the season slow averaging only four points a game for the Kansas women’s basketball team. But now the junior guard is averaging about 10 points a game including scoring in double figures three different times.

Shaq leads Heat to big win before The Big Showdown

Though everybody else seemed to be looking down the road to Los Angeles, Shaquille O’Neal and the Miami Heat did something remarkable on the other stop on their California trip.

6Sports video: Giddens’ scoring slump

With Wayne Simien out of the KU lineup, the Jayhawks is going to need someone to score. And on Wednesday, KU got very little of that from sophomore guard J.R. Giddens.

Ex-KU football aides fired from Southern Miss

Rip Scherer and Dave Warner, two former Kansas University assistant coaches, have been fired by Southern Mississippi head football coach Jeff Bower.

Woodling: Woodling: Langford key for KU to survive without Simien

Alex Galindo was a hot topic of conversation. To a lesser extent so, too, were a couple of other Kansas University freshmen — Russell Robinson and C.J. Giles.

Happy holiday break

Galindo steps up for Jayhawks

Alex Galindo is off to Texas today to spend Christmas with his girlfriend and her family members. You can bet it’ll be a happy holiday for Kansas University’s 6-foot-7 freshman guard/forward from Puerto Rico.

Standout Gordon to pass on baseball

Charles Gordon can blame his stellar season on the football field for his decision to stick with one sport at Kansas University.

Panthers bemoan missed shots

About the only shots falling for Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s men’s basketball team Wednesday were those coming off the hot hand of guard Ed McCants.

Pierce knifes through Knicks

Which image of Wednesday night’s 114-109 New York Knicks loss to the Boston Celtics at FleetCenter do you prefer?

Notebook

¢ Kansas’ Miles sets Big 12 assists record ¢ Smalls play a lot ¢ Seeing red ¢ Kemper friendly ¢ Sort of a road trip ¢ Crowd talk

Ex-Emporia State coach joins KU soccer program

Kara Lowrey, head soccer coach at Emporia State, has been named an assistant coach at Kansas University.

Cavs off in loss to Nets

LeBron James made many, many mistakes in the final 2 minutes, the last of which helped cost the Cleveland Cavaliers the game.

6Sports video: Hallman evolves into key player

Don’t blame Tuesday’s loss to Creighton on Kansas junior Erica Hallman: she scored a team-high 20 points and dished out six assists while playing more than 38 minutes.

KU’s Simien keeps his spirits up

Wayne Simien did what he could to help the Kansas University men’s basketball team Wednesday: high-five his teammates, give them words of encouragement and pump them up whenever he got the chance.

6Sports video: Gordon sticking to gridiron

Kansas University football standout Charles Gordon has decided not to play baseball for the Jayhawks this spring. The junior-to-be originally had considered playing outfield for coach Ritch Price, but after a successful season on the football field, decided to use the offseason to rest up.

Seattle keeps its edge

Seattle SuperSonics coach Nate McMillan wasn’t sure what to expect. With four full days off between games, McMillan was concerned his team might have lost a bit of its edge.

Bulls take fifth straight

Ben Gordon scored 19 points and fellow reserve Tyson Chandler had 13 points and 11 rebounds as the Chicago Bulls won their fifth straight game, 89-82 over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.

6Sports video: Jackson gets nod from Self

With Wayne Simien out for the immediate future, freshman Darnell Jackson will be filling in the starting lineup for the Jayhawks.

Two more recruits commit to Jayhawks

The Kansas University football team has had a good week.

6Sports video: Jayhawks defeat Panthers

The Kansas University’s men’s basketball team won its first game without Wayne Simien, 73-62, on Wednesday against Wisconsin-Milwaukee at Kemper Arena. Senior Keith Langford led the team in scoring with 21 points and Aaron Miles broke the Big 12 record in assists.

Nets break streak

Richard Jefferson’s strong finish was just enough to give the New Jersey Nets their first win in four games.

6Sports video: Women falter on road

The Kansas University women’s basketball team had three players score in double figures on Tuesday, but a solid shooting night by Creighton led to a 68-63 victory for the Bluejays.

6Sports video: Aesthetics aside, Kemper just fine for Jayhawks

KU makes its annual appearance Wednesday night at “noted eyesore” Kemper Arena, which has been very good to the Jayhawks in recent years.

Notebook

Dish machine

Unselfishness paying off as Miles nears assist records

Aaron Miles doesn’t dwell on personal accomplishments. “It’s nice, but I don’t think about that much. Probably next year or the year after, I’ll start to think about that stuff,” said Miles, Kansas University’s 6-foot-1 senior point guard from Portland, Ore., who rapidly is approaching two significant assist milestones.

Ex-swim coach Kempf takes AD job at Asbury

Gary Kempf, who has served the past 27 years as a coach and administrator at Kansas University, has accepted the position of athletic director at Asbury College in Wilmore, Ky.

Heat winning streak hits nine

When Dwyane Wade missed a pair of games earlier this season with a sore ankle, Shaquille O’Neal vowed to pick up the slack.

Jackson earns start

Hard work in practice has paid for Kansas University freshman forward Darnell Jackson, who will start in place of the injured Wayne Simien in tonight’s game against Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Jayhawks win sans Simien

Kansas defeats Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 73-62

If Kansas University’s men’s basketball team is going to win without senior star Wayne Simien, it’s going to need seniors and freshmen to step up during his absence. The Jayhawks got just that Wednesday against the Wisconsin-Milwaukee Panthers as seniors Keith Langford and Aaron Miles and youngsters Alex Galindo and Russell Robinson put up big numbers in a 73-62 KU victory in Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Mo.

6Sports video: Tourney experience motivation for KU

The Kansas volleyball team will sit at home this winter break wondering what might have been had they not lost a second-round match to Final Four team Washington.

Sacramento holds off Wizards

Peja Stojakovic hit five 3-pointers, and Mike Bibby scored seven of his 24 points in the fourth quarter of the Sacramento Kings’ 16th victory in 19 games, 104-93 over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night.

Cleveland takes Timberwolves

The M-V-P chants began somewhere in the upper deck of Gund Arena and floated down toward the floor. This time, they weren’t directed at Kevin Garnett.

Hallman, Kemp solid, but KU women tumble

The Kansas University women’s basketball team had three players score in double figures on Tuesday, but a solid shooting night by Creighton led to a 68-63 victory for the Bluejays at the Civic Auditorium.

Mangino chat on tap

Kansas University football fans can spend a part of their Christmas Eve with coach Mark Mangino.

Woodling: Scorers need help dishing assists

For a couple of years now, it has been obvious that, barring injury, Aaron Miles would leave Jacque Vaughn in the dust.

6Sports video: Loss of Simien raises questions

Coach Self now has to decide how to restructure his team while Simien is out for 4-6 weeks after his surgery.

Bulls win fourth straight

The way the Chicago Bulls are playing these days, they don’t need much luck. Ben Gordon thinks they got some anyway. With Michael Jordan in attendance, Gordon scored nine of his 23 points in the fourth quarter and Chicago beat the Portland Trail Blazers 92-87 on Monday night for their fourth consecutive victory.

6Sports video: KU women roll over Dartmouth

The Jayhawks scored the most points of the year in the victory.

6News video: KU players help LINK help others

The Lawrence Interdenominational Nutrition Kitchen provide meals to those who need help. The Jayhawks helped serve food over the weekend.

High-flying Bluejays next for KU

Creighton likes to crank it up. Kansas University likes to shut ‘em down.

Jayhawks still adding players for 2005

Kansas University continued to solidify its 2005 football recruiting class Monday, receiving two more commitments and signing two junior-college players to national letters of intent.

6Sports video: Simien out for up to six weeks

Standout senior Wayne Simien underwent surgery Monday evening to repair torn ligaments in his hand.

Jayhawks ready to move on

KU expects freshmen to fill void left by Simien

Kansas University basketball coach Bill Self was 30 minutes late for his live radio show Monday night at Carlos O’Kelly’s Mexican Cafe.

Five Jayhawks named to All-Region team

Five members of Kansas University’s soccer team have been selected to the National Soccer Coaches Association of American (NSCAA)/adidas All-Central Region team.

Simien sidelined again

KU senior out 4-6 weeks after surgery on thumb

Wayne Simien’s senior season at Kansas University will not be injury free.

Two preps from Texas pick KU for football

Kansas University’s football team received oral commitments from a pair of players from Texas over the weekend.

KU still No. 2 in AP poll

Oklahoma State moves up to No. 3

Kansas University is still the highest-ranked Big 12 men’s basketball team in the latest Associated Press Top 25 poll, but Oklahoma State is gaining ground on that spot. The Jayhawks (7-0) stayed at No. 2 in Monday’s poll, but the Cowboys moved up a spot to No. 4, just 30 points behind KU (1,658 to 1,628).

Robinson ‘stepped up’

Freshman's confidence gets boost in narrow victory

Christian Moody didn’t hesitate when asked what good could come out of Saturday night’s narrow basketball victory over South Carolina.

Kings pull away from Hornets

Peja Stojakovic scored 21 points, and the Sacramento Kings pulled away in the second half for a 107-71 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Sunday night.

Simien out at least a month

Senior star undergoes surgery on left thumb

Kansas University senior forward Wayne Simien will miss four to six weeks after undergoing surgery on his sprained left thumb Monday evening, head coach Bill Self announced Monday.

Simien to miss at least a month

Senior star undergoes surgery on left thumb

Kansas University senior forward Wayne Simien will miss four to six weeks after undergoing surgery on his sprained left thumb Monday evening, head coach Bill Self announced Monday.

Simien suffers sprain; status undetermined

Kansas University senior Wayne Simien suffered a sprained left thumb in Saturday’s victory over South Carolina.

Raptors beat Nets 110-99

Vince Carter was the main topic of conversation, and the five-time All-Star wasn’t even in the building when his new team played his old team.

No. 13 suits Wesley

Former standout has jersey retired

Cold chills shot down Walt Wesley’s spine when he was assigned jersey No. 13 his sophomore season at Kansas University.

Gamecocks: ‘We came to win’

South Carolina center Antoine Tisby couldn’t believe what was happening Saturday night at Allen Fieldhouse.

6Sports video: KU women defeat Dartmouth

Kansas University’s women’s basketball team defeated Dartmouth, 84-51, Saturday at Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks outscored the Big Green, 43-20, in the second half. Crystal Kemp scored 24 points for KU, Taylor McIntosh added 11 points and 10 rebounds, and Erica Hallman dished out 13 assists — tied for second most in KU history

Jayhawk offense breaks out in rout

Kansas University’s women’s basketball game against Dartmouth turned into a career fair, as several Jayhawks strengthened their resumes with career highs.

Robinson to rescue

Freshman helps Jayhawks overcome Gamecocks

Kansas University freshman Russell Robinson admitted he was nervous as he toed the free-throw line with 13.9 seconds left in Saturday night’s nailbiter against South Carolina at Allen Fieldhouse.

Notebook

¢ Kansas’ Simien hurt; how badly to be seen ¢ Wrong goal

Bulls take Pacers, 85-71

Their 0-9 start seems to be well behind them and the Chicago Bulls are playing with confidence and energy. They’re a hungry young team enjoying each victory.

Woodling: Woodling: Makeshift lineup sparks KU victory

A quick scouring of the Kansas University men’s basketball record book turned up no evidence of a possible record.

Celtics snap Cavaliers’ streak in OT

Once the ball ended up safely in Gary Payton’s hands, the Boston Celtics were in control.

Jayhawks’ next test after finals: Big Green

Kansas women return to action tonight against Dartmouth

Just seven games into the season, Kansas University’s women’s basketball team has experienced its fair share of highs and lows. But, starting with a convincing victory over Western Illinois on Dec. 8, the team is expecting to remain on its high though today’s game against Dartmouth.

6Sports video: KU to face South Carolina

The Kansas men’s basketball team will take on South Carolina for the first time on Saturday night at Allen Fieldhouse.

6Sports video: Jayhawks spend day at hospital

Members of the Kansas University women’s basketball team gave gifts to Lawrence Memorial Hospital patients for the holiday season.

Payton leads Celtics to win over Jazz

At age 36, Gary Payton no longer puts together long stretches of outstanding games. On Friday night, though, he played as if he were in his prime. Payton scored a season-high 27 points, matched his season-high of 11 assists and led a Boston Celtics running game that beat the Utah Jazz 114-106.

KU withstands scare from South Carolina

Simien, Robinson lead Jayhawks to 64-60 win

Kansas University senior Wayne Simien played the final few minutes of Saturday’s game against South Carolina with four fouls and his left wrist wrapped after appearing to injure his thumb midway through the second half. Neither issue mattered to the Jayhawk star, though, as he led his team to a 64-60 victory over the Gamecocks with two second-chance baskets in the final three minutes. Simien finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds in 35 minutes.

Photo: Women’s team surprises patients

Nets lose first game after trading for Carter

The New Jersey Nets could have used an extra player or two, even if it wasn’t Vince Carter. The All-Star’s acquisition in a trade with the Toronto Raptors was announced before the game, but the Nets were left short-handed Friday night in an 89-94 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. Jason Williams had a season-high 27 points and six assists to lead Memphis.

S.C.’s Odom ‘appreciates great basketball tradition’

Dave Odom had one big regret after leaving Wake Forest for South Carolina following the 2000-01 season. His departure from the Winston-Salem, N.C., school after 12 seasons meant the basketball traditionalist, who always had wanted to coach a game in Allen Fieldhouse, wouldn’t be able to join his Demon Deacons in Lawrence for the final game of a two-year series in ‘01-‘02.

Mayer: Mayer: Four-year players a blessing for KU basketball

One of the most enjoyable aspects of this Kansas University basketball season is that there’s no hourly blather over which Jayhawks will go professional and which ones will stay. With four seniors and sophomore J.R. Giddens, who clearly needs at least another year of seasoning, there’s no bait for a feeding frenzy among rumor-mongers.

Miles on verge of assists mark

Kansas University senior point guard Aaron Miles needs 10 assists to tie and 11 to pass Oklahoma State’s Doug Gottlieb for first place on the Big 12’s all-time assist list.

Wesley ‘excited’ about honor

Jayhawks to pay tribute to former player tonight

Walt Wesley hasn’t spent any time stressing out about the speech he’ll give to 16,300 fans at halftime of tonight’s Kansas University-South Carolina basketball game at Allen Fieldhouse.

Suns stop SuperSonics, 112-110

The Phoenix Suns can win on the road. Even more impressive, they can come from behind to win on the road. Joe Johnson had 24 points and 10 rebounds, Shawn Marion added 22 points, and Steve Nash scored 21 as the Phoenix Suns beat the Seattle SuperSonics 112-110 Friday night in a showdown between the NBA’s top two teams.

Raptors lose first game after trading Carter

The first game of the post-Vince Carter era in Toronto bore a strong resemblance to the rest of the Raptors’ 10-year history. Jamaal Tinsley scored 17 of his 22 points in the second half to lead the Indiana Pacers to an 89-86 victory over the Raptors, who traded the five-time All Star to New Jersey earlier Friday.

Ex-Jayhawk questionable for Titans

Former Kansas University football player Justin Hartwig, now the starting center for the Tennessee Titans, is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Oakland Raiders.

Letter from Meet Director Tim Weaver

Santa’s happy helpers

KU basketball players enjoy charity gift-buying excursion

Michael Lee pushed a shopping cart through the women’s clothing section of Wal-Mart on Thursday night, his next destination the toy department.

Woodling: Woodling: Some seats still available

December is a bad time to count March chickens, but some of you surely must have considered NCAA basketball tournament tickets as Christmas presents.

Football facility concern tackled

Hemenway insists commencement walk down hill won't be blocked

Robert Hemenway wants to be clear: A proposed football facility at Memorial Stadium will not block Kansas University graduates’ procession route for commencement.

6Sports video: KU struggles with free throws

The Jayhawks are shooting 52 percent from the field and 63 percent from the free throw line. And coach Bill Self says the team needs to shoot better.

6Sports video: Kemp needs to escape fouls

If Bonnie Henrickson’s team wants to stay competitive than Crystal Kemp needs to stay out of foul trouble. The junior forward has committed about seven fouls each game so far this season.

Hinrich leads Bulls to victory

Kirk Hinrich and the Bulls are starting to play in a relaxed fashion, and it’s resulting in victories. Hinrich scored nine of his 28 points in a 15-0 run, and the Chicago Bulls beat the slump-ridden Milwaukee Bucks 85-77 Thursday night to win consecutively for the first time this season. The Bulls beat the Grizzlies 96-88 in Memphis on Wednesday night.

6Sports video: Robinson improving on game

Freshman Russell Robinson said his goal was to play like a sophomore this season and so far he has been doing good. The freshman guard averages about seven points a game and leads the team in steals. However, coach Bill Self says Robinson still needs to work on his concentration.

Langford goes retro to fix free-throw woes

Off to a shaky start from the free-throw line his senior season, Keith Langford figured it was high time to change his routine.

KU’s Gruber in groove

Awards rolling in for Jayhawk senior

Amy Gruber’s swimming style reminds her coach of a certain Kansas University basketball player.

6Sports video: Fan-favorite Galindo steps up

Whenever Alex Galindo checks in to the Jayhawk lineup, the KU fans go crazy. But the freshman from Puerto Rico hasn’t given them much to cheer for — until recently.

KU camp dates set

Dates have been set for Kansas University basketball coach Bill Self’s 2005 summer camps for youths and his new two-day parent/child camp.

Four juco players sign letters with KU

Football team lands 2 linemen, linebacker, wide receiver

Though no official word came from Kansas University, three junior-college players who already had given the Jayhawks their oral commitments — and a fourth who changed plans at the last minute — are known to have signed letters of intent Wednesday to play football for the Jayhawks next year and sent the proper paperwork to KU.

Bulls win second home game

The Chicago Bulls are finally seeing some results from their hard work. Eddy Curry had 20 points, while Kirk Hinrich and Ben Gordon each added 15 Wednesday night to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 96-88 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.

6Sports video: Jackson playing through injuries

Darnell Jackson’s days at Kansas haven’t exactly been the healthiest of times.

Cavaliers win ninth straight home game

The wins are coming so regularly at Gund Arena for the Cavaliers that LeBron James has become a bit nostalgic. As nostalgic as a 19-year-old can be, that is.

X-Factor Game 5: S. Carolina 118, Kansas 109

Kansas lost its second straight X-Factor game, this time falling to South Carolina, 118-109, in overtime.For the second straight men’s basketball X-Factor simulation, the Kansas University Jayhawks struggled defensively. And for the second straight simulation, the Jayhawks’ defensive struggles resulted in a high-scoring loss for KU. This time, South Carolina defeated Kansas, 118-109, in overtime after shooting 58.8 percent.

6Sports video: Giddens working on rounding out his game

J.R. Giddens has a glowing smile and the three-point shot to go with it. But for all the good that the sophomore brings to the KU basketball team, there are also some challenges to go with it.

Anthony’s late jumper dooms Celtics

Carmelo Anthony rescued the travel-weary Denver Nuggets with just seconds to spare. Anthony’s 15-foot jumper with 3.6 seconds remaining gave the Nuggets a 100-99 victory over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night, the fifth stop on Denver’s seven-game road trip.

Knicks win with strong defense

Jerome Williams doesn’t take umbrage when he hears the Knicks knocked as a poor defensive team. He knows the statement is mostly true, and he’s doing something about it. Williams and Nazr Mohammed led a strong defensive effort in a game otherwise defined by offensive ineptitude, with the New York Knicks holding the New Jersey Nets without a basket for 15 minutes of an 87-79 victory Tuesday night.

6Sports video: Toomey officially not returning

The Kansas press release that came out Tuesday afternoon did not list any reasons, but it did make official what had been reported Friday. Gabe Toomey will not be returning for his senior season with the Jayhawks.

Pacers end seven-game skid

Reggie Miller was tired of the history lessons and determined to end the Indiana Pacers’ longest losing streak in more than a decade. Jamaal Tinsley scored a season-high 29 points and the Pacers rallied from a 12-point deficit in the fourth period, snapping a seven-game losing streak Tuesday night with a 108-97 overtime victory over the Atlanta Hawks.

Kings win on Webber’s last-second three-pointer

Chris Webber was a reluctant hero. Webber took an inbounds pass from Mike Bibby and hit a long 3-pointer at the buzzer to give the Sacramento Kings an 89-86 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night. But when Webber first got the ball, he wasn’t looking to try for the game-winner.

6Sports video: Time to study for Jayhawks

The Kansas men’s basketball team has been tested on the courts for six games. This week, it’s time to get tested in the classroom.

Mangino confirms Toomey’s departure

Kansas University football coach Mark Mangino made it official Tuesday: Gabriel Toomey will not return for his senior season.

6Sports video: Women take Finals Week break

The Kansas women’s basketball team has a 10-day gap between their games against Western Illinois and Dartmouth. It’s no vacation for the Jayhawks, however, as they are being tested off the courts, in the classrooms.

6Sports video: KU’s perimeter shooting shining

While perimeter shooting was a weakness last year for Kansas, so far this season it’s one of the team’s strengths.

Woodling: Woodling: Recruiting preps pays off eventually

In this world of now, in this contemporary what-have-you-done-for-me-lately mentality, retrospectives are as exciting as a two-day-old burrito.

Mr. ‘Get it done’ Giddens

Sophomore refining skills as defenses strive to stop long-range shooting

Personable, outgoing, flamboyant J.R. Giddens, who has been known to do some talking on the basketball court, has been listening a lot this season, too.

Lewis overshadows Bryant-Allen feud in Seattle victory

This was supposed to be a battle between Ray Allen and Kobe Bryant, meeting on the court for the first time since trading preseason barbs in the press. Nobody told Rashard Lewis he wasn’t invited to the show.

Celtics refuse to lose in double-overtime win

Ricky Davis and his Boston teammates simply refused to lose. Down by 12 points in the fourth quarter, the Celtics rallied for a 134-127 double-overtime victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night.

Finley’s late shot leads Mavs to win over Bulls

The Dallas Mavericks had to make do without Michael Finley for a month as the veteran recovered from an injured ankle. He’s proving that it was worth the wait. Finley capped his 27-point night with a 17-foot jumper with 3.2 seconds left to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a 94-93 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Monday night.

KU youth clinic on tap

Kansas University’s men’s basketball players will conduct their annual holiday clinic from 9:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 29, at Allen Fieldhouse.

James’ all-around game leads Cavs to win

LeBron James seemed to be everywhere Monday night, and just to add a final touch, he punctuated his 31-point performance with a slam as the clock wound down. James also had eight assists and a career-high seven steals in leading Cleveland to a 92-86 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.

6Sports video: ‘Chucky G.’ continues to impress

Charles Gordon was named 3rd team All-American as a sophomore, which bodes well for the Jayhawks’ future.

Gordon named to All-America third team

Kansas University cornerback Charles Gordon culminated his spectacular sophomore season by earning a new prefix for his name: All-American.

KU corrals Pittsburg QB

Meier fourth in line of football brothers, including Titans TE

The biography of Tennessee Titans tight end Shad Meier on the NFL Players Assn. Web site now has Kansas University football fans drooling.

6Sports video: Gordon wins All-American honors

Charles Gordon had a great season on offense, defense and special teams. Also, a highly-touted recruit will come to KU.

6Sports video: Freshmen still have long way to go

Last year, freshman big man David Padgett started for KU. This year, coach Self says the freshmen are playing “very poorly.”

6Sports video: Jayhawks wallop Lafayette

KU cruised into finals week on hot shooting.

Woodling: Jayhawks, Cowboys among unbeaten

From the drum-beating office of the Big 12 Conference came this breathtaking news Monday: The Big 12 has more undefeated men’s basketball teams than any other league in the country.

KU’s Francis among coach-of-year finalists

Kansas University soccer coach Mark Francis has been named central region coach of the year by the National Soccer Coaches Assn. after guiding the Jayhawks to the most successful season in school history.

Jayhawks’ hot start helped by sizzling shooting, home games

Shooting has been a strength of Kansas University’s men’s basketball team during the first six games of the nonconference season.

Illinois, KU still top two

Illinois and Kansas remained 1-2 atop the Associated Press and ESPN/USA Today men’s basketball polls Monday.

Top QB prospect gives oral commitment to KU

(Updated Monday at 2:28 p.m.) Pittsburg High senior Kerry Meier, one of the top dual-threat quarterback prospects in the country according to rivals.com, has given Kansas University coach Mark Mangino a non-binding oral commitment.

KU still at No. 2 in AP poll

Kansas University’s men’s basketball team stayed at No. 2 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll Monday after wins over Texas Christian and Louisiana-Lafayette last week. The Jayhawks (6-0) stayed second with 22 No. 1 votes and 1,709 points.

Ride the pine? Fine!

KU standouts happy to let reserves play

Keith Langford, who exploded for 19 points in the first 14 1/2 minutes against Louisiana-Lafayette on Saturday night, looked like a lock to tally a career high by the end of the game.

WIBW video: KU blows out UL-Lafayette

Nick Bahe caught some first-half floortime in the Jayhawks’ rout of the Ragin’ Cajuns.

Spurs’ hot shooting downs Cavaliers

The San Antonio Spurs didn’t give LeBron James a chance to match Tracy McGrady. The Spurs, coming off a loss in Houston after McGrady scored 13 points in the final 35 seconds, shot a season-best 66 percent from the floor while beating Cleveland 116-97 on Saturday night.

Webber leads Kings past Pacers

Every time Sacramento needed a big shot, a key pass or a defensive stop, Chris Webber delivered Saturday night. He wasn’t anywhere near satisfied, though.

Self, not Cajuns, ragin’

Jayhawks feel coach's wrath despite rout of Lafayette

Kansas University’s basketball fans were enthused, to say the least, at halftime of the Jayhawks’ 96-51 rout of Louisiana-Lafayette on Saturday night at Allen Fieldhouse. The guy whose opinion matters the most, however, was not.

Gordon leads Bulls to victory

en Gordon’s still making the difficult adjustment from college star to the NBA, but Saturday night he showed why the Chicago Bulls made him a first-round choice. Gordon scored a career-high 31 points, rescuing the Bulls from a furious Minnesota rally with 16 in the fourth quarter, as Chicago nearly blew a 24-point lead before beating the Timberwolves 99-88.

Cajuns lament trip to Kansas

'Yes, there are second thoughts from coming here'

Louisiana-Lafayette’s men’s basketball team didn’t enjoy its stay Saturday night in Lawrence, partly because of the 96-51 pounding it took from Kansas University, and partly because it didn’t really want to be here in the first place.

Nets win despite Kidd’s lack of assists

Richard Jefferson didn’t care that Jason Kidd failed to assist on a basket for the first time in his 11-year career. Kidd’s return from a knee injury has given New Jersey a big boost.

Mayer: Mayer: KU needs to build cohesiveness before G-Tech, Okie State games

The Kansas basketball team isn’t there yet — to NCAA Final Four stature. But at least three carrots were hung on the end of the stick the past week to show the ambitious Jayhawks what they’re up against if they want to finish No. 1 in America in April.

Woodling: Woodling: Freshmen big men not impressive

Sasha Kaun missed three point-blank shots under the basket. Kaun also bricked all three of his free-throw attempts. C.J. Giles played 10 minutes and didn’t retrieve a single missed shot. Not even an errant free throw.

Notebook

Payton leads Celtics to win over SuperSonics

Gary Payton is way too much for second-year pro Luke Ridnour to handle. That’s why the Boston Celtics have notched two of Seattle’s four losses this season. Paul Pierce scored 22 points and Payton had 21 against his former team as the Celtics snapped a three-game losing streak, beating the streaking SuperSonics 98-84 on Saturday night.

Garnett’s big game leads ‘Wolves over Kings

Kevin Garnett made his first big statement in a bid for a second consecutive NBA Most Valuable Player award. Garnett scored a season-high 35 points with 18 rebounds and nine assists, and the Minnesota Timberwolves rallied to beat the Sacramento Kings 113-105 Friday night.

KU blows out UL-Lafayette, 96-51

Jayhawks' hot shooting dooms Ragin' Cajuns

Kansas University’s men’s basketball team Saturday against Louisiana-Lafayette looked like it was suffering no ill effects from playing just two days ago. The Jayhawks opened the game with a three-pointer by J.R. Giddens and didn’t slow down, running away with a 96-51 victory over the Ragin’ Cajuns at Allen Fieldhouse.

6Sports video: McIntosh great at rebounding

Freshman Taylor McIntosh is tied with the team lead in rebounding.

Three KU soccer players honored

Jayhawks land trio of All-Americans

The most successful season in Kansas University women’s soccer history has led to the greatest honor for three Jayhawks.

Kidd leads Nets to overtime win

With the game on the line, Jason Kidd didn’t hesitate to push his surgically-repaired knee to the limit. Kidd hit a go-ahead basket early in overtime, and the Nets denied former coach Byron Scott a win in his return to New Jersey with a 94-91 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night.

Bucks defeat Pacers for second time this week

For the reeling Milwaukee Bucks, defeating the Indiana Pacers twice in one week meant a lot.

6Sports video: ESPN to create documentary about Larry Brown

ESPN conducted interviews with Brown’s former players and acquaintances Friday at the Eldridge Hotel. The former KU basketball coach led the Jayhawks to a national championship in 1988.

6Sports video: Self gets technical foul

Upset at a foul call against Keith Langford during the TCU game on Thursday night, coach Bill Self went off on a referee and ended up receiving a technical foul.

6Sports video: Moody makes memorable play

Christian Moody pulled off one of the greatest assists in KU history when he made a no-look pass to J.R. Giddens during the TCU game on Thursday night.

Sources say KU’s Toomey has left team

Kansas University football linebacker Gabriel Toomey has left the team, sources have told the Journal-World and 6News.

Moody mania, KU return to court tonight

“The Pass” that rocked Allen Fieldhouse on Thursday night didn’t exactly take the country by storm. Forward Christian Moody’s no-look pass from the post back over his head to a wide-open J.R. Giddens — who swished a three-pointer in the second half of Kansas University’s 94-73 win over TCU — was ranked ninth on ESPN’s daily top 10 list of sports highlights.

KU football tickets will cost more in ‘05

Ticket prices for reserved seats for 2005 Kansas University football games have been spiked. Tickets for nonconference games have been boosted from $30 to $35 and tickets for Big 12 Conference games from $35 to $45.

Ragin’ Cajuns invading Kansas

Louisiana-Lafayette hoping to make impression

The guy driving Louisiana-Lafayette’s team bus Friday was surprised to hear of the school’s unique nickname. “Our bus driver had no idea what Ragin’ Cajuns are,” first-year coach Robert Lee said Friday after pulling into Lawrence for tonight’s nonconference contest against Kansas University (7 p.m., Allen Fieldhouse).

Faculty singled out in scalping talk

Ticket scalping, particularly by Kansas University faculty members, was the big topic of discussion Friday at a meeting of the Kansas University Athletic Corp. advisory board.

Dalembert shines in first start

Samuel Dalembert gave head coach Jim O’Brien all he asked for — and more. Dalembert had 13 points, 14 rebounds and six blocked shots in his first start of the season, leading Philadelphia to a 93-88 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Friday night.

Friends recall coach Brown’s tenure for ESPN documentary

It was a reunion, of sorts, of the Lawrence folks associated with Larry Brown back when he was Kansas University’s men’s basketball coach. And it was convened by ESPN.

Abdur-Rahim leads Trail Blazers to win over Celtics

Shareef Abdur-Rahim hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to an 89-87 victory over the Boston Celtics on Thursday night. Boston led 87-84 with 29.3 seconds left, but Zach Randolph made two free throws to make it a one-point game. After letting time run down, the Celtics’ Gary Payton tried to get the ball in to Paul Pierce, but the shot-clock expired and left Portland with one final chance to win.

6Sports video: KU women continue to improve

The Jayhawks knocked off the Western Illinois Westerwinds, 58-41, on Wednesday at Allen Fieldhouse. KU head coach Bonnie Henrickson says the team did a nice job of disrupting Western Illinois’ offensive set.

Horned Frogs flogged

Quick pace favors KU against TCU

Kansas University coach Bill Self suspected Thursday’s Kansas-TCU basketball game would be a high-scoring affair.

Hemenway highly influential

Magazine: KU boss alters college sports

Kansas University chancellor Robert Hemenway is rated the seventh most influential person in college athletics by Street and Smith Business Journal.

Former Husker may have eye on Jayhawks

Former Nebraska football player Michael Keenan has expressed a desire to play for Kansas University, according to a source close to him.

KU quashes ticket sales outside fieldhouse

Enforcement of existing policy prohibits scalpers on campus

There soon will be fewer ticket scalpers outside Allen Fieldhouse.

Bridges reconnects with KU

Earlier this week, Bill Bridges had “mixed feelings” about Kansas University retiring his jersey No. 32 a whopping 43 years after his last game as a Jayhawk.

Pitching coach lands new gig

Abney named manager of college wood-bat league squad

Kansas University pitching coach Steve Abney has been named manager of the Brainerd (Minn.) Blue Thunder, an expansion team in the Northwoods League.

Dougherty: Kansas ‘pretty good’

Think Neil Dougherty wishes he wasn’t such a good recruiter while at Kansas University? The TCU men’s basketball coach may not have fathomed facing Wayne Simien, Aaron Miles, Keith Langford and Michael Lee just four years after recruiting them to Lawrence.

Men’s Basketball briefs

¢ Kansas’ Self T’d up ¢ Bumps, bruises ¢ ‘It’s not over’ ¢ Crowd flap ¢ Nearly a Horned Frog

Woodling: Woodling: Moody adds ‘The Pass’ to lore

Forevermore, it will be known simply as The Pass. No telling how many times it was shown Thursday night on ESPN’s SportsCenter, or will be shown again and again today and maybe even this weekend on the cable network as one of the most memorable plays of the day, or perhaps even the week.

SuperSonics just keep winning

This is why the Seattle SuperSonics have become the team to beat in the NBA. One night after Ray Allen helped Seattle become the first team to win in San Antonio this season, Rashard Lewis did the honors in Dallas, scoring 13 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter of a 107-102 victory Thursday night.

KU punter honored

Kansas University punter Kyle Tucker has been named to the Freshman All-Big 12 Conference team by The Sporting News. Tucker, a native of Katy, Texas, averaged 40.1 yards per punt in 2004, taking over full-time duties in mid-September. Fifteen of his boots landed inside the 20-yard line.

‘Deuce’ back in the fieldhouse

TCU guard Dougherty tickled to play in Allen, his 'dream' venue

As a fifth-grader, Neil “Deuce” Dougherty played H-O-R-S-E against such former Kansas University basketball standouts as Paul Pierce, Raef LaFrentz, Scot Pollard, Jacque Vaughn and Jerod Haase.

Jayhawks to hang Bridges’ jersey

The Dennis Rodman of his era, Bill Bridges owned the backboards during his Kansas University men’s basketball career.

6Sports video: Self waiting for signal from freshmen

Christian Moody’s spot on the Jayhawks’ starting lineup appears to be a seat-warming position until one of the high-profile freshmen steps up to fill it. Trouble is, none of them have so far.

Blowin’ out the ‘Winds

Jayhawk defensive pressure befuddles Westerwinds

Three assists. That’s all Western Illinois managed. And two came in the last minute and a half. “We played real good defense,” Kansas University point guard Erica Hallman understated after the Jayhawks had humbled the Westerwinds, 58-41, Wednesday night in Allen Fieldhouse.

KU trounces TCU, 93-74

Jayhawks unkind to former assistant's team

Kansas University’s men’s basketball team didn’t roll out the welcome wagon for former assistant coach Neil Dougherty on Thursday at Allen Fieldhouse. Dougherty’s Texas Christian Horned Frogs led early in the first half, but KU took the lead midway through the period before running away with a 93-74 victory.

SuperSonics end Spurs’ home winning streak

Tim Duncan can be added to the list of those who believe the Seattle SuperSonics are for real. The surprising Sonics built a big first-half lead Wednesday night against San Antonio, and then they got clutch scoring from Ray Allen down the stretch to hold on for a 102-96 victory over the Spurs.

Young Bulls lead team to victory over Cavs

Ben Gordon and his young teammates showed some potential on Wednesday night. The rookie guard hopes they display it more often. Gordon scored 21 points and Eddy Curry had 20 to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 113-85 lopsided victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

6Sports video: ‘Big Dub’ dealing with double teams

Wayne Simien will have to deal with double teaming all season long. Coach Bill Self isn’t too concerned, but it is something the Jayhawks will need to plan for each and every time out.

6Sports video: KU defeats Western Illinois

Kansas University’s women’s basketball team defeated Western Illinois, 58-41, Wednesday at Allen Fieldhouse. Crystal Kemp scored 17 points for KU, and Aquanita Burras added 14. Western Illinois shot just 26.7 percent (12 of 45) from the field.

Athletes, youngsters share life lessons

KU course sends sports heroes to school

Even when asked by a Jayhawk basketball player, 9-year-old Anthony Hurtado said he didn’t know whether Kansas University would be his top choice for college someday.

SuperSonics keep finding ways to win

While many wait for the Seattle SuperSonics’ great start to fizzle out, they’re finding new ways to win. With Ray Allen struggling from the field, Vladimir Radmanovic came off the bench to score 20 points and gather 10 rebounds as the SuperSonics defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 99-89 Saturday night.

Jayhawks’ Hawkins had way last year versus Horned Frogs

KU junior guard tallied career-high 19 points against TCU

Jeff Hawkins has scored in double figures in exactly one game during his Kansas University basketball career.

Kings win as Webber rests

The Sacramento Kings excelled without Chris Webber for most of last season, so it wasn’t tough for Peja Stojakovic and Brad Miller to remember how it’s done. Stojakovic had season highs of 30 points and 12 rebounds, and Miller scored a season-high 27 points in the Kings’ 12th victory in 13 games, 109-92 over the Charlotte Bobcats on Tuesday night.

6Sports video: Mangino denies Notre Dame rumors

Kansas University football coach Mark Mangino said Tuesday that the rumors about his candidacy for the Notre Dame job were just that: rumors.

Mangino content at Kansas

Kansas University football coach Mark Mangino took a break from recruiting Tuesday in western Kansas to clear up what quickly snowballed into national news.

6Sports video: Kansas must wait for road test

The Jayhawks have already played four games in Allen Fieldhouse, and it will be a month before they leave the Phog.

Cavs’ Harris helps beat former team

As usual, LeBron James made the crucial steal, the monster dunk and the perfect pass. He left the clinching shot for Lucious Harris. “Nobody on this team wanted that shot more than Lucious,” James said.

X-Factor Game 4: TCU 102, KU 101

It’s hard to blame one player for a loss. But if this week’s X-Factor simulation had been a real game, you can be sure that Kansas University message boards across the country would have been full of irate fans putting the blame for KU’s 102-101 loss to TCU squarely on Keith Langford’s shoulders.

6Sports video: Giddens’ average down from last year

Sophomore J.R. Giddens averaged 11 points per game as a freshman, enough for opposing teams to take notice and tailor defenses around denying Giddens the outside shot. Now, he’s working on adjusting in return.

KU has tough task in Western Illinois

Her name is Zane Teilane, and the native of Latvia is not an ordinary basketball player.

Redd helps Bucks to first road win of season

Before tipoff, Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said he saw a lot of Reggie Miller in Bucks guard Michael Redd. Maybe a little too much.

At home at Arrowhead

Jayhawks excited about playing OU game in K.C.

Heated debate began long before any aspect was finalized — when it was just a possibility, maybe even a pipe dream. It’s official now, though. Kansas University’s football team will move a Big 12 Conference home game across the state line into Missouri. Arrowhead Stadium — capacity 79,451 — will be the site of the Kansas-Oklahoma football game Oct. 15, 2005.

Kansas adds linebacker

Eric Washington, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound linebacker from Minnesota West Community College, orally has committed to Kansas University’s football program.

Woodling: Woodling: KU coach to Irish? Are you kidding?

Midweek meandering while wondering if Kansas University and North Carolina will meet in March during the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. … Mark Mangino linked to the Notre Dame football vacancy? Are you kidding me?

Woodling: Penalty not so bad after all

Did Texas coach Mack Brown vote for Charles Gordon at wide receiver?

Self agrees: Illinois playing like No. 1

There’s a new No. 1 team in the country this week in both the Associated Press and ESPN/USA Today basketball polls.

Dougherty set for KU return

Jayhawks still special to aide-turned-TCU coach

Neil Dougherty figures he might become a bit disoriented Thursday night when he walks through the southwest tunnel onto the Allen Fieldhouse floor.

Murphy leads Warriors to win

The Warriors acquired Derek Fisher for his big-game ability and playoff experience. And for a team desperate to take some pressure off star Jason Richardson, Fisher gave Golden State just what it bargained for. So did Troy Murphy.

Kidd leads Nets in first game back

Jason Kidd couldn’t have scripted a better ending, except perhaps for a flashier assist on the game-winning basket. Making his season debut, Kidd was credited with an assist on Richard Jefferson’s jumper from the lane with 7.1 seconds left that gave the New Jersey Nets an 88-86 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Monday night.

Parker puts on show in front of family

Spurs point guard leads team to victory over Bulls

With his mother living in France, and his father, brothers and grandparents living in Chicago, Tony Parker doesn’t get to play in front of his family that often. When he does, he makes the most of it.

6Sports video: Kansas improves to 4-0

Seniors Keith Langford and Aaron Miles gave great performances to defeat Pacific. The Jayhawks are holding steady at no. 2 in the AP poll.

KU still No. 2 in AP poll

Kansas University’s men’s basketball team stayed at No. 2 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll released Monday. The Jayhawks (4-0 stayed in the second spot despite victories over Nevada and Pacific last week. Illinois jumped from fifth to first in the poll after defeating then-No. 1-ranked Wake Forest last week.

KU ready to reload

Three defensive linemen commit during visits

The Kansas University football team’s first big weekend of the recruiting season culminated Sunday with three commitments from defensive linemen — the position losing the most senior starters.

Gophers push past Jayhawks

Minnesota too tough, tall for KU in 62-45 victory

Depth and defense saved Minnesota after a miserable first half Sunday.

Kansas senior Langford displays passing prowess

He never has been compared to Magic Johnson or Isiah Thomas … or, for that matter, Aaron Miles, Jacque Vaughn or Cedric Hunter. But, hey, Keith Langford can pass the basketball, too.

Mayer: Mayer: Self wowed ethics session crowd

Many would agree that at a November session on ethics, Kansas University basketball coach Bill Self was the star of the show.

UOP, Maraker hang with KU

Probably the only person Saturday afternoon in Allen Fieldhouse — other than Pacific fans — who knew how to pronounce Pacific’s Christian Maraker’s last name correctly was former KU women’s basketball player Leila MengÃ¼Ã§.

Notebook

Kansas University power forward Wayne Simien earned every one of his 15 rebounds Saturday at Allen Fieldhouse.

McCarville, Gophers tall task for Jayhawks

Janel McCarville may be licking her chops with struggling Kansas University on tap.

Harvard outlasts weary KU

Jayhawks can't topple Crimson; Gruber again solid

It didn’t take much for Kansas University’s swim team to defeat Houston, but the Jayhawks gave everything they had against Harvard and still came up short on the second day of a two-day triple dual meet at Robinson Natatorium.

Jayhawks rally, but fall in 5 games

They out-killed, out-dug, and out-blocked the Washington Huskies. It wasn’t enough.

Look who’s back

Langford breaks out of slump

The impostor who had been wearing Keith Langford’s No. 5 jersey didn’t show up for Saturday’s Kansas University-Pacific men’s basketball game at Allen Fieldhouse.

Woodling: Woodling: Miles puts on clinic

You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make the nag drink. You cannot squeeze blood out of a turnip. And you sure as heck can’t make the Sphinx talk.

Kings 113, Pacers 87

Chris Webber made his first eight shots and scored 29 points to lead the Sacramento Kings to their 10th victory in 11 games, 113-87 over the Indiana Pacers on Friday night.

Celtics 91, Raptors 89

The Glove came out, and just in time. Gary Payton saved his biggest contribution for last, going scoreless over a complete game for the first time in 10 years but stealing the ball from Jalen Rose in the final seconds to help the Boston Celtics hold off the Toronto Raptors 91-89 Friday night.

Carolina’s Williams utilizes his KU tickets

Roy Williams no longer works at Kansas University. But the second-year University of North Carolina men’s basketball coach, who ran KU’s hoops program for 15 years, still has a vested interest in the KU athletic department.

50 years of Allen Fieldhouse celebrated in book

After working 20 years in Allen Fieldhouse, Doug Vance had heard plenty of stories about the home of Kansas University basketball. But he gained a new appreciation for the building in the past year, when researching a book to commemorate the fieldhouse’s 50th anniversary.

KU’s Case to red shirt

Kansas University sophomore guard Jeremy Case will take a red-shirt season in 2004-05.

Kansas advances at NCAA

KU volleyball squad knocks off Santa Clara; will face Washington

This was one serve Jill Dorsey won’t forget. The senior smacked an ace for the final point of Kansas University’s victory over Santa Clara on Friday in the NCAA volleyball tournament.

Men’s basketball briefs

Journal-World’s Bedore finalist for writer’s award

Gary Bedore, assistant sports editor of the Journal-World, is a finalist for Kansas Sportswriter of the Year.

Pacific no pushover for Kansas

Those who look at comparative scores would have to conclude that the University of the Pacific has one heck of a men’s basketball team.

6Sports video: KU ready for Pacific

Kansas University and the University of Pacific have hooked up twice and the Jayhawks have won both games. And when the Tigers come to Allen Fieldhouse on Saturday, the men’s basketball team say they’ll be ready for a third win.

KU holds off Pacific, 81-70

Jayhawks pull away from Tigers in second half

For the second straight game, Kansas University’s men’s basketball team Saturday defeated an opponent it faced last season. Earlier this week the Jayhawks won a rematch against the Nevada Wolf Pack, and Saturday at Allen Fieldhouse they held off the Pacific Tigers, winning, 81-70.

Heat 105, Bulls 81

The assignment was tough enough for the Chicago Bulls: cope with Shaquille O’Neal’s power, contain versatile Dwyane Wade and control Eddie Jones’ shooting.

Jayhawks solid on first day of home meet

Three teams showed up Friday for the first day of Kansas University’s swim meet, but only KU and Harvard truly will compete today to finish up the meet at Robinson Natatorium.

Jayhawks to welcome Harvard, Houston

Kansas University’s swimming and diving team will compete in its final competition of 2004 when it plays host to Harvard and Houston in a dual meet starting at 6 p.m. today at Robinson Natatorium.

Gordon, Reid tapped All-Big 12

Jayhawk seniors McMillan, Vaughn earn second-team berths on squads picked by league media

The shock should have been minimal after Nick Reid’s season. But the junior linebacker still went bug-eyed when he learned he was a first-team selection on the Associated Press All-Big 12 Conference squad, which was released Thursday.

Woodling: Woodling: Jayhawks still lack tailback

Mark Mangino isn’t quite like King Richard III. Mangino would not surrender his entire Kansas University football kingdom for a horse.

6Sports video: Jayhawk women tumble

The women’s basketball team led Washburn, 39-19, in the first half but the Jayhawks just couldn’t hold on to the lead. Washburn ended up beating KU, 62-59, Thursday night at Allen Fieldhouse.

Sasha starting to sling it

KU freshman Kaun expanding his range

Kansas University freshman Sasha Kaun figures to do the most damage on the basketball court two to three feet from the goal.

Jayhawks hope they have the skinny on Santa Clara

Kansas University’s volleyball team is set to take on Santa Clara in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at 7 tonight in Seattle.

X-Factor Game 3: Kansas 103, Pacific 80

In last season’s NCAA Tournament, Pacific’s Guillaume Yango scored 22 points and grabbed six rebounds in the Tigers’ 78-63 loss to the Kansas Jayhawks. In this week’s X-Factor simulation, Kansas held Yango to four points and four boards in just nine minutes, forcing him into a team-high five turnovers in a 103-80 virtual KU victory.

6Sports video: Jayhawks prepare for Santa Clara

The Kansas University volleyball team will face Santa Clara in the first round of the NCAA tournament on Friday in Seattle. But the road to the tournament was anything but easy for the Jayhawks.

Cavaliers 92, Nuggets 73

The LeBron-Carmelo matchup wasn’t much of a contest, and neither was the one between the Cavaliers and Nuggets.

KU’s got the Blues

Div. II squad's furious rally trips Jayhawks

Unthinkable. Unbelievable. Inexplicable. How often does a Kansas University basketball team lose to a Division Two school in Allen Fieldhouse? It happened Thursday night when Kansas’ women went into an 11-minute second-half sinking spell and suffered a stunning 62-59 loss to Washburn University.

6Sports video: Illini, other squads impress Self

Bill Self doesn’t have too much free time at this time of the year, but when he does get away from the court, he spends it watching basketball. When asked what teams he’s seen so far that he considered the best, Self listed Illinois, Wake Forest and the Tar Heels.

Deng leads Bulls past Lakers

Luol Deng played with polish, not like a rookie who could have stayed in school and been a sophomore at Duke this season. Facing Kobe Bryant, he didn’t back down one bit Wednesday night, even as the Lakers star started to take over the game.

KU’s Self says Jayhawks still vying for playing time

Kansas University’s men’s basketball rotation stands at 10 players right now.

6Sports video: Big 12 honors 10 Jayhawks

Ten members of Kansas University’s football team have been honored as all-Big 12 selections, including first-teamers David McMillan and Charles Gordon. Joe Vaughn and Nick Reid both were named to the second team, and Jermial Ashley, Rodney Harris, Brandon Rideau, Tony Stubbs and Gabriel Toomey were honorable mention selections

Coaches tap 10 Jayhawks for all-conference squads

Ten Kansas University football players were included on the coaches’ All-Big 12 Conference teams released Wednesday by the league office.

6Sports video: Shot selection improves for KU women

The difference between good shot selection and bad shot selection for the Kansas women’s basketball team comes down to running the offense, which hasn’t always been a simple thing for the Jayhawks.

Kings’ depth defeats Hornets

When New Orleans finally contained Brad Miller, Peja Stojakovic and Bobby Jackson came through with clutch outside shooting in the fourth quarter. The surging Sacramento Kings simply had too many weapons for the hurting, hapless Hornets on Wednesday night. Miller scored 24 points, while Stojakovic added 20 and Jackson 19, lifting the Kings to a 94-81 victory that kept New Orleans winless at home.

Suns improve to 13-2 with win over Cavs

The Phoenix Suns were at it again Wednesday night — racing past another opponent to improve to 13-2 — the NBA’s best record and the franchise’s best start in 24 years. Amare Stoudemire, Steve Nash and Quentin Richardson each scored 21 points, and the Suns won their ninth in a row.

6Sports video: Win over Denver marks Jayhawks’ 600th

Bonnie Henrickson guided the Jayhawks to their 600th win in program history Tuesday night against Denver, which makes Kansas the 30th program in Division I-A to hit that mark.

6Sports video: Freshmen in search of court time

Coach Bill Self has a full roster, which can make it a challenge in getting the three talented freshman big men some minutes.

Mangino, Jayhawks optimistic about ‘05

Kansas disappointed with 4-7 campaign

What’s to be made of a 4-7 season? Is a team fresh off a bowl appearance supposed to be discouraged by it? Disappointed? Angry? Deflated?

Wizards win in Jordan’s return to sideline

The Washington Wizards wanted to win this one for coach Eddie Jordan. Jordan was back on the sidelines for the Wizards after missing two games recovering from a blood clot in his left leg that hospitalized him on Thanksgiving, and Washington beat his former team, the New Jersey Nets, 95-68 on Wednesday night.

SuperSonics again find way to win

The Seattle SuperSonics’ confidence is growing game by game. With the way they’ve been playing lately, it certainly should.

Clippers barely hold on for win over Pacers

The Los Angeles Clippers had empathy for the short-handed Indiana Pacers — perhaps a little too much for their own good. Elton Brand scored 27 points, Bobby Simmons added 20 and the Clippers barely held on to beat the Pacers 88-76 on Wednesday night for their fifth straight victory.

Playing with pain

Dorsey has been slowed by elbow injury

Jill Dorsey is hurting, but you wouldn’t know it. Dorsey has helped spark a late-season surge that has carried Kansas University’s volleyball team to an NCAA Tournament berth.

KU women bracing for Ichabods’ best shot

After nine straight losses, Washburn University pulled the plug on Kansas University in women’s basketball. That was in 1975.

Pierce leads Boston past Milwaukee

Paul Pierce didn’t let his frustration take away from his game when it mattered. Pierce had a brief argument with Boston coach Doc Rivers when he was lifted from the game, but returned and made a key 3-pointer that helped the Celtics beat the Milwaukee Bucks 101-100 on Wednesday night.

Balanced Nets drop Bobcats

Richard Jefferson and the New Jersey Nets finally struck the right balance to end a nine-game losing streak. Jefferson scored 23 points and Eric Williams had a season-high 22 to help the Nets to a 99-86 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats on Tuesday night.

KU turns up heat

Hallman helps Jayhawks torch Denver

Kansas University point guard Erica Hallman took one step inside Hadl Auditorium on Tuesday and proclaimed, “Whew, it’s hot in here.”

6Sports video: Jayhawks defeat Denver

Erica Hallman scored 17 points, three points off a career high, as Kansas University’s women’s basketball team dumped Denver, 67-44, on Tuesday night at Allen Fieldhouse.

6Sports video: Langford ‘mediocre’ against Wolf Pack

He scored 12 points and pulled down seven rebounds, but senior Keith Langford expects more from himself than what he accomplished Monday night against Nevada.

Kings hand Grizzlies fourth straight loss

Not completely satisfied with the victory, Chris Webber said it could have been smoother. Peja Stojakovic had 29 points, while Webber added 22 points and 11 rebounds as Sacramento held off the Memphis Grizzlies 98-93 Tuesday night.

Woodling: Woodling: Miles dandy, other opinions

It’s early in the season — really early — but never too early to offer a few random opinions about Kansas University men’s basketball.

6Sports video: Kansas offers well-rounded performance aganst Nevada

Eleven different Jayhawks appeared in the scoring column for the KU victory over the Wolf Pack, with four of those in the double digits.

Abdur-Rahim leads Trail Blazers past SuperSonics

Shareef Abdur-Rahim methodically stayed with his game and didn’t let the theatrics get to him. Abdur-Rahim scored 25 points and was 10-for-10 from the free-throw line to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to a come-from-behind 100-94 victory over Seattle SuperSonics on Tuesday night.

Self says Robinson will be ‘terrific’

Fan-favorite Russell Robinson certainly is off to a strong start in his Kansas University men’s basketball career.

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