Stories for March 2004

KU hopes to rally during homestand

Bunge wants Jayhawk bats to wake up

Tracy Bunge isn’t seeing spots in front of her eyes. Kansas University’s softball coach is seeing zeroes. KU has been shut out in five of its last six games, all road losses.

6Sports video: Kansas Relays approaching, but competitors not set in stone

While Leo Bookman will be there for sure, questions remain whether Maurice Greene will compete in the Kansas Relays, which start April 15.

6Sports video: Former Jayhawk passes away

Former Kansas University lineman Dion Johnson died in his sleep Saturday, nearly two years after he was shot in the head in an incident at a video store.

6Sports video: Self’s focus turns to next year

Coach Bill Self will be asking questions of highly regarded recruit Malik Hairston and his current players as plans for next year get under way.

6Sports video: Jayhawk healing can begin

The injury-plagued Kansas basketball team will face a barrage of surgeries and rest to recover from the 2003-04 season.

6Sports video: Salary of KU’s new coach catching attention

Kansas University athletic director Lew Perkins is making an investment in women’s basketball with the hiring of Bonnie Hendrickson.

Former Jayhawk defensive end Johnson dies

Former Kansas University lineman Dion Johnson died in his sleep Saturday, nearly two years after he was shot in the head.

Jayhawks ready to heal

Bill Self compared his Kansas University men’s basketball team to a MASH unit after Sunday’s Elite Eight overtime loss to Georgia Tech.

Jayhawk briefs

¢ Big 12 honors KU’s Skoda ¢ Jayhawks win invitational

Bill Self knows why Kansas University men’s basketball fans were chanting “Wait ‘til next year” as they filed out of Edward Jones Dome on Sunday in St. Louis. Self’s second KU team figures to be better than his first, which went 24-9 and reached the Elite Eight.

6Sports video: Henrickson accepts Kansas coaching job

Bonnie Henrickson was formally announced as Kansas’ fifth women’s basketball coach Monday afternoon.

Self: ‘I think our players did great’

Bill Self showed for work a couple of hours later than usual Tuesday morning, the first day of his first offseason as head basketball coach at Kansas University. Catching his breath after a marathon six-month season, he had plenty of time to reflect on a 24-9 campaign that ended with Sunday’s 79-71 overtime loss to Georgia Tech in the Elite Eight.

Transfers hoping to help defense

Some kind of friendship. Kansas University football transfer Jermail Ashley did everything but strap his buddy Theo Baines into the plane so he’d come to KU. All the thanks he got from his Texas tagalong was him making a funny face behind a reporter so Ashley would crack up during his first interview as a Jayhawk.

New coach Henrickson highly recommended

Kansas AD Perkins: 'Bonnie at 1 or 2' on lists of sought-after replacements

Prior to introducing Bonnie Henrickson as Kansas University’s new women’s basketball coach, KU athletic director Lew Perkins committed a slip-of-the-tongue that perhaps foreshadowed the hire. Perkins made note of the men’s basketball team’s run to the Elite Eight, saying, “We’re all really proud of the Huskies and the job coach Self has done.”

Woodling: Woodling: KU women’s basketball in good hands with Henrickson

Media members, well-wishers and athletic department staffers poured Monday afternoon into Hadl Auditorium for their first look at Kansas University’s new women’s basketball coach. “This is about the same size as the crowd at a KU women’s game,” one of the media-types quipped sarcastically as he looked around the room.

Jayhawks get shot at Jackets, St. Joe’s

Seven of Sweet 16 teams might be on schedule for 2004-05 season

Kansas University’s men’s basketball team will get a chance to avenge its Elite Eight loss to Georgia Tech next season. The Yellow Jackets will be visiting Lawrence in the first game of a two-year home-and-home series, likely in late December.

6Sports video: Simien confirms KU commitment

The loss to Georgia Tech left a bad taste in Wayne Simien’s mouth, and he intends to return next year to erase it.

KU players impressed with new coach

Jayhawks excited about Henrickson's past success, enthusiasm toward job

Bonnie Henrickson won 158 games and led Virginia Tech to five NCAA Tournament berths in seven seasons as women’s basketball coach. But before being hired Thursday by Kansas University, Henrickson wasn’t a household name in Kansas — not even among women’s basketball players.

6Sports video: Self’s first season with Kansas ends

Kansas couldn’t overcome a slow start against Georgia Tech to make it into the 2004 Final Four.

Langford rips call

Jayhawk junior: 'I didn't foul him'

Keith Langford doesn’t need to see a replay. He’s certain he was banished to the bench because of a rotten call by official Jim Burr with 3:44 left in overtime of Sunday’s 79-71 Elite Eight loss to Georgia Tech at Edward Jones Dome.

Tech’s Jack terrorizes Kansas

Sophomore point guard collects 29 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals

No one can say Jarrett Jack doesn’t know Jack. Jarrett Jack definitely knows basketball. Georgia Tech’s sophomore point guard almost single-handedly lifted the Yellow Jackets into the NCAA Final Four with his multi-faceted performance in Sunday’s 79-71 overtime win over Kansas University.

KU’s Graves plans to play for pay

Sunday’s Elite Eight showdown could have been the last game Kansas University basketball forward Jeff Graves ever plays in. But he’s not about to believe that.

Kansas, Nebraska split pair

Jayhawks win, 12-9, then fall in nightcap

Phil Shirek struck out 10 in the nightcap as Nebraska earned a split of a baseball doubleheader Sunday against Kansas University, taking a 13-3 win after dropping a 12-9 decision in the opener.

Henrickson introduced as Jayhawks’ coach

Former Virginia Tech women's basketball coach takes over at KU

Replacing a legend isn’t easy, but it’s Bonnie Henrickson’s newest task. Henrickson, officially introduced as Kansas University’s new women’s basketball coach Monday, will replace Marian Washington, who retired Feb. 27 because of undisclosed health reasons after 31 years leading the Jayhawks.

Pair of ACC squads completes ‘04 Final Four field

The Atlantic Coast Conference waited until Sunday to take over the Final Four. Duke beat Xavier, 66-63, to end the Musketeers’ surprising NCAA Tournament run, and short-handed Georgia Tech beat Kansas University, 79-71 in overtime, in the last two regional finals.

Woodling: Woodling: Big Three big key for KU

When their college basketball careers are over, Wayne Simien, Keith Langford and Aaron Miles will go down in Kansas University’s storied history as among the best at what they do. Few KU big men have possessed Simien’s shooting and rebounding skills. Not many KU players have ever been able to manufacture shots like Langford. And when it comes to pure point-guard ability, Miles is up there with Jacque Vaughn, Cedric Hunter and Darnell Valentine. Unfortunately, the NCAA Tournament isn’t a three-on-three contest.

Viewers blame loss on officials

Roma Kennedy summed up the Kansas Jayhawks’ loss to Georgia Tech on Sunday afternoon with three words. “We was robbed,” the 80-year-old said moments after the game ended.

Ailing Jayhawks get break

Langford, Graves, Giddens, Simien to be 'shut down'

Kansas University junior Keith Langford said he would have surgery to repair torn cartilage in his right knee “as soon as possible. It’s bothered me the last month and a half. I’ll take 2 1/2 to 3 months off. I now can focus on getting my knee right.”

Fans await return to St. Louis in ‘05

Missed shots. Inopportune turnovers. Too many fouls. The negatives piled up for the Kansas Jayhawks like Jarrett Jack baskets, adding up to a 79-71 overtime loss Sunday in a regional final of the NCAA Tournament.

Jayhawks finally floored

Jackets deny Kansas' bid for Final Four

Kansas University’s four juniors now know what it’s like NOT to reach the Final Four. “It doesn’t feel good … I can tell you that,” junior Michael Lee said after the fourth-seeded Jayhawks’ 79-71 overtime loss to third-seeded Georgia Tech in a classic Elite Eight contest Sunday at the Edward Jones Dome.

KU women’s golf ties for 7th place

Kansas University’s women’s golf team tied for seventh in a 17-team field Sunday at the Mountain View Collegiate.

Giddens unusually silent

For once, J.R. Giddens was at a loss for words. The Kansas University basketball freshman, probably the most outspoken of all the Jayhawks, apologized more than once to reporters for being speechless in response to several simple questions.

‘We’ll be back here again,’ fan says

Greg Ballard enjoyed a weekend off from his orthopedic surgery residency at Shriner’s Hospital in St. Louis. He’s hoping to be back again next year, only this time as an out-of-town visitor for the Final Four.

Throw-down showdown looms

Giddens, Muhammad dunk duel could be subplot

Georgia Tech’s Isma’il Muhammad says he’ll be the best dunker on the court today when the Yellow Jackets take on Kansas University in the St. Louis Regional final. KU’s J.R. Giddens doesn’t care.

NCAA success wins Self fans

Brooke Waldron won’t ever forget huddling with classmates in the student pavilion at KU Medical Center, watching as beloved coach Roy Williams’ teary eyes and farewell words cut them to the bone during a televised introductory press conference in Chapel Hill, N.C. But today, hanging out with family and gearing up for today’s NCAA regional final in St. Louis, Waldron figures that her team not only is in good hands but also stands a better chance of winning it all now that Williams’ 15-year stay in Lawrence is done.

Youths learn basketball from former KU player

Jeff Boschee teaches clinic at Holcom Park

Saturday was about as good as it gets for Amanda Hadl. The 11-year-old Lawrence girl was one of about 20 girls who spent two hours playing basketball under direction of former Kansas University standout Jeff Boschee.

Jayhawks hoping to shed Jackets

KU's goal: take Self to Final Four

Bill Self’s first two trips to the Elite Eight ended in heartbreak. “As a young guy, I was absolutely crushed when it didn’t happen,” said Self, Kansas University’s first-year head coach, whose Tulsa team lost to North Carolina, 59-55, in 2000 in Austin, Texas, and whose Illinois squad fell to Arizona, 87-81, in 2001 in San Antonio.

New coach makes lasting impressions

Virginia Tech AD affirms Perkins' hire: Henrickson deserves job as Jayhawk leader

Kansas University athletic director Lew Perkins spent 13 years as AD at Connecticut in the Big East Conference, so he was able to watch Bonnie Henrickson build her Virginia Tech women’s basketball program into a conference contender. Perkins must have liked what he saw.

Canadians common at KU race

Kansas University rowers Kristy Hainer and Alexis Boston looked out of place in blue Jayhawk garb Saturday morning, surrounded by a herd of burnt-orange-wearing Longhorns.

Tech’s Bynum familiar with KU

Former Arizona guard faced Jayhawks in 2001

Will Bynum remembers Kansas University. He’s the only one on Georgia Tech’s roster who does.

Nervous fans maintain game-day rituals

To Kansas University basketball fans, whether the Jayhawks win or lose depends on how they watch the game. Whether it is wearing a favorite shirt or getting the same seat at a sports bar, fans stick to their game-day rituals, hoping for a victory.

KU drops twinbill to Baylor

Kansas University’s softball squad dropped its Big 12 Conference-opening series against No. 21 Baylor, falling 2-0 and 2-0 to the Bears on Saturday at Getterman Stadium.

Jayhawk briefs

¢ KU baseball at NU postponed until today ¢ KU golf fifth

Mayer: Mayer: KU greats elevated NCAA to top tourney

From the time basketball’s National Invitation Tournament debuted in 1938 it was doomed because of gambling influences in and around Madison Square Garden and the dedication of Kansas icons Phog Allen and Dutch Lonborg.

Graves takes shot at Williams

Jeff Graves, who with his puffy upper lip looked like a boxer the day after a fight, took an oral jab at his former coach on Saturday at Edward Jones Dome. “As far as the handling of me, coach (Bill) Self gave me a chance. As far as coach (Roy) Williams, he didn’t really give me a chance. He always got me in the doghouse,” said Graves, who needed seven stitches to close a cut on his lip, courtesy of an elbow from UAB’s Marques Lewis in the Jayhawks’ 100-74 win over the Blazers on Friday night.

Jayhawks manage hotel woes

J.R. Giddens and Jeremy Case returned from practice Saturday afternoon and tried to get into their room at the Marriott Pavilion Hotel in downtown St. Louis. One problem: Their card keys didn’t work.

Woodling: Woodling: Kansas closing in on title destiny

Down by the Mississippi River under the Gateway Arch sits the Jefferson Expansion National Memorial — arguably the most insipidly named national monument in the nation. The site should be called the How the West Was Won National Monument. That’s what it’s all about. The museum depicts, through an assortment of exhibits, how manifest destiny forged the United States into the greatest nation in the world.

Tech discovers ways to survive

Elder won't start, but expected to play against KU

Perhaps nothing says more about Georgia Tech than the fact the Yellow Jackets survived the NCAA Sweet 16 without their leading scorer. B.J. Elder, a 6-foot-4 junior guard averaging 15.8 points a game, logged a mere three minutes on the floor after rolling an ankle Friday night, yet Tech clipped Nevada, 72-67, in the Edward Jones Dome.

Georgia Tech defeats KU, 79-71

Yellow Jackets eliminate Jayhawks in overtime

In what has turned into a game of runs, the Jayhawks lost to the Yellow Jackets, 79-71, in overtime Sunday in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. Georgia Tech advances to the Final Four on Saturday in San Antonio, Texas, to face Oklahoma State.

6Sports video: KU fans disappointed by loss to Georgia Tech

KU fans who were watching the game in downtown Lawrence this afternoon reacted to KU’s overtime loss to Ga. Tech on Sunday afternoon.

6Sports video: KU blazes past UAB

KU outran the Blazers and beat their press all game long. The Jayhawks pounded the ball inside to Wayne Simien, who had 30 points. The ‘Hawks are on their way to the Elite Eight for the third year in a row.

Miles has ball breaking press

He was the last one off the court after Friday’s game, half-jogging, half-skipping, soaking in the love being showered on him.

Jayhawks fall short

Kansas University’s baseball team had the potential tying run 90 feet away, but couldn’t push it across in a 3-2 loss Friday afternoon at Nebraska.

Langford: KU playing its best ball

Kansas University’s first 100-point game of the 2003-04 men’s basketball season doubles as the Jayhawks’ best game of the entire year.

6News video: Local fans cheer on the ‘Hawks

The fans are urging KU on to the Final Four.

Henrickson accepts KU women’s basketball job

Bonnie Henrickson, Virginia Tech head women’s basketball coach, will be the new Kansas University women’s basketball coach, according to the Roanoke (Va.) Times and World News.

6Sports video: Simien leads team to victory

Junior forward Wayne Simien has been performing at a high level lately. He had a career game with 30 points and 9 rebounds.

UAB’s ‘hell’ hath no fury

Kansas shreds press, rolls into Elite Eight

Alabama-Birmingham didn’t exactly put Kansas University through 40 minutes of hell Friday night. It was more like 40 minutes of hilarity for the No. 4-seeded Jayhawks, who shredded UAB’s vaunted press in racing to a 100-74 victory over the No. 9-seeded Blazers — KU’s most lopsided win in 23 Sweet 16 appearances.

Misses hurt Blazers’ press

Coach says players got 'caught up' in tourney hoopla

No coach ever would say his team choked, and that goes double for UAB boss Mike Anderson.

KU among Elite again

Jayhawks advance to record third straight round of eight

Paul Gregory is getting used to this. His Jayhawks lifted the Kansas University junior to within 40 minutes of a third consecutive Final Four by shredding the University of Alabama-Birmingham, 100-74, Friday night in the NCAA regionals at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.

Scoreboard mix-up has young Self in a fix

Tyler Self simply wouldn’t stand for it.

Woodling: Post-UK Syndrome benefits Jayhawks

All love between Kansas University and Kentucky in the wide, wide world of men’s basketball is long lost. Two of the game’s most distinguished and tradition-rich programs basically have avoided each other on a regular basis over the years. Kansas and Kentucky, for instance, have met only twice since 1990 — once in the Great Eight, a defunct manufactured-for-television preseason event, and once in the NCAA Tournament.

6Sports video: KU trounces UAB, 100-74

KU moves on to the Elite Eight tonight, after hitting the century mark and solidy defeating UAB.

KU trounces UAB, 100-74

Jayhawks easily handle Blazers' pressure

UAB may play the “fastest 40 minutes in basketball,” but the Jayhawks had no trouble keeping up Friday in the Sweet 16. The Jayhawks took advantage of the fast pace and their size inside, defeating the Blazers, 100-74, in the Edward Jones Dome.

Sponsors soak NCAA volunteers

Marty Hanks and Mark Bunge are paying the price for the NCAA’s corporate deals.

SMU to tap Sooners aide; Roberts to stay with Jayhawks

University of Oklahoma assistant men’s basketball coach Jimmy Tubbs today will be named Southern Methodist University’s head coach.

6News video: Band has best seats in the house

The KU band is happy to go to St. Louis during spring break.

6Sports video: Jayhawks get tricky to prepare for UAB’s press

The Blazers are famous for “The Fastest 40 Minutes in Basketball”, and the Jayhawks are getting themself ready for it.

6Sports video: Jayhawk fans finding tickets to KU-UAB game

The massive dome has plenty of seats available for the game.

6Sports video: Who are the Blazers?

UAB’s team comes out of obscurity into the national spotlight.

6Sports video: Langford answers the same questions over and over

Junior guard Keith Langford has his answers memorized after three trips to the Sweet Sixteen.

Bedore: Woodling: 40 minutes of hell: the St. Louis sequel

Lewis and Clark arrived here two centuries ago, preparing to embark on the greatest adventure in American history — the exploration of the Louisiana Purchase and Oregon Territory. What few people realize, though, is that President Thomas Jefferson offered the intrepid men two bits of advice before they began their dangerous journey.

Simien settles into familiar stall

Edward Jones Dome brings back good memories for Kansas

Wayne Simien dropped his gear into a familiar Edward Jones Dome locker stall Thursday afternoon.

Jayhawks at home in St. Louis dome

Cavernous arena not yet sold out for game

Kansas University can count on having the most fans at tonight’s NCAA Tournament game against the University of Alabama-Birmingham. But there’s still plenty of room for more.

Congressmen bet on KU-UAB game

Rep. Dennis Moore, D-Kan., and Rep. Spencer Bachus, R-Ala., have placed an edible wager on tonight’s game between Kansas University and the University of Alabama-Birmingham.

40 minutes of hell: the St. Louis sequel

Lewis and Clark arrived here two centuries ago, preparing to embark on the greatest adventure in American history — the exploration of the Louisiana Purchase and Oregon Territory. What few people realize, though, is that President Thomas Jefferson offered the intrepid men two bits of advice before they began their dangerous journey.

Injuries least of ailing Jayhawks’ worries

Given Alabama-Birmingham’s chaotic style of play, Kansas University’s men’s basketball team would prefer to be 100-percent healthy when it squares off with UAB tonight.

Jayhawks to open Big 12 play at Nebraska

Defending conference champions huge road test for Kansas

A Kansas University athletic team other than men’s basketball will have to deal with the pressure of a Mike Anderson-coached opponent today.

Richardson follows UAB

Former Arkansas coach keeping eye on protege

He’s on his own now, but Alabama-Birmingham men’s basketball coach Mike Anderson still speaks fondly about Nolan Richardson, his longtime mentor at Tulsa and Arkansas.

Crazy or not, all-out style works

When Mike Anderson arrived on the UAB campus two years ago, everyone on the men’s basketball roster quickly learned their new head coach had come from the University of Arkansas. After Anderson’s first couple of practices, they thought he might be from the University of Torture.

Chat wrap with Bedore, Norris

Lawrence Journal-World basketball writer Gary Bedore and Birmingham News basketball writer Toraine Norris answered questions from KUSports.com readers Friday, just a few hours before Kansas and Alabama-Birmingham face off in the Sweet 16.

Question of the day

Jayhawks big, but Blazers point to Miles

The Kansas Jayhawks’ front line features a third-team All-American, a 6-foot-9 senior forward who dropped a double-double on Syracuse in the NCAA Championship Game last season, and a 6-foot-11 freshman who many scouts believe is a future pro.

KU hopes to pass press test

Jayhawks using all means to prepare for voracious UAB defense

Kansas University won’t have to put on a Harlem Globetrotter-like dribbling exhibition to break Alabama-Birmingham’s press. Frantic, behind-the-back ball movement is not the best way to combat the ”fastest 40 minutes of basketball”/”40 minutes of hell” defense.

Jayhawks unfazed over fast court feet

UAB will duel Sweet 16 veteran

Kansas guard J.R. Giddens doesn’t agree with the experts.

KU fans hope St. Louis is gateway to Final Four

Mason Heilman spends four minutes ascending 630 feet above the Mississippi River for a clear gaze across the St. Louis skyline toward the Edward Jones Dome. But this isn’t the view he’s here to get. The Free State High School sophomore, sporting a Kansas Jayhawks shirt at the landmark Gateway Arch, is looking forward to his favorite team reaching an even loftier perch by Sunday evening — the Final Four of the NCAA Basketball Tournament.

Wheaties promotion still going

Kansas University fans apparently can’t get enough of their Wheaties.

Ducks deck slumping KU, 9-0

Kansas University starter Serena Settlemier lasted just one-third of an inning Wednesday.

6Sports video: Former Self assistant gets Texas A&M coaching job

Billy Gillispie was the head coach at UTEP and before that was Bill Self’s assistant at Illinois and Tulsa.

UAB unconventional

Blazers' '40 minutes of Hell' await KU

Common sense suggests the NCAA St. Louis Regional is opening perfectly for Kansas University’s men’s basketball team. Ninth-seeded Alabama-Birmingham is next on the schedule. It’s the second straight game where the lowest possible seed has advanced to meet KU.

Jamison, Jayhawks made run in 1991

It’s that time of year when Alonzo Jamison dusts off the old videotape and watches the best game of his college basketball career. “I watch it once a year during March Madness,” Jamison, a former Kansas University forward, said of his 26-point, nine-rebound performance against Arkansas in the 1991 NCAA Southeast Regional final. “You have to get that feeling back somehow.”

After defying odds, can Alabama, UAB get past Sweet 16?

Will Alabama and UAB follow in the footsteps of famous Cinderellas in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament?

6Sports video: Jayhawks preparing for “40 minutes of hell”

UAB’s pressure defense is practically unique. Coach Bill Self knows how to break the defense, but points out that the ‘Hawks have struggled against the press in the past.

Jayhawks dominate tennis dual with Hawaii, 5-2

Sisters Courtney and Kristen Steinbock won a No. 1 doubles match together, then won their respective singles matches Wednesday in Kansas University’s 5-2 victory over Hawaii.

6Sports video: KU baseball to face Nebraska

The 17th-ranked Cornhuskers will be the Jayhawks’ first conference opponent.

Jayhawks hope to return home happy

KU fans on hand for send-off; Kansas wants to bring back Final Four berth

Bill Self and his Kansas University basketball players marched through a human tunnel of 100 grade schoolers, slapping five with the youngsters before boarding a charter bus Wednesday afternoon outside Allen Fieldhouse.

Barkley: Auburn should hire Davis

The cell phone rang with 90 seconds left in Alabama’s stirring win over Stanford. It was Charles Barkley calling. He wanted to talk about Auburn. He wanted to discuss the vacant basketball coaching job at his old school.

KU ready for UAB press

Alabama-Birmingham billed as 'fastest 40 minutes of basketball'

Media members have referred to Alabama-Birmingham’s aggressive, pressing, relentless style of basketball as “40 minutes of hell.” Second-year UAB coach Mike Anderson, not wanting to copy the slogan his mentor, Nolan Richardson, used at both Tulsa and Arkansas, says that moniker is not exactly accurate.

Jayhawk briefs

¢ Kansas men’s golf ties for 8th at Western ¢ KU women’s golf 15th at Rawls Invite ¢ Kansas-Texas rowing race slated Saturday

UAB pass play still catching comment

Ronell Taylor claims he didn’t know where identical twin Donell was when he stole the ball from Kentucky and, using both hands, lobbed a pass over his head in the second half of the Blazers’ second round NCAA Tournament game with the Wildcats. It was Donell who caught the pass in stride at midcourt and slammed home two points.

6Sports video: Giddens growing into reliable threat

Freshman J.R. Giddens started out talking a big game, but now his play is backing that up.

6Sports video: Baseball team ready for conference opener

The Jayhawks have been hot at home, but they’ll be on the road when they open Big 12 play at No. 25 Nebraska.

Jayhawks fall to No. 19 Oregon, 1-0

Oregon scored the only run in the bottom of the second inning and edged Kansas University, 1-0, in softball Tuesday at Howe Field. The game against the 19th-ranked Ducks was KU’s fifth in three days.

Giddens playing for mom

Freshman's mother in Oklahoma hospital

Most Kansas University basketball fans probably think J.R. Giddens is just showing his emotions when he raises his arm and makes a fist during pregame introductions. After all, the freshman from Oklahoma City seems to be nearly as quick with his smile as he is with his unorthodox three-point shots.

Tide, UAB featured on SI cover

The appeal of Alabama college basketball has spread beyond state lines and has made it onto the cover of this week’s Sports Illustrated. Alabama and UAB can only hope they aren’t going to be the latest victims of the Sports Illustrated cover jinx.

6Sports video: Simien named as All-American

Wayne Simien’s injury didn’t prove to be a barrier to Associated Press voters as the junior was named a third-team All-American.

Roberts finalist at SMU

Kansas University associate head coach Norm Roberts is one of two finalists for the men’s head basketball coaching position at Southern Methodist University, the Dallas Morning News reported today.

6Sports video: Blazers receiving media, Jayhawk attention

Alabama-Birmingham’s turned some heads with the win over top-seed Kentucky.

6Sports video: T-shirt business feeling Sweet 16 heat

Local business Sun Creations has been cranking out NCAA Sweet 16 T-shirts and is waiting to see if Final Four sales are around the corner.

State lauds KU’s former women’s basketball coach

Governor proclaims Washington Day

Former Kansas University women’s basketball coach Marian Washington has earned numerous accolades, but Tuesday presented a first — it was “Marian Washington Day” in Kansas. “You’ve opened countless doors for countless women, not only here but all over the country,” Gov. Kathleen Sebelius said during a proclamation ceremony in the Capitol.

Woodling: Woodling: Jayhawks overcame ‘hell’ in ‘91

Adonis Jordan, grinning from earlobe to earlobe, uttered one of the pithiest postgame statements in Kansas University men’s basketball history on that astonishing day. “Down by 12, win by 12,” Jordan stated matter-of-factly. Jordan was a Kansas University guard March 23, 1991 — a day that will live in Arkansas University basketball infamy. That was the day Kansas cut 20 minutes off UA coach Nolan Richardson’s self-described “40 minutes of hell.”

6Sports video: Kansas to try out new QB

Bill Whittemore won’t be at the helm for the ‘Hawks when fall runs around, and Adam Barmann and Jason Swanson are on equal ground when it comes to determining the new starter.

Okafor, Nelson top AP All-America list

Simien third-team pick

There’s no debate when it comes to Emeka Okafor and Jameer Nelson. They’re unanimous All-Americans. The leaders of Connecticut and Saint Joseph’s topped the Associated Press men’s college basketball All-America team Tuesday, the first time since 1985 more than one player was chosen by every voter.

6Sports video: ‘Big Gravy’ stepping up in March

Senior Jeff Graves has once again hit his peak with the arrival of March: playing time has risen, and the fouls have died down.

T-shirt competition goes mad

Basketball gear, both official and unlicensed, puts local vendors in full court press

Gene Wayenberg doesn’t mind being extra busy this time of the year. Wayenberg, owner of Sun Creations, doesn’t even mind hiring extra workers to crank out 15,000 NCAA Sweet 16 T-shirts this week.

KU’s road to Final Four goes through St. Louis

Jayhawks opt for bus ride to regional semifinal site

Kansas University’s road to the Final Four is being traversed by bus. On Wednesday, Jayhawk basketball players and coaches will board a charter bus for the second time in as many weeks — busing, not flying — to St. Louis for Friday’s NCAA Tournament regional semifinal matchup against Alabama-Birmingham.

State of Alabama now a hoops hotbed

Despite football fanaticism of Deep South, Crimson Tide, Blazers in Sweet 16

There’s more than spring football to talk about in the state of Alabama this week. Roundball fever has hit the deep South with both the University of Alabama and Alabama-Birmingham in the Sweet 16.

6Sports video: Kansas departs Kemper for a try at St. Louis

The Jayhawks’ road to the Sweet 16 featured a game against Pacific that showed what Coach Bill Self wanted from his team.

6Sports video: Sweet 16 tickets talk of town

A trip to St. Louis isn’t out of the question for Kansas fans wanting to see the Sweet 16, as a Lawrence business has tickets in stock.

6Sports video: UAB knocks out No. 1

The Jayhawks have a week to learn about their next opponents, who turned heads with a 100-point opening round performance before taking out Kentucky.

6Sports video: Blazers run a fast brand of basketball

What UAB lacks in recognition it makes up for in entertainment value with its running full-court style of play.

6Sports video: Bring on the Blazers

Kansas prepares for a crash course on Alabama-Birmingham, starting with the mascot.

Jayhawks dominant in classroom

Kansas University has best graduation rates of 16 teams remaining in NCAA Tournament

Three-fourths of the men’s basketball teams that have advanced to the Round of 16 in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament would have been barred from this year’s event because of their low graduation rates if a proposal advocated by the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics was adopted.

Swanson reading defenses, not notes

Kansas QB making plays instead of playing music

At San Diego School for Creative Performing Arts, Jason Swanson played piano, saxophone, violin, flute and clarinet. At Kansas University, Swanson only will have to play one thing well — quarterback.

Jayhawk golf briefs

¢ Men sixth in California ¢ Women struggling

Sweet 16 to feature upstarts, usual suspects

Madness. Sadness. And, as long as teams like Duke and Connecticut are still hanging around, a whole lot of badness. When the happy clutter of the first weekend of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament was cleared, 16 teams were left to give testimony to the most surprising opening two rounds since 2000.

Beavers sweep KU

Oregon State scored its first four runs without a hit en route to a 5-2 win over Kansas University, and the Beavers completed a sweep of Sunday’s softball doubleheader.

KU women last after first round

Kansas University’s women’s golf team was in 18th place — in an 18-team field — after the first round of the Betsy Rawls Longhorn Invitational. The Jayhawks shot a 349 first-round total to begin the three-day tournament at the 6,247-yard, par-72 Hills Country Club.

Tickets still available for Friday’s game

In addition to the 1,250 tickets allocated to Kansas University, more than 14,000 tickets remained available to the general public Sunday for St. Louis regional games in the NCAA Tournament at the Edward Jones Dome.

KU’s size, fans doom Tigers

Partisan crowd, Kansas' big men send Pacific packing

All things considered, neutral to the players and coaches on the University of the Pacific men’s basketball team meant nothing more than a slot on their automobiles’ gearshifts.

Sign of spring: Graves steps up

KU senior forward again force for Jayhawks in postseason

You can always tell when March is here, because that’s when Kansas University basketball forward Jeff Graves starts becoming a major force.

Jayhawks not thrilled over date with UAB

Kansas University isn’t going to have to face a No. 1 seed after all on the road to the Final Four. That fact — the alarming news that Kentucky, the top-seeded team in the NCAA Tournament, was ousted by ninth-seeded Alabama-Birmingham on Sunday — didn’t have Jayhawk players jumping for joy after their 78-63 second-round win over Pacific at Kemper Arena.

KU bowlers advance

Kansas University’s men’s and women’s bowling teams both placed in the top four of their respective sectional tournaments Sunday and earned berths in the Intercollegiate Bowling Championships April 17 in Tulsa, Okla.

Fanfare heralds team’s return

Ah, Sweet 16. Now it’s on to St. Louis. Kansas University basketball fans Sunday expected their men’s team to put away the University of the Pacific, but some said they bit off a few fingernails watching it happen.

Matchup win-win for KU prof

Greg Simpson couldn’t lose. Sunday’s NCAA Tournament game pitting Kansas University against the University of the Pacific guaranteed a smile for Simpson, now chairman of KU’s psychology department. “My team’s going to the Sweet 16,” he said.

6Sports video: Jayhawks score early against Pacific

Jeff Graves earned 12 points and seven rebounds and Wayne Simien had 18 points and 12 rebounds as Kansas defeated Pacific 78-63.

Kansas pounds five homers in rout

Jayhawks collect 20 hits in 15-4 victory over Western Illinois

If only Kansas University’s baseball team could play all of its games at home. The Jayhawks simply have sizzled inside the friendly confines of Hoglund Ballpark in 2004, posting a 14-1 record on their home turf. The latest victory came Sunday afternoon in a 15-4 thrashing of Western Illinois.

Kansas aide Roberts to interview at SMU today

Norm Roberts, associate head men’s basketball coach at Kansas University, will be one of four individuals to interview today for the head-coaching job at Southern Methodist University.

How Sweet it is

Jayhawk fans cheer own win, Kentucky loss

Tim Hall can ski with confidence this week. The Kansas University sophomore and three of his closest friends are on the road this morning to Utah for a little spring break — and virtually guaranteed a later road trip to San Antonio for the Final Four. Or so they figure.

6Sports video: Kansas storms into Sweet 16

The Jayhawks’ streak of Sweet 16 appearances will continue as a victory over Pacific advances Kansas to face UAB.

KU stems Pacific tide

'Hyped' Lee sparks Kansas past Tigers

At practice, in team meetings and while hanging out in the hotel room, Aaron Miles noticed a big difference in his roommate the past couple of days. “Mike has been hyped. He’s been excited. He knows it’s time to ball right now,” Miles, Kansas University’s starting point guard, said of his best friend, Michael Lee, who scored nine straight points to bust open a close game and propel the fourth-seeded Jayhawks to a 78-63, second-round NCAA Tournament victory over 12th-seeded Pacific on Sunday afternoon at Kemper Arena.

Woodling: Woodling: Dejvu? This looks like 1988

Most of the time dejvu is a will o’ the wisp that flutters into your brain, then passes into a locked compartment in the back of your mind. Sometimes, though, the feeling you are experiencing something that has happened before hits you like a sponge splatting into a wall. So it was late Sunday afternoon after Alabama-Birmingham had stunned Kentucky only minutes after Kansas University had throttled Pacific in the NCAA Tournament. Suddenly, Kansas would not have to face the No. 1 seed on Friday night in the St. Louis Regional.

Notes

Woodling: Woodling: Injuries will be tested on just two days’ rest

When I was a kid and we played “War” in and around the neighborhood backyards, firing harmless cap guns in a mock combative frenzy, you could go down, count to 10 and become a new man. Kind of reminds me of the Kansas University men’s basketball team.

Pacific senior ex-KU fan

Next time a bedtime story is necessary, try this one. Once upon a time, there was a Nebraska boy with a great shooting touch and a dream of playing basketball for Kansas University. Like many who dreamed the dream, things in the end didn’t work out for this boy.

Tiger fans buzzing

Folks in Stockton, Calif., may not have been dancing in the streets Friday night, but the city was definitely buzzing.

Langford shrugs off knee woe

Don’t ask, don’t tell. That’s the approach Kansas University junior Keith Langford is taking to deal with his ailing right knee.

KU pounds Western Illinois

Ritchie Price leads Jayhawks to doubleheader sweep

Kansas University baseball coach Ritch Price never had seen son Ritchie blast a home run until Saturday. Not in little league, not in high school, not in summer league. Twenty-year-old Ritchie, KU’s sophomore shortstop, hadn’t hit one at KU, either.

Jayhawks sweep Portland St.

Kansas University’s softball squad earned a sweep of Portland State in a doubleheader Saturday.

Guards admire each other

Pacific point guard Miah Davis knows a lot about the man he will be guarding today — Kansas University floor general Aaron Miles.

What do you know about KU’s NCAA foe?

Take the Pacific quiz

The University of the Pacific may be in the midst of a 16-game winning streak, own one of four “upsets” in the first round of the NCAA Tournament and stand on the brink of the school’s first trip to the Sweet 16. But just how much do Kansas University fans know about their team’s foe in today’s 3:50 p.m. game at Kemper Arena?

Jayhawk briefs

¢ Gruber takes 24th, 26th at NCAA swim meet ¢ KU tennis falls to Colorado

Jayhawks hobbled, hopeful

Simien vows to play despite ailing groin

Wayne Simien didn’t sleep well after Kansas University’s first-round NCAA Tournament victory Friday night over Illinois-Chicago. His tossing and turning had nothing to do with the fluffiness of the pillows or softness of the beds at the Westin Crown Center hotel.

KU defeats Pacific, 78-63

Jayhawks make fourth straight Sweet 16

St. Louis, here comes the Kansas University Jayhawks. KU qualified for its fourth straight Sweet 16 by defeating Pacific, 78-63, Sunday in the NCAA Tournament, moving on to next weekend in st. Louis. KU will face Alabama-Birmingham, which defeated No. 1 seed Kentucky, 76-75, on Sunday.

KU fans feel magic in Kansas City

Kurt Marozas had never attended an NCAA Tournament basketball game before Friday, but the 1992 Kansas University graduate and Olathe resident will never forget his first postseason experience.

Jayhawks play host to Leathernecks today

Kansas University’s baseball squad saw its five-game win streak snapped in a 2-1 loss to Oral Roberts in 10 innings Tuesday, but the Jayhawks have an opportunity to right the ship before Big 12 Conference competition begins next week.

6News video: Sports bars give fans best seats in the house

Fans swarm to the bars to watch the game on multiple screens and share the excitement with friends.

KU fans swoop in to claim seats

Kansas University freshmen Matt Robb and Nick Rosenthal don’t look like Memphis Tiger fans, talk like Memphis Tiger fans or walk like Memphis Tiger fans.

Woodling: Kansas’ next foe just finds ways to win

Whoever thought Kansas University men’s basketball fans would ever cheer for the Tigers? Not the Missouri Tigers … the Pacific Tigers.

6Sports video: Second day of NCAA first-round game highlights

The Big 12 teams are still undefeated in the NCAA, and Bill Self’s former team advances to the second round.

6Sports video: NCAA first-round highlights

KU will play Pacific, who defeated Providence, and former Jayhawks foe Richmond falls to Wisconsin.

6Sports video: Women’s basketball coaching search continues

Former Purdue coach Nell Fortner met with KU athletic director Lew Perkins on Friday.

Tournament question of the day

Which do you hope lasts longer: the process for hiring a new KU women’s basketball coach, or the KU men’s team’s run in the NCAA Tournament?

Flames flicker before going out in opening round

As short as Illinois-Chicago’s stay was in the NCAA Tournament, it was sweet enough. Or so said the Flames’ men’s basketball coach.

6Sports video: Jayhawks put out the Flames

The ‘Hawks have had tough first games, but Friday night’s match-up with University of Illinois-Chicago was a blowout. The worst moment of the game was when Wayne Simien aggravated his groin injury in the first half. The junior forward came back for the second half and played well.

Pacific stuns Providence, turns attention to Jayhawks

Pacific senior Tom Cockle had plenty of reasons to pull out a big victory over Providence Friday at Kemper Arena. Not only would a win make Pacific one of the rare Cinderellas in an NCAA Tournament lacking major upsets, but it’d bring Cockle on the doorstep of playing his favorite childhood team.

Faithful keep score from barstools

After seeing the Kansas University men’s basketball team play in multiple NCAA Tournaments firsthand, Ruth Nye decided to stay in Lawrence Friday night and watch the Jayhawks play at Kemper Arena from a barstool in The Yacht Club.

KU douses Flames

Fans at Kemper Arena recall glory days of 1988

Mike Byrn walks into Kemper Arena and still feels the electricity he soaked up 16 years ago, back when he screamed and yelled and hugged and high-fived and all those other things that go with winning a national championship. And Friday night, as his Kansas Jayhawks took the Kemper Arena floor once again for an NCAA Tournament game, Byrn couldn’t shake the good vibes emanating from the 18,000-seat arena in the West Bottoms.

Mayer: Mayer: Cowboys, Sutton easy to cheer for

In case the Kansas University basketball team gets derailed in its quest for a third straight NCAA Final Four, my loyalty compass will home in on Oklahoma State. There’s a long, warm KU-OSU history underlying that affection. If our guys can’t win it all, I want O-State on the victory stand.

Giddens shines, rhymes for KU

Who knew that Kansas University men’s basketball guard J.R. Giddens, already a high-flying, long-range-shooting, in-your-face freshman, could drop rhymes like he drops dunks?

Nash has malfunction

Bryant Nash doesn’t know how it happened, but he put his shorts on backwards Friday night at Kemper Arena.

6Sports video: KU douses Flames in first round of NCAA tourney

KU solidly defeated the Illinois-Chicago Flames Friday night at Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Mo.

Simien ‘fine’; KU routs UIC

Junior forward bounces back from fall; KU in second round

It didn’t take long for the party atmosphere to fade Friday night at Kemper Arena. The euphoria of Kansas University’s early lead in an eventual 78-53 first-round NCAA Tournament blowout win over Illinois-Chicago gave way to grave concern as KU junior Wayne Simien did the splits on the defensive end of the court with 6:32 left in the first half. At the time, KU led, 28-12.

KU routs UIC, 78-53

Jayhawks will face Pacific Tigers on Sunday

First-round games in the NCAA Tournament usually aren’t this easy. The Jayhawks had few problems defeating the Flames, 78-53, on Friday at Kemper Arena, winning a game that wasn’t in doubt after midway through the first half.

Wilkes’ dunks, Self’s 3s highlight practice

Omar Wilkes’ dunking and Bill Self’s long-range shooting proved to be the highlights of Kansas University’s 30-minute NCAA Tournament workout Thursday night at Kemper Arena.

Woodling: Q&A from Kemper Arena

Unanswered questions about Kansas University’s men’s basketball team on the cusp of the NCAA Tournament.

KU’s Gruber 34th in first NCAA event

Kansas University swimmer Amy Gruber competed in the 50 freestyle Thursday at the NCAA Swimming Championships. Gruber finished 34th in the 50 freestyle, three spots higher than her finish last season. She swam the event in a time of 25.76. Before the race the Bigelow, Ark., native was seeded 64th.

‘Hawks block out fan distractions

Don’t bother asking Wayne Simien for tickets, or knocking on Michael Lee’s door at the Westin Crown Center Hotel. And forget about calling J.R. Giddens. The freshman guard and his fellow Kansas Jayhawks are busy preparing for tonight’s first-round game of the NCAA Tournament at Kemper Arena.

Bar owners expect to score with KU game

Local establishments ready for Madness to strike tonight

To Ulysses Demby’s way of thinking, late is great. Count Demby, manager of Lawrence’s Set’Em Up Jacks, among the restaurant and bar operators who are pleased with tonight’s late tipoff of Kansas University’s first-round NCAA Tournament game.

Guards catalyst for UIC

Undersized Flames aware they won't thrive in paint

As the higher seed, Kansas University will don its home white uniforms for tonight’s first-round NCAA Tournament game against Illinois-Chicago. UIC coach Jimmy Collins knows that, but Collins still thinks one of the Jayhawks will be wearing blue, trailing a cape and displaying a red “S” on his chest.

6Sports video: Gordon remains KU’s Iron Man

Charles Gordon and John Randle played both offense and defense last season. This year, Randle will focus on offense, but Gordon may continue to play both sides of the ball.

6Sports video: Jayhawks seek to avoid first-round upset

KU has had trouble in their first-round games in the past couple of years. The Flames will do their best to come up with the upset, but the ‘Hawks are ready for action

KU tickets night only

Holders of the 550 tickets distributed by the Kansas University athletic department for tonight’s NCAA Tournament game between KU and Illinois-Chicago in Kemper Arena also will be admitted to the first game of the night session.

Coach’s bad decision helps Bradley earn split

If Kansas University’s softball team had played 13 innings Thursday against Bradley, the Jayhawks may have swept their twinbill at Arrocha Ballpark.

Kemper memories fresh

Aide led KU to 1988 title at K.C. arena

As Kemper Arena ages, Danny Manning’s awe regarding the lackluster building has grown. Manning, a former Kansas University men’s basketball great, played his last collegiate game — an 83-79 victory over Oklahoma that gave KU the national title — at Kemper Arena on April 4, 1988. The last of Manning’s 2,951 career points at KU gave the Jayhawks the four-point lead and iced the championship.

Question of the day

Asked of J.R. Giddens, KU freshman point guard whose three-point prowess could be a vital part of KU’s tournament run.

Flippin’ over March Madness

Cheerleading squad strives to spread Jayhawk spirit

Today, seconds before the Jayhawks bound onto the floor at Kemper Arena, Kansas University head cheerleader Marcus Bush will sprint across the court carrying a large KU flag streaming behind a 10-foot pole. His energetic cohorts will be close behind running, jumping and punching themselves and their pompoms high into the noisy air. Pulse rates among the crimson and blue faithful will be rising, but the pregame pageantry can bring a lump to the throats of the cheerleaders as well.

KU wins 12 titles in outdoor opener

Kansas University’s track and field squad took home 12 individual titles, and five Jayhawks set NCAA provisional qualifying marks Thursday in the outdoor season opener at Emporia State.

Jayhawks ready to fight

Kansas determined to beat Illinois-Chicago for Self, but Flames no pushovers

Kansas University’s men’s basketball players want to win tonight for their coach. “Coach Self is like the general. We are like the troops. We’re going to fight to keep our general alive, basically,” junior guard Michael Lee said.

After more than 100 years, KU cheerleading has grown, changed

What came first, cheerleaders or megaphones?

6Sports video: ‘Hawks want to stop Banks

Coach Bill Self believes that UIC’s Cedrick Banks may be the Flames’ biggest threat.

Fans stake out prime spots to watch ‘Hawks

When it comes to catching their Kansas Jayhawks at practice, longtime fans Bob and Liz Arnold weren’t about to take any chances.

Seniors motivated for last hurrah

Olson, Graves, Nash hope to go out with bang in NCAAs

Though he has had fun as a non-scholarship basketball player at Kansas University, Brett Olson wouldn’t recommend his walk-on job to just anybody. “It depends who you are,” said Olson, a Chanute senior who is completing his second and final season with the program. “If you are a person who needs playing time and publicity for motivation, it’s not a good role.”

6Sports video: KU fans descend on Kemper Arena

Fans watched the Jayhawks practice in Kemper Arena and made predictions about their team’s chances in the NCAA tournament.

6Sports video: NCAA first round sees close games, upsets

Texas Tech and Syracuse advance, but only a few teams have had easy wins in the early going.

6Sports video: Randle has court appearances, practice

More off-the-field problems for KU running back John Randle. He has two court appearances in the next six weeks. However, his legal problems aren’t keeping him off the field.

Head trainer has ‘earned his money’

First year with Jayhawks filled with pulls, sprains, strains

Kansas University’s head men’s basketball trainer Bill Cowgill has had one heck of an initial season with the Jayhawks. Since coming to KU from the Miami University, Cowgill has had to arrive early and stay late on a regular basis without much spare time. He has been so busy, in fact, that he was unavailable for comment for this story.

Self good to media

Coach 'accessible, easy-going'

Media members from all over the country dialed Mitch Germann’s cell phone number last April 21, the day Bill Self was introduced as head basketball coach at Kansas. But those many writers and broadcasters weren’t calling KU’s media relations director to request interviews with Self. They were calling to congratulate Germann on KU’s new hire.

Freshmen eager for first NCAA foray

Rookies can't wait to play in tourney they watched growing up

David Padgett was in New Orleans when Kansas University’s men’s basketball team made its run to the 2003 NCAA championship game. Padgett was in the stands with the rest of the fans last April at the Superdome, but the freshman center will be on the court with the Jayhawks in this year’s NCAA Tournament.

Kansas’ Self would like to win plane trip

Kansas University basketball coach Bill Self, who boarded a roomy charter bus at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, is used to highway travel this time of year.

Jayhawks to face Bradley

Kansas University’s softball team hopes it will be able to savor today’s 2 p.m. doubleheader against Bradley.

KU tennis defeats K-State

The University of Kansas tennis team (3-8 overall, 2-1 Big 12) defeated No. 74 Kansas State (3-6 overall, 0-4 Big 12), 5-2 on Wednesday, March 17 at the Washburn Tennis Facility in Manhattan, Kan.

Kansas tops K-State in women’s tennis

Kansas University defeated Kansas State, 5-2, Wednesday at the Washburn Tennis Facility.

Flames’ depth key against Jayhawks

Before the season began, some fans looked at Illinois-Chicago’s 20-man roster and asked coach Jimmy Collins, “What do you need all those guys for, Jimmy? You can only play five at a time.”

Woodling: Illinois-Chicago coach played NCAA game at fieldhouse

Funny thing about memories. I can’t remember what I had for dinner last week, but I do remember Jimmy Collins playing basketball in Allen Fieldhouse. And that was 34 years ago.

Mangino’s goal: develop depth at QB

Candidates include Barmann, who started three games as a freshman, and junior-college transfer Swanson

Mark Mangino might not name a starting quarterback during spring drills, but Kansas University’s football coach wants to make sure he has plenty of choices. “We’d like to know we have three dependable guys when we leave spring,” said Mangino, whose team went through its second workout Wednesday afternoon. “I hope we can do that. That’s our goal for spring.”

Going to Kansas City

KU to enter tournament on wave of success

No men’s basketball team in the country enters the NCAA Tournament with more recent postseason success than Kansas University. The Jayhawks have advanced to the Final Four the past two years, something no other program can boast.

KU running back faces two court dates

Kansas University running back John Randle is becoming a familiar sight in Lawrence Municipal Court. The former Wichita Southeast standout will have two appearances in two separate cases in the next two months.

Two Boilermakers sunk KU 10 years ago

Robinson, Martin scored 73 points in '94 win over Kansas

Talk about a 1-2 knockout punch. Ten years ago, Kansas University’s men’s basketball team was victimized by one of the most amazing two-man shows in NCAA Tournament history.

Moody picks up game

Sophomore fills in during crunch time

Asheville, N.C., native Roy Williams told fellow Roberson High grad Christian Moody he would fall in love with Kansas University if he decided to become a Jayhawk. Turns out Williams, the former KU men’s basketball coach, was right.

KU’s first foe no pushover

Self familiar with Flames from his Illinois days

Bill Self knows Illinois-Chicago will not be a push-over Friday night at Kemper Arena. Kansas University’s coach has watched coach Jimmy Collins’ Flames from near — Self’s Illinois team beat UIC in Self’s first year in Champaign, Ill. — and from afar.

6Sports video: Former ‘Hawks perform for scouts

Former Jayhawks performed for NFL scouts Wednesday afternoon. Adrian Jones appears to be headed to the third or fourth round of the draft.

6Sports video: ‘Hawks have plenty of preparation for tourney

The Jayhawks know all about preparing for the NCAA tournament, all the junior class knows is the Final Four. ‘Hawks discuss sacrifices and preparations for the tournament.

Williams contacts KU’s Self

Kansas University basketball coach Bill Self has fielded dozens of phone calls from well-wishers since the NCAA Tournament pairings were announced late Sunday afternoon.

6Sports video: Simien ready for March play

Injuries have sidelined Wayne Simien from tournament play in the past, but this year Big Dub is healthy and ready to play.

Sculptor casts proposal for basketball memorial

Naismith park game plan drawn

Artist Eldon Tefft dreams big. His dream comes with a price tag of $30 million. Tefft, a former Kansas University professor, and his business partner, Merlin Brown, are striving to build a memorial to commemorate the history of basketball. The memorial would stretch across a couple of acres and include a garden resembling a basketball court, surrounded by sculptures of people who played a part in creating the sport.

ORU tops KU in extra innings

Josh Lex ripped a game-winning double with one out in the bottom of the 10th inning Tuesday, lifting Oral Roberts to a 2-1 win over Kansas University and extending ORU’s winning streak to 11 games.

6Sports video: Woodard not in running for coaching position

Interim head coach Lynette Woodard has been told she is not under consideration for the women’s basketball head coach position left by Marian Washington.

Wallach powers Jayhawks in sweep

Melanie Wallach homered twice, and Kansas University swept UMKC, 8-0 and 4-2, Tuesday in a softball doubleheader.

Kansas not guaranteed win in K.C.

Jayhawks 11-5 in tournament games in K.C.

Wayne Simien doesn’t remember Kansas University’s loss to Virginia in the 1995 NCAA Tournament, and it’s not necessarily because the KU junior from Leavenworth was only 12 when the Cavaliers ousted the top-seeded Jayhawks, 67-58, in the Sweet 16 at Kansas City, Mo.

KUsports.com offering cell-phone updates for NCAA games

If you’ve been wondering how you’re going to stay up to date with all the games being played in the NCAA Tournament starting this week, KUsports.com has the answer.

6Sports video: Jayhawks hope to avoid first-round jitters

Kansas hasn’t lost a first-round game in the NCAA Tournament since 1978, but the past two years have been a little too close for the Jayhawks’ comfort.

6Sports video: Kansas leads nation in recent Big Dance games

The Jayhawks have played 11 games in the NCAA Tournament in the past two years.

Jayhawk golf briefs

¢ Jayhawks crack poll ¢ KU women finish fifth

Kansas coaching search continues

Woodard reportedly no longer candidate to replace Washington

All is quiet on the Kansas University women’s basketball front. A week has passed since the Jayhawks’ turbulent season ended on a 10-game losing streak at the Big 12 Conference tournament, and there is no indication the hiring of a new head coach is imminent.

6Sports video: KU tennis team struggles at home

The Jayhawks were defeated by Texas Tech 6-1, with the sole win coming in the doubles match.

6Sports video: Jayhawks to meet unfamiliar foe in familiar setting

Kansas will be right at home in Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Mo., when it kicks off the NCAA Tournament against the Illinois-Chicago Flames.

Jayhawk briefs

¢ Weather halts spring football drills ¢ Jayhawk baseball, softball squads on road

Court in session

Players, young fans revere Allen Fieldhouse

Kansas University men’s basketball team, preparing for its NCAA Tournament opener Friday against Illinois-Chicago at Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Mo., consistently signs the top high school recruits in the country.

6Sports video: Flames earn berth with conference win

Illinois-Chicago is riding a twelve-game win streak into the NCAA Tournament.

Flames not steamed by foe

UIC coach happy about tournament berth even with Kansas as opponent in K.C.

Jimmy Collins didn’t send any nasty e-mails, cards or letters to NCAA Tournament committee members Sunday night. Illinois-Chicago’s men’s basketball coach was too happy about his 24-7 team earning a bid to the tournament to stress out about the fact his Flames must play Kansas University in a first-round game at 8:55 p.m. Friday at Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Mo.

6Sports video: ‘Hawks come to end of strong homestand

Kansas has won 11 of 12 at Hoglund Ballpark and hopes to continue the streak as the Jayhawks take to the road to face Oral Roberts.

6Sports video: Kansas sweeps Arkansas-Little Rock

The Jayhawks have been cruising of late, finishing off a sweep of the Trojans with a 9-1 win at home.

No more freshman follies

Even Kansas underclassmen have to contribute in March

Kansas University’s basketball team has been to two Final Fours in two seasons, and the Jayhawk veterans will offer plenty of postseason advice for their freshmen teammates prior to Friday’s NCAA Tournament first-round contest against Illinois-Chicago.

Self surprised by short trip

Jayhawks to face UIC in first round at Kemper

Kansas University’s men’s basketball loss to Texas on Saturday hurt the Jayhawks’ pride, but, as it turned out, nothing else. The Jayhawks (21-8) Sunday were awarded a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament’s St. Louis Regional — not a 5 or 6 seed that pundits had predicted after KU’s 64-60 Big 12 Conference tournament semifinal setback.

KU jumps two spots in AP poll

Despite losing to Texas on Saturday, KU jumped two spots to No. 16 in Monday’s Associated Press poll. Illinois-Chicago, KU’s opponent in Friday’s opening round of the NCAA Tournament, is unranked.

Fans can still buy St. Louis tickets

Fans banking on the Kansas Jayhawks winning two games at Kemper Arena can put their money where their confidence is.

KU game hottest ticket in area

The first stop on the Road to the Final Four won’t be far away for the Kansas Jayhawks. Try 40.9 miles down Interstate 70. The Jayhawks learned Sunday that they would open NCAA Tournament play Friday at Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Mo., a prospect that had appeared quite distant only a day earlier after losing to Texas in the Big 12 Tournament.

Seed leads to celebration

Jayhawks happy to be staying close to home

Kansas University’s basketball players nibbled on heaping helpings of roast beef, turkey, ribs, coleslaw, baked beans and potato salad Sunday afternoon as they watched the NCAA Tournament Selection Show in a suite at Memorial Stadium.

KU baseball maintains theme

Another rout ends Jayhawk homestand

Instead of its regular home whites, the Kansas University baseball team wore blue uniforms Sunday. And after Saturday’s dreary conditions, the weather was warm and sunny at Hoglund Ballpark. Other than that, nothing changed as the Jayhawks routed Arkansas-Little Rock, 9-1.

KU diver Noonan 12th

Jayhawk freshman diver Shelby Noonan placed 12th in the one- and three-meter competitions Sunday at the Zone D Diving Championships.

Illinois-Chicago has been red-hot of late

Pardon the pun, but Kansas University’s men’s basketball team is running into an Illinois-Chicago squad that’s … well, on fire.

Woodling: Jayhawks get trip to K.C.; Woodling gets to eat crow

Mmm, this blackbird may taste better if it were baked in a pie with three and 20 others. Then again, probably not. This bird would still taste bad even if it were barbecued, boiled or fricasseed. Sometimes, you just have to eat crow.

Jayhawk briefs

¢ Softball wins pair ¢ Tennis falls to Tech ¢ Diver Noonan 12th

KU football going public with spring drills debut today

Kansas University football fans can get their first look at quarterback Jason Swanson this afternoon when the Jayhawks have their first open practice of the spring.

6Sports video: KU lucky in tournament selection

KU fared well on selection Sunday this year, and will play University of Illinois-Chicago at Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Mo. Friday night.

Kansas softball drops two

Jayhawks fall to DePaul, 4-3, tumble against Southern Illinois, 4-2

Kansas University’s softball team dropped a pair of games in the Saluki Round Robin Tournament. The Jayhawks (13-8) lost to DePaul, 4-3, in their first game and host Southern Illinois, 4-2, in the nightcap.

Kansas lacrosse squad splits in Missouri

Kansas University’s women’s lacrosse club split a pair of games Saturday. The Jayhawks fell to Missouri, 9-3, but beat Minnesota-Duluth, 6-4.

Graves shines in setback

If there was any consolation for Kansas University basketball fans in the Jayhawks’ early exit from the Big 12 Conference men’s basketball tournament Saturday at American Airlines Center, it might be there was evidence that senior Jeff Graves once again is saving his best for last.

Gordon guides UConn to Big East title

Huskies junior guard breaks scoring record in earning tourney MVP honors

Ben Gordon had a game-winning shot, a tournament record, an MVP trophy and a smile that could be on his face for days.

Jayhawk fans take comfort in revenge

Jennifer Hein is still rooting for a Kansas University trip to Kemper Arena to open the NCAA Tournament. But no matter where the team ends up, she wouldn’t mind getting a little payback, too.

Jayhawks baseball team continues to sizzle

KU wins fourth straight with offense, pitching

The warm weather left Hoglund Ballpark on Saturday, but Kansas University’s baseball offense and pitching remained torrid.

KU awaits NCAA fate

UT neutralizes Simien, bounces Jayhawks out of Big 12 semis

College basketball teams finally may have discovered a way to slow Kansas University power forward Wayne Simien. Mug him.

KU to scrutinize defense during spring football drills

Bill Young doesn’t mince words when talking about Kansas University’s football defense. “Cornerback and defensive line were our team’s most glaring weaknesses last year,” said Young, Kansas’ third-year defensive coordinator.

Texas tickled to gig Jayhawks

Eleven players average more than 11 minutes on the floor per game. That’s men’s basketball at the University of Texas. The Longhorns don’t shoot so good. They’re not great rebounders. And they sometimes suffer from fits of turnovers.

KU loss could cost tourney berth at Kemper

Losing to Texas cost the Kansas Jayhawks more than a chance to play this afternoon for a Big 12 Conference Tournament championship. It also means they could miss an anticipated date Friday in the Big Dance at Kemper Arena, just a short bus ride down Interstate 70 from campus.Losing to Texas cost the Kansas Jayhawks more than a chance to play this afternoon for a Big 12 Conference Tournament championship.

Woodling: Woodling: Kansas’ next stop anywhere but K.C.

Hello, Columbus. Shuffle off to Buffalo. See you in Seattle. Meet me in Milwaukee. Or Orlando. Or Denver. Or Raleigh. Pick any one of those seven sites as the next destination for Kansas University’s men’s basketball team, because the Jayhawks will not be going to the eighth venue on the NCAA Tournament first- and second-round card.

KU: ‘We’ll play where they put us’

Playing first- and second-round NCAA Tournament games in Kansas City, Mo., sure would be convenient for Kansas University’s basketball players and fans.

6Sports video: Jayhawks continue winning streak

Hot hitting and good pitching kept Kansas well ahead of the Trojans.

Nassau recruits not coming to KU

If Kansas University’s football program picks up any more late commitments, they likely won’t be coming from Nassau Community College.

6Sports video: Big XII tournament quarterfinals highlights

Okalahoma State overcame Iowa State to move on. Colorado fell to Texas Tech. And Texas brought down Oklahoma, and will play Kansas in today’s game.

6Sports video: KU blows out Missouri

KU came back from a first-half 12-point deficit to win their third battle against Missouri this season, 94-69.

Texas eliminates KU

Longhorns knock Jayhawks out of Big 12 Tourney with 64-60 victory

Kansas University’s men’s basketball team couldn’t carry momentum from Friday’s 25-point victory over Missouri to Saturday’s game against Texas in the Big 12 Conference Tournament. The Longhorns wore down the Jayhawks and won, 64-60. Texas will face Oklahoma State in the tournament championship at 2 p.m. Sunday.

6Sports video: Texas knocks KU out of conference tourney

Jeff Graves and Keith Langford gave KU a pair of good efforts, but the Texas Longhorns were too much for the Jayhawks on Saturday in the Big 12 Conference Tournament semifinals.

J-W files lawsuit against KUAC

Newspaper seeks details of AD Perkins' salary

The Journal-World and 6News are taking the next step in a legal effort to force Kansas University to release public records detailing the salary and benefits paid to athletic director Lew Perkins.

Mayer: Mayer: Kansas must improve its ball-handling skills

If three 2004 Jayhawk starters can become much better halfcourt ball-handlers, a year from now the Kansas University basketball team will reign as champion for the regular season, king of the postseason tournament and can be a solid contender for the NCAA Final Four.

Woodling: Kansas wakes up in time

You’re sleeping soundly in your hotel room, and suddenly the clock-radio begins to blare music. Rats. The previous occupant had set the alarm, and you forgot to check it before you hit the hay. Has that ever happened to you? Sure it has.

Jayhawk fans enjoy the ride

Brady Morningstar’s enjoying the ride.

Kansas routs UALR

Kansas University’s baseball team has enjoyed consistent production in the batter’s box this season.

KU tennis trips OSU

The Kansas University tennis squad beat Oklahoma State, 4-3, Friday at Robinson Courts. The Jayhawks, who play host Sunday to Texas Tech, won two of three doubles matches and three singles matches to secure the win.

KU shrugs off MU’s fate

Kansas unconcerned with Tigers' future

Keith Langford refused to gloat late Friday night after Kansas University’s men’s basketball team defeated Missouri for the second time in six days.

KU sends Tigers packing

Simien lifts Jayhawks into semifinals

Wayne Simien had his Kansas University basketball teammates shaking their heads in disbelief Friday night at American Airlines Center. Simien, Kansas University’s junior power forward who entered the Big 12 Conference tournament on the heels of three straight 20-point games, erupted for a career-high 31 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in the Jayhawks’ 94-69 Big 12 quarterfinal rout of Missouri.

KU fans dread return of red

John Burkhead can’t stomach the thought of his Kansas Jayhawks sporting red uniforms in Dallas. Eighteen years after one of the most ignominious, shocking and gut-wrenching losses in KU history — when the crimson-cloaked Jayhawks collapsed out of the Final Four just down the street in Reunion Arena — the retired insurance executive from Topeka said he wouldn’t even dream of selling a policy on the team’s chances should they again sport red tanks and shorts.

KU’s Bookman wins Indoor 200

Kansas University senior Leo Bookman defended his title in the 200-meter run Friday at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships.

Tigers dismayed by talk of NIT

Missouri started the basketball season ranked fifth in the nation, but the Tigers likely will be on the outside looking in Sunday when the NCAA Tournament selection committee announces its field of 65.

KU teams up with Wheaties

Jayhawk fans awakening this morning in Dallas can sample a brand-new taste of KU tradition. Special-issue Wheaties cereal boxes, emblazoned with a giant Jayhawk and lyrics to the fan-favorite Wheaties jingle, will be sold outside the KU Pavilion in Dallas’ West End, in time to satisfy fans hungry for good karma before tonight’s game against arch-rival Missouri in the Big 12 Tournament.

Another Mizzou game awaits Simien, KU

Wayne Simien would rather not play Missouri tonight at the Big 12 Conference tournament. “I really enjoy playing different teams. We’d really like to play a team from the South because we’ve only played them once,” said Simien, a junior forward for Kansas University. “You play a team three times, it’s tough. But it’s a rivalry game and we’ll be up for it, nevertheless.”

Langford stuck on Texas

Kansas guard enjoys returning home, but focus squarely set on Big 12 tourney

Keith Langford’s love for the Lone Star State won’t affect his focus this weekend. “I’d always rather play close to my people, my family,” said Langford, a native of Fort Worth, Texas. “But the bottom line is even if we weren’t playing in Dallas, we’ve still got to win.”

Jayhawks should be seeing blue in Dallas

Texas schools don’t have a lock on home-court advantage in the Big 12 Tournament, a Kansas University athletics official says.

KU homestand to culminate with Arkansas-Little Rock

It’d be hard for the Kansas University baseball team to complain during a season-long 12-game homestand.

6News video: Alumni Association will help fans wave the wheat

Commemorative Wheaties boxes will be stuffed with “Wave the Wheat” T-shirts. The boxes will hopefully help keep the “Wheaties Song” tradition alive.

KU blows out Missouri

Jayhawks move on to Big 12 Tournament semifinals

Kansas University’s first two men’s basketball victories over Missouri this season were decided by a total of 11 points, but the third match-up of the season Friday in the Big 12 Tournament in Dallas was a Jayhawk blowout.

KU - MU notes

6Sports video: Langford shines in postseason

Keith Langford has a history of superior play in tournaments, and has the accolades to prove it.

6News video: Some eateries benefit from lack of sports coverage

This is the time of year for packed sports bars, but restaurants which don’t have TVs aren’t lacking in customers.

6Sports video: Big XII tournament highlights

Highlights from the first round of the Big XII tournament. Texas A&M led the Missouri Tigers, but fell in the end. Nebraska lost to Oklahoma, and Iowa State defeated Kansas State.

6Sports video: Miles in command on the floor

Aaron Miles is considered a coach’s dream. His teammates say that he’s their general while on the floor, and Coach Self is unstinting in his praise of the junior point guard. Despite his play, Miles does not receive as much national attention as the Jayhawks believe he deserves.

6Sports video: Self finishes first year at KU

Bill Self had big shoes to fill when he took over for former coach Roy Williams. Despite this being his first season coaching the Jayhawks, Self has had to deal with high expectations. The verdict on his performance is still not in, but the team seems to have adapted to their new coach.

Time of KU spring game pushed back to 3 p.m. April 18

Kansas University football coach Mark Mangino announced Wednesday that the Jayhawks’ spring scrimmage would be played at 3 p.m. April 18 at Memorial Stadium.

Woodling: Three teams from Big 12 could land top-4 seeds

Clattering merrily on the keyboard while wondering if Kansas University and Bill Self will wind up in the same NCAA Tournament bracket with Illinois or North Carolina, or both. … If you believe in the RPIs — and the NCAA relies heavily on its own undivulged Rating Percentage Index — then the difference among the top three teams in the Big 12 Conference is minimal.

Jayhawks rock Tabor

KU empties bench during 15-1 victory

Kansas University baseball coach Ritch Price was happy his team finally played a midweek game Wednesday afternoon, but he had a few other things to smile about after a 15-1 thrashing of Tabor at Hoglund Ballpark. Price had scheduled a “staff day” for his pitching rotation, letting seven pitchers see action in one- or two-inning intervals.

Padgett popular after hitting game-winner

David Padgett has been big man on campus this week — and not just because he stands 6-foot-11. Kansas University’s 235-pound freshman power forward from Reno, Nev., has received a hero’s treatment from his classmates after sinking a game-winning shot against Missouri on Sunday in Columbia, Mo.

6Sports video: Jayhawks take down Tabor College

The Tabor Bluejays helped fill a hole in the Jayhawks’ schedule. KU showed their appreciation with 15 runs.

6Sports video: Simien honored once again

Wayne Simien has been named to the Coaches’ All-Big-12 squad.

Jayhawk baseball to tangle with Tabor

Kansas University’s baseball team will play Tabor College at 3 p.m. today at Hoglund Ballpark.

6Sports video: Padgett’s popularity soaring thanks to Mizzou shot

After Sunday, David Padgett’s stock around campus and on Internet boards has risen.

6Sports video: Kansas hoping for Kemper slot

The Jayhawks will be relying on their perfomance in Dallas to help influence the NCAA selection committee for a favorable Kansas City berth.

6Sports video: Track standout Santee to receive well-earned honors

Former KU miler Wes Santee was among those questing for the four-minute mile in the 1950s; now, the world record-setter will be inducted into both the state and the Kansas Relays halls of fame.

6Sports video: Bears finish Kansas’ season

In what was most probably interim coach Lynette Woodard’s final game as Kansas’ head coach, the Jayhawks fell once again to Baylor, 81-76.

Wins in Dallas key to Kemper

Big 12 tourney triumphs would boost KU's NCAA seed

Naturally, Bill Self hopes Kansas University’s men’s basketball team plays its first- and second-round NCAA Tournament games in nearby Kemper Arena. For that to happen, KU’s coach says, the No. 18-ranked Jayhawks need to win at least one and perhaps even two games at this weekend’s Big 12 Conference tournament in Dallas.

Ward takes first as KU golfers second

Junior Kevin Ward shot a 6-under 210 for a one-stroke win, helping Kansas University’s men’s golf squad place second after the final round of the Louisiana Classics Invitational.

KU agrees to let Free State play at Memorial

It appears the Free State High football team will call Kansas University’s Memorial Stadium home for another year.

Woodling: Woodling: Whom will Perkins pick?

Now that another dismal Kansas University women’s basketball season is over, it’s speculation time. Who will be the Jayhawks’ next head coach? Your guess is as good as mine, but interim coach Lynette Woodard likely won’t be handed the job on a full-time basis, and KU athletic director Lew Perkins will hire an assistant coach from a successful program (i.e. UConn).

Bleeding stopped

Bears' win ends troubled KU season

Baylor’s Sophia Young and Steffanie Blackmon didn’t look like All-Big 12 Conference selections in the first half Tuesday afternoon. But Young and Blackmon caught fire in the second half and carried the Bears to an 86-71 win over Kansas University in the first round of the conference tournament at Reunion Arena.

Jayhawks earn ‘pathetic’ split with SMS

KU snags 1-0 win in opener, but strands eight runners in 3-0 nightcap loss

Tracy Bunge summed it up in two words. “Pretty pathetic,” the Kansas University softball coach said Tuesday after the Jayhawks split a doubleheader with Southwest Missouri State at Arrocha Ballpark.

6Sports video: Softball team hosts Southwest Missouri State

The Kansas softball team split a doubleheader with the SMS Bears on Tuesday at home.

KU hopes to turn heads in Big 12 tournament

No, dropping nine straight games hasn’t made Lynette Woodard delirious. Kansas University’s interim women’s basketball head coach really thinks the Jayhawks can win one more game.

Jayhawks still savoring season-ending win at MU

The euphoria of Kansas University’s men’s basketball victory in Sunday’s regular-season finale at Missouri hadn’t subsided Monday. Well-wishers stopped KU coach Bill Self to shake his hand as he headed to his office Monday afternoon. Later, he encountered enthusiastic fans who congregated for his weekly Hawk Talk radio show.

6Sports video: Jayhawk bats cool off

Kansas’ hitting streak has fallen off a bit, but the Jayhawks still battled back to win two of three weekend games.

Athletes tested for drugs by Kansas, Big 12, NCAA

Major league baseball began its first year of drug testing last week, but many critics view the program as too little, too late. Players aren’t tested in the offseason — when athletes using performance-enhancing drugs are more likely to bulk up by skirting the rules — and penalties are minimal.

6Sports video: Padgett’s last-minute shot rocks Mizzou

Senior Day, the final game at the Hearnes Center and possibly the NCAA Tournament hopes of Missouri were spoiled by David Padgett’s game-winning shot.

Coach Bill Self takes part in online chat

Bill Self, KU’s men’s basketball coach, took part in an online chat this morning with KUSports.com readers, touching on a variety of topics, including the Big 12 tournament, his first year of coaching at KU and his pre-game Diet Cokes.

Kansas softball will try to avoid letdown today

Kansas University’s softball team rode an adrenaline high — and stingy pitching — to three victories last weekend in the debut of new Arrocha Ballpark.

Simien solid as a rock

KU junior joined by Allen, Emmett, Lucas, Mouton

Everybody knows Wayne Simien physically is one of the strongest basketball players in the Big 12 Conference. Not everybody realizes the 6-foot-9, 250-pounder, who Monday was named a unanimous first-team Associated Press all-league pick, also is solid as a rock mentally and solid as a boulder spiritually.

Jayhawk briefs

¢ Online option available for KU football tickets ¢ Men’s golf fourth in Louisiana Classics ¢ KU lacrosse splits

Football players landing in police reports

KU running back injured in downtown fight

For the third time in less than two weeks, a Kansas University football player has been involved in an incident that required police attention.

KU football player injured in downtown Lawrence fight

(Updated Monday at 1:51 p.m.) Lawrence Police are investigating a Saturday night fight involving a Kansas University football player that sent one man to the hospital. Austine Nwabuisi, 21, a junior KU running back last season, suffered facial injuries when he was hit with a beer bottle in the fight, according to a police report.

Simien named to all-Big 12 first team

Langford, Miles also honored by league media

Kansas junior Wayne Simien and Texas Tech’s Andre Emmett, the conference’s all-time scoring leader, are unanimous choices to The Associated Press All-Big 12 team for 2003-2004. KU’s Keith Langford was named to the Big 12 second team, and point guard Aaron Miles was named to the third team.

KU ‘ecstatic’ over victory

Jayhawks thrilled to close Hearnes with win over MU

Leave it to archrival Kansas University to spoil one of the biggest parties in Missouri basketball history. The Jayhawks’ 84-82 victory over Mizzou on Sunday at Hearnes Center came on Senior Day for MU standouts Arthur Johnson, Rickey Paulding and Travon Bryant and reserve Josh Kroenke.

Woodling: Woodling: Miles has knack for bedeviling MU

On the day of the last Missouri University basketball game at the Hearnes Center, Mizzou officials honored Norm Stewart again. Stewart — aka “Sit Down, Norm” in Lawrence — coached MU’s men’s basketball team forever. When he retired after the 1999 season, they named the Hearnes Center floor for him.

Huskers hand KU softball loss

A line drive down the left-field line Sunday spoiled what could have been a perfect opening weekend for the Kansas University softball team in its newly christened Arrocha Ballpark.

WIBW video: Kansas slips past rival Tigers

The Hearnes Center has seen the final meeting of the Jayhawks and Missouri within its doors, and it was a memorable one, sealed by a last-minute David Padgett shot in a 84-82 KU victory.

Jayhawks rally for baseball win

There’s no way that Kansas University baseball players Matt Baty and J.C. Sibley knew of the magic freshman David Padgett had just made miles away in Columbia, Mo., but that’s the exact moment they helped the baseball Jayhawks accomplish a monumental mark of their own.

Nwabuisi injured in downtown Lawrence fight

Lawrence Police are investigating a Saturday night fight involving a Kansas University football player that sent one man to the hospital. Austine Nwabuisi, 21, a junior KU running back last season, suffered facial injuries when he was hit with a beer bottle in the fight, according to a police report.

Turn out the lights …

Padgett's 'ugly, lucky' shot ruins Tigers' party for Hearnes

David Padgett called it “an ugly shot, a lucky shot.” His Kansas University men’s basketball teammates and legion of Jayhawk fans would have to disagree. “It was an unbelievable shot, as big a shot as I’ve had a freshman make,” KU coach Bill Self said of the 6-foot-11 freshman’s tie-breaking eight-footer from the baseline with two seconds to play in the Jayhawks’ 84-82 victory over Missouri on Sunday at Hearnes Center.

MU won’t forget finale

Missouri will open a new state-of-the-art basketball arena next year across the parking lot from its current building, but fans won’t soon forget the last game played in 32-year-old Hearnes Center.

KU moves up three spots in AP poll

Wins over Nebraska and Missouri last week vaulted KU back into the top 20 in Monday’s Associated Press Top 25. The Jayhawks (20-7) moved up three spots to No. 18 three days before the start of the Big 12 Conference Tournament. Other ranked Big 12 teams included No. 7 Oklahoma State and No. 11 Texas.

Split track squad has good day

Kansas University had five student-athletes with NCAA-provisional-qualifying marks Saturday at the Wilson Invitational in South Bend, Ind., and the Iowa State Invitational in Ames, Iowa.

Notes

KU wins battle against Missouri, 84-82

Jayhawks win final regular-season game in Hearnes Center

Missouri University’s men’s basketball team didn’t leave the Hearnes Center quietly, but the Tigers did leave losers. Kansas University hit two big baskets in the final minute after a late run by Missouri, and the Jayhawks won their regular-season finale, 84-82, Sunday at the Hearnes Center, which will be replaced by a new arena in Columbia next season.

KU sweeps Arrocha Ballpark debut

Kansas opens new stadium with wins over Utah, Nebraska in Jayhawk Classic

It didn’t take long for Arrocha Ballpark to pay off for Kansas University’s softball team. Melaney Torres’ wind-blown home run helped the Jayhawks edge Utah, 2-1, Saturday morning in the debut game at KU’s new stadium.

Jayhawks hit hard, see streak snapped

After a six-game winning streak, Kansas University’s baseball team was grounded somewhat Saturday afternoon by a team it had pulverized in a 22-6 victory Friday. Wisconsin-Milwaukee handed the Jayhawks their first loss of the year at Hoglund Ballpark, 9-7, by giving Kansas a taste of its own medicine — solid hitting.

KU, MU set to shut down Hearnes Center

Missouri’s basketball team sure has a lot to play for today. “Senior Day, NCAA Tournament implications, the closing of the Hearnes Center,” fifth-year MU coach Quin Snyder said, not even mentioning the fact a victory over archrival Kansas University would be his 100th as a head coach.

Simien finalist for Wooden Award

Kansas University junior Wayne Simien is one of 20 finalists for the John R. Wooden Award as college basketball’s player of the year.

Robertson remembers good, bad at MU

Former Jayhawk went 1-3 at Hearnes Center, but won prep state title there

Of the hundreds of college basketball players who played against Missouri in Hearnes Center the past 32 years, nobody infuriated the Tigers and their fans more than Kansas University’s Ryan Robertson.

MU ready to leave Hearnes

Kansas final opponent to visit Tigers' arena

Norm Stewart’s scores of Hearnes Center moments and memories are intertwined with the more than 300 victories he notched there. None, he insists, is more precious than the other.

6Sports video: Randle arrested following bar incident

According to booking information from the Douglas County Jail, John Randle has been arrested on charges of disorderly conduct and interfering with the duties of a police officer. Randle, 19, was booked into the Douglas County Jail just after 3 a.m. Friday according to police reports. His name and address match listings in the KU student directory as the same John Randle who is the KU football team’s second leading rusher.

Kansas blasts six homers in 22-6 blowout

KU runs win streak to six with victory over Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Kansas University third baseman Travis Metcalf predicted he would hit two home runs Friday. He was only half right.

Iowa rips KU tennis

Kansas University’s tennis team fell to Iowa, 6-1, Friday at the Overland Park Racquet Club.

Randle arrested following bar incident

According to booking information from the Douglas County Jail, John Randle has been arrested on charges of disorderly conduct and interfering with the duties of a police officer. Randle, 19, was booked into the Douglas County Jail just after 3 a.m. Friday according to police reports. His name and address match listings in the Kansas University student directory as the same John Randle who is the KU football team’s second-leading rusher.

Jayhawks ignoring Antlers

Mizzou shenanigans don't bother KU players

Kansas University junior Wayne Simien hasn’t butted heads with the Antlers yet this week. “I’ve given ‘em the ‘Okeydokey’ a bit with number swaps,” Simien said of changing his phone number to avoid conversing with members of Missouri’s men’s basketball student cheering section.

Jayhawks to unveil softball stadium today

Kansas to meet Utah, Nebraska in first games at Arrocha Ballpark

Allen Fieldhouse has been called everything from tradition-rich to deafening to venerable to imposing. Now add “hitter’s background” to the descriptive mix.

6Sports video: KU baseball team wins on soggy field

After a week off, the Jayhawks came back to win against the UW-Milwaukee Panthers, 22-6.

Perkins filling KU coffers

Fans still adjusting to new AD's approach

Lew Perkins conducted one of his trademark halftime ceremonies at a recent Kansas University men’s basketball game. UConn fans can picture the pageantry. During his 13-year tenure as UConn’s athletic director, Perkins would routinely escort a coach, athlete or corporate sponsor to midcourt for a photo. An announcement would be read. A presentation would be made or a trophy hoisted. The ceremony would conclude with a handshake or hug, along with fanfare from the UConn band.

Randle arrested after altercation at club

Police arrested Kansas University football player John Randle for the second time in four months Friday following an altercation at a downtown nightclub.

Mayer: Mayer: Fieldhouse seating plan will break up old friends

Sadly, all good things end, no matter how we’d like them to be blessed with perpetuity. Thus it was inevitable, I suppose, that so many longtime Allen Fieldhouse “families” would be broken up by a new fund-raising policy involving points, patronage and preference. When Kansas closed out its home basketball slate Wednesday, an awful lot of devoted, dead-loyal fans left the old barn unsure how they’d be fitted in next season. There will be a new policy for ticket assignment, they know.

Randle arrested following bar incident

(Updated Friday at 4:49 p.m.) According to booking information from the Douglas County Jail, John Randle has been arrested on charges of disorderly conduct and interfering with the duties of a police officer.

6Sports video: Jayhawks baseball waiting to play again

KU’s had an eight-day lay off between games comes in the middle of a winning streak. Thursday’s rain may keep them off the field for another day.

Ex-Jayhawk Petersen found ‘peaceful end’

Known as much for his wit as his dedication to winning, the leading scorer for the 1949 Kansas University basketball team coached by the legendary Phog Allen died Wednesday.

Hinrich, Chicago a perfect fit

Ex-Jayhawk standout 'meant to play' for Bulls

You close your eyes and he almost sounds like Jerry Sloan too.

6Sports video: Simien to give senior speech next season

Coach Self hopes to see Wayne Simien on the squad next year, but he will research the junior’s future chances in the NBA draft before advising Simien to make a final decision.

ISU routs KU women

Kansas University’s women’s basketball squad guaranteed itself last place in the Big 12 Conference, falling 79-57 to Iowa State on Thursday at Hilton Coliseum.

Mangino adds lineman

A month after national signing day, Mark Mangino is still recruiting.

As usual, Tribble producing at plate

Kansas University baseball player Matt Tribble’s 11-game hitting streak proves he can thrive at the plate.

Self understands Simien’s decision to return

Kansas University basketball coach Bill Self knows why his most productive player wants to stick around. “Senior Night … having a chance to go out with the guys he came in with … leaving a legacy behind,” Self said Thursday, responding to junior Wayne Simien’s declaration Wednesday he would stay in school for his senior season.

6Sports video: KU to face MU at the Hearnes Center for the last time

Mizzou will move into its new arena next season. Coach Self has one particular memory at the Hearnes Center when he was an assistant coach at OU.

Jayhawks eager to christen ‘awesome’ new stadium

Where generic Jayhawk Field once sat now sits state-of-the-art Arrocha Ballpark, new home of the Kansas University softball team.

Langford entertains

Push-ups a hit with fieldhouse fans

Kansas University junior Keith Langford dove for the basketball and was prone on the floor as fans held their breath, thinking he might be injured.

6Sports video: KU continues Senior Night winning streak

Nebraska made a good showing in the first half, but the Jayhawks put the ‘Huskers away to seal the win.

6News video: Capt. Loudon gets hero’s welcome

The Jayhawk’s Senior Night is also a homecoming for the Iraq Chalk Jayhawk.

NU: Crowd lifted Kansas

Cornhuskers say KU improved in three weeks

Nebraska pulled off one of the most surprising victories in the Big 12 Conference this season with a 74-55 victory over Kansas University on Feb. 15 in Lincoln, Neb., but all night Wednesday it was clear who the victor would be in the Allen Fieldhouse rematch.

7 KU athletes earn academic honor

Seven Kansas University basketball players earned Academic All-Big 12 Conference honors Wednesday.

For one last time, KU fans cheer from long-held seats

Basketball ticket holders unsure how points will add up next season

The band didn’t play “Auld Lang Syne” Wednesday night at Allen Fieldhouse, but some longtime Kansas University men’s basketball season-ticket holders were feeling unusually nostalgic anyway. For many fans, such as Scottie Lingelbach, it probably was the last time they would sit in the same fieldhouse seats that they have had for years.

Jayhawks flourish

Seniors start, address crowd after rout of Cornhuskers

For Bill Self, who is new to Senior Night at Kansas University, it seemed like Wednesday’s three senior speeches lasted longer than the KU-Nebraska game itself. “Our guys got pretty winded. There was some preaching going on out there,” Self quipped of the filibusters of Brett Olson, Bryant Nash and Jeff Graves, which followed the Jayhawks’ 78-67 rout of the Cornhuskers.

Woodling: Seating unsettled, but Simien staying

Poignant senior speeches laced with humor. A satisfying victory over Nebraska. Been there. Done that. Kansas University men’s basketball fans are accustomed to leaving Allen Fieldhouse after the home finale with a smile.

Jayhawks won’t fold

KU still driven as season winds down

Finish strong. That’s the mantra of Kansas University’s win-starved and emotionally drained women’s basketball team.

Brother’s guidance vital for Olson

A 4.0 student who aced a speech class at Kansas University, Brett Olson should be poised and polished while speaking tonight in Allen Fieldhouse. “I’ll be all right … until I get to Kevin,” said Olson, KU’s senior men’s basketball walk-on from Chanute. “I don’t know what will happen when I try to tell him … ”

6Sports video: Settlemier leads Jayhawks despite surgeries

Serena Settlemier has had three surgeries on her right arm so far during her KU career, but she has come back strong with a team-leading .345 average and 6 home runs.

6Sports video: Seniors preparing speeches

Allen Fieldhouse will be saying goodbye to seniors Bryant Nash, Jeff Graves and Brett Olson at Wednesday’s game against Nebraska.

Time at KU flew for Nash

Jayhawk seniors to speak after Nebraska game

Bryant Nash remembers his freshman year at Kansas University as if it was yesterday. “Kenny Gregory and I were walking on campus and he was telling me, ‘Get ready, it’s going to go by fast,’” Nash said of his former teammate.

6Sports video: Band to be outfitted in style

The Feather the Flock campaign was successful in raising funds to outfit the Marching Jayhawks in new uniforms, and now the look of those uniforms is under discussion.

6Sports video: Langford back in business

Keith Langford’s been averaging less than 10 points per game, but lately he’s been back in form.

Kansas men earn Roadrunner title

Four Kansas University golfers finished in the top 20, including three in the top 10, and the Jayhawks cruised to a 14-stroke victory Tuesday in the Roadrunner Intercollegiate tournament.

Woodling: Woodling: And the Woodling goes to …

Now that the Oscars have been handed out, it’s time to reveal my Big 12 Conference men’s basketball awards. None of these listings below have been certified by Price Waterhouse, nor were any hermetically sealed in a mayonnaise jar.

Notes

KU women seventh

Kansas University’s women’s golf team finished tied for seventh in a 16-team field Tuesday. The Jayhawks shot rounds of 302, 302, 312, for a total of 916 at the 6,118-yard, par-72 Blackhorse Golf Club.

KU takes care of Nebraska, 78-67

Three seniors to bid farewell tonight

The Jayhawks had little trouble Wednesday avenging last month’s 19-point loss to the Cornhuskers. KU won, 78-67, on Senior Night at Allen Fieldhouse, assuring the Jayhawks of a third-place finish in the Big 12 Conference.

6Sports video: Tennis team returns to Lawrence for practice

The KU tennis team has been practicing indoors at Topeka, but with the return of nicer weather the home courts can get a workout.

Self says Padgett ‘doubtful’ for NU

Kansas University freshman David Padgett, who had to be helped off James Naismith Court after severely spraining his right ankle Sunday, walked onto the same court with just a slight limp Monday.

6Sports video: Kansas nearly unbeatable at home

Michael Lee broke out of his 13-game funk to help spark the Jayhawks in the win over Oklahoma.

Football recruits’ visits to KU ‘highly structured’

Kansas University football coach Mark Mangino calls campus visits “highly structured” events that feature plenty of meetings and a few activities to keep recruits busy during a 48-hour stay.

Syracuse enters poll; Kansas drops to 21

Look who’s back in the Top 25: defending national champion Syracuse.

Jayhawk briefs

¢ Kansas men’s golf leads Roadrunner ¢ KU women’s golf second at ‘Mo’Morial tourney ¢ KU lacrosse team wins

6Sports video: Padgett gone for forseeable future

With David Padgett doubtful for the next game, Jeff Graves is starting to step up for Kansas.

Key for KU: Sell the parents

Visits feature meals, campus tours and video games

Omar Wilkes remembers attending a party during his official men’s basketball recruiting visit to Kansas University. “It wasn’t with strippers or stuff,” Wilkes, a freshman guard from Los Angeles, said with a laugh.

6Sports video: Washington says goodbye silently

Coach Marian Washington gave a quiet goodbye to Kansas basketball fans on Sunday.

‘No worries at Kansas’

Mangino confident KU can avoid scandal like Colorado's

Gary Green II was taken to a strip club during a recruiting visit. Relax, Kansas University football fans. It wasn’t in Lawrence.

Technically, foul didn’t doom OU

Maybe a young Kansas University fan knew what was best for Oklahoma on Sunday. With much approval and a hardy round of laughter from the all-adult audience surrounding him, a preadolescent boy shouted to Oklahoma coach Kelvin Sampson to “take it like a man” moments after Sampson was issued a technical foul with just more than eight minutes to play in KU’s 79-58 men’s basketball victory over OU at Allen Fieldhouse.

KU falls back to No. 21

Jayhawks drop spot in latest AP poll

The Jayhawks fell just one spot to No. 21 in Monday’s Associated Press Top 25 poll after a 1-1 record last week. The Jayhawks moved up from No. 21 to No. 20 in last week’s poll. Kansas (18-7) lost to Texas last Monday, but soundly defeated Oklahoma on Sunday.

Kansas cranks up volume

Langford speaks up, steps up

Wayne Simien always feels good about Kansas University’s chances of winning on days a certain Jayhawk buries his first shot. “When Keith gets it going early, his confidence skyrockets, and he’s tough to stop,” Simien said after he and fellow junior Keith Langford erupted for 48 points — 26 and 22 respectively — in the Jayhawks’ 79-58 men’s basketball victory Sunday over Oklahoma at Allen Fieldhouse.

Kansas tennis falls to Boston College

Kansas University’s tennis team (1-6) fell to Boston College in the fifth-place match of the UNLV Spring Invitational on Sunday.

Woodling: Woodling: Did Lee discover himself?

Wayne Swanson stopped me as I was heading out the northwest tunnel of Allen Fieldhouse. “Was that the real Michael Lee out there today?” Swanson asked me.

KU’s Padgett suffers ankle sprain

Freshman forward out 'for a while,' questionable for Huskers

Kansas University freshman David Padgett winced in terrible pain as he exited the court after spraining his right ankle in the second half of Sunday’s victory over Oklahoma.

News

Wednesday, March 31

Bunge wants Jayhawk bats to wake up

KU coach confident 2004-05 Jayhawks, barring injuries, will be stellar

Tuesday, March 30

Kansas AD Perkins: 'Bonnie at 1 or 2' on lists of sought-after replacements

Woodling: Woodling: KU women’s basketball in good hands with Henrickson

Seven of Sweet 16 teams might be on schedule for 2004-05 season

Jayhawks excited about Henrickson's past success, enthusiasm toward job

Monday, March 29

Jayhawk junior: 'I didn't foul him'

Sophomore point guard collects 29 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals

Jayhawks win, 12-9, then fall in nightcap

Former Virginia Tech women's basketball coach takes over at KU

Woodling: Woodling: Big Three big key for KU

Langford, Graves, Giddens, Simien to be 'shut down'

Jackets deny Kansas' bid for Final Four

Sunday, March 28

Giddens, Muhammad dunk duel could be subplot

Jeff Boschee teaches clinic at Holcom Park

KU's goal: take Self to Final Four

Virginia Tech AD affirms Perkins' hire: Henrickson deserves job as Jayhawk leader

Former Arizona guard faced Jayhawks in 2001

Mayer: Mayer: KU greats elevated NCAA to top tourney

Woodling: Woodling: Kansas closing in on title destiny

Elder won't start, but expected to play against KU

Yellow Jackets eliminate Jayhawks in overtime

Saturday, March 27

Kansas shreds press, rolls into Elite Eight

Coach says players got 'caught up' in tourney hoopla

Jayhawks advance to record third straight round of eight

Friday, March 26

Jayhawks easily handle Blazers' pressure

Bedore: Woodling: 40 minutes of hell: the St. Louis sequel

Edward Jones Dome brings back good memories for Kansas

Cavernous arena not yet sold out for game

Defending conference champions huge road test for Kansas

Former Arkansas coach keeping eye on protege

Jayhawks using all means to prepare for voracious UAB defense

Thursday, March 25

UAB will duel Sweet 16 veteran

Blazers' '40 minutes of Hell' await KU

KU fans on hand for send-off; Kansas wants to bring back Final Four berth

Wednesday, March 24

Alabama-Birmingham billed as 'fastest 40 minutes of basketball'

Freshman's mother in Oklahoma hospital