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Kansas center Jeff Withey slaps hands with fans as he exits the court following the Jayhawks' 113-75 win over Longwood, Friday, Nov. 12, 2010 at Allen Fieldhouse.
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Kansas University basketball players Jeff Withey and Jordan Juenemann will play for Athletes in Action during a two-week trip to Europe from May 19 through June 3.
During that time, Athletes in Action will face local European teams, including clubs from Greece, Hungary, Poland and also the Kosovo national team.
Athletes in Action is a global ministry that uses sports to help people deal with questions of faith.
“This will be my first time overseas,” said Juenemann, a 6-foot-3 senior-to-be from Hays. “It will be great to experience that and get to know guys from other teams. I think it will be really enjoyable.”
Juenemann wanted to travel with Athletes in Action the last few summers, but plans had never worked out. He called the director of Athletes in Action to tell him he was interested this year, and a week later, Juenemann was informed that he made the team.
Because the team needed post players, Juenemann then started to recruit his roommate, Withey, a 7-foot junior to be from San Diego.
At first, Withey declined.
“I haven’t been home for a year, so I wanted to go back home,” Withey said. “Coach (Kurtis) Townsend and coach (Bill) Self heard about it, and they told me it would be a good opportunity for me because I haven’t played a real basketball game in such a long time and it would also help me with my Christian faith.”
It won’t be Withey’s first time in Europe, as he played in basketball tournaments in France and Germany during high school.
“I’m looking forward to going to that part of the world because there is so much history there. Playing the national team and being able to share my faith will be awesome,” Withey said.
Juenemann is also appreciative of all of the individuals who donated to Athletes in Action to help the team travel to Europe.
“We’ll be doing Bible studies, lots of prayers and growing in our faith together. I really believe God has something for Jeff and me over there to bring back to the states and KU,” Juenemann said. “We want to come back and be leaders on the team from what we learn in Europe. We want to thank all of the people who support Athletes in Action to make this trip possible. We’ll be growing in our basketball skills and growing in our faith, so to be involved with Athletes in Action will be an experience I take with me for the rest of my life.”
Juenemann and junior-to-be Withey will fly out of Kansas City, Mo., on Thursday before meeting with their teammates in Chicago. They then will fly to Frankfurt, Germany, before taking a bus to Macedonia to start training.
The KU roommates will return to Kansas on June 3, a few days before summer classes begin.
Juenemann and Withey will be joined on the team by three other Big 12 players: Cory Jefferson (Baylor); A.J. Walton (Baylor); and Will Spradling (Kansas State). Other team members are: Austin Dufault (Colorado); Scottie Wilbekin (Florida); Jake Kitchell (Indiana State); Langston Hall (Mercer); and William Mosley (Northwestern State).
Lacey update
Trevor Lacey, a 6-3 senior guard from Butler High in Huntsville, Ala., is scheduled to sign with either KU, Kentucky, Alabama or Auburn on Wednesday afternoon at his high school.
His dad, William Pride, tells kentucky.rivals.com it’s possible no announcement will be made at that time.
“It could be later,” Pride told the website. “Pretty much right now he’s just discombobulated ... a lot of pressure on the kid. I pretty much feel sorry for the kid just to know that he really doesn’t know.”
Players who do not sign letters-of-intent can still sign grants in aid upon reporting to campus.
Next year’s rankings
Rivals.com has issued its new rankings for the class of 2012. Some players being recruited by KU and their new rankings: Perry Ellis, 6-8, Wichita Heights, No. 20; Shabazz Muhammad, 6-5, Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas, No. 2; Mitch McGary, 6-10, Brewster Academy, Wolfeboro, N.H., No. 5; Kaleb Tarczewski, 7-0, St. Mark’s, Southborough, Mass., No. 11; Gabe York, 6-2, Lutheran High, Orange, Calif., No. 31; Winston Shepard, 6-8, Findlay Prep High, Henderson, Nev., No. 38; Nino Jackson, 6-2, Ardmore (Okla.) High, No. 39; J-Mychal Reese, 6-1, Bryan (Texas) High, No. 40; Robert Upshaw, 6-11, San Joaquin Memorial High, Fresno, Calif., No. 45. Future KU player Zach Peters, 6-9, Prestonwood Christian, Plano, Texas, is No. 126.
KU coach Bill Self talks about signing of Andrew Wiggins May 14, 2013
Ben McLemore interview March 28, 2013
360 QTR of Cowboy Stadium March 28, 2013
Jayhawks arrive in Dallas March 27, 2013
Jeff Withey talks about the team staying loose March 23, 2013
Comments
OakvilleJHawk 2 years ago
Jeff, remember, the Lord loves us all..but he really loves those that block shots and dunk the ball!!! :)
Play hard and enjoy your trip.
rockchalk1990 2 years ago
Can I get an AMEN?
JayDocMD 2 years ago
Amen
HAWKAHOLIC_91 2 years ago
Lord loves himself some players who can do a little playing and praying!
hawk316 2 years ago
This is a great deal for these guys and should be a very positive experience for them. AIA is a solid ministry and provides student athletes a terrific opportunity to grow in a variety of ways: spiritually, socially, culturally, as well as on the court. Plus, the quality of competition can be fairly significant. A very good decision, Jeff and Jordan!
jro72887 2 years ago
sounds like a great experience and cause lets just hope withey doesnt hurt himself by stepping on the court... we need his size next year!
baldwinjhawk 2 years ago
Size doesn't matter if you don't know how to use it.... As the old saying goes. lol
tophawk87 2 years ago
This is all part of our re-hab effort, our bball image has suffered the last couple of years...
lee3022 2 years ago
Not really. We haven't had a knifing for years! Don't worry about the image. Coach runs a very tight ship and removes those who cannot conform. The stuff in the past few years is no more than typical students getting outside the lines.
Each year is a fresh start. Each situation is an opportunity for a student-athlete to grow and mature. Normal processes.
ralster 2 years ago
Maybe Withey is preparing for a life of ministry or missionary work after he graduates...what a noble calling. Will this experience turn him into a "ptp'er" under the big lights of March?
Perses 2 years ago
Withey will be in the NBA after he graduates. He has better upside than Aldrich.
lee3022 2 years ago
I don't know if this is accurate but Aldrich is in civilian clothes during OKC's games so you might be right. Withey is not a bust. He had injuries last year that affected his development and has two more years to produce. I think he does have promise.
KULA 2 years ago
Absolutely right Perses.
wissoxfan83 2 years ago
So anyone who calls themselves a Christian is akin to those guys?
jayhawkdon 2 years ago
In your eyes only.
plasticJHawk 2 years ago
the pinnacle of their profession is being in step with God's plan. It has nothing to do with how much money they were making, or how wide their reach was.
They clearly were not in step with God's plan. That doesn't necessarily diminish the powerful works that they did in the name of Jesus. It doesn't mean that the people who were saved or healed, are now unsaved or unhealed. It just means that they were not right to be in the position of authority and high visibility that they were in. Or simply, that they are a great testament to Romans 3:23 which states that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
It's written all over the Bible. "There is no one righteous." "Equality with God is not something to be grasped." But as a person who is a witness for Jesus Christ we have to live as examples of that.
I say a big Congrats to Withey and Juenemann for seeking what's really important. I hope that they can exemplify that every day for the rest of their lives.
I apologize for the preaching. This is a basketball forum.
I hope that Jeff Withey can stay healthy and think that if he does, the coaches will find a way to build a winning system with him at the center.
jhawk613 2 years ago
No. The Pinnacle will always be those like Martin Luther King, Jr., Mother Teresa, Martin Luther.
I would include Jesus, but he wasn't truly a Christian. I think there are a fair number of screw-ups in every religion including those that consider themselves Atheist.
KanedaMGM 2 years ago
Mother Teresa was a terrible person that kept people in suffering and poverty for her own selfish reasons . She should be reviled not revered .
beware0fph0g 2 years ago
And a +1 for you, as well. I feel like freaking Oprah right now.
beware0fph0g 2 years ago
+1
As much as it pains me to agree with the site troll.
Proselytizing does not a noble one make.
mattiesdad 2 years ago
Yes, all falible people, just like you and me. The nature of God, however, does not change. He's the lover of souls and the giver of mercy.
nuleafjhawk 2 years ago
Well said mattiesdad. He even loves IrishDaddy. He MAY be the only one..........................
jhawk613 2 years ago
Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, Martin Luther to name a few on the other end of the spectrum... etc etc etc
KanedaMGM 2 years ago
Mother Teresa was a terrible person that kept people in suffering and poverty for her own selfish reasons . She should be reviled not revered.
nashhawk 2 years ago
Are you serious? The pain of your life must be overwhelming. Let love heal
KanedaMGM 2 years ago
Is that for me? If so, yes I am serious. Try learning what she really did to the poor people that were under her "care".
nuleafjhawk 2 years ago
Where are you getting your information?
KanedaMGM 2 years ago
from all over but here is a very minor example from her wiki page
She has also been criticized for her view on suffering. She felt that suffering would bring people closer to Jesus.[43] Sanal Edamaruku, President of Rationalist International , criticised the failure to give pain killers, writing that in her Homes for the Dying, one could “hear the screams of people having maggots tweezered from their open wounds without pain relief. On principle, strong painkillers are even in hard cases not given. According to Mother Teresa's bizarre philosophy, it is ‘the most beautiful gift for a person that he can participate in the sufferings of Christ’.”[44]
KanedaMGM 2 years ago
here is a link for you too
http://sanaledamaruku.blogspot.com/2010/05/mother-teresa-other-side.html
beware0fph0g 2 years ago
You should check out Christopher Hitchen's book "The Missionary Position". Though a crass title, very informative.
See here: http://www.newstatesman.com/200508220019
And an interview with Hitch, here: http://www.secularhumanism.org/library/fi/hitchens_16_4.html
And all of this culminating to Theresa doubting her own faith, here: http://theworldfrommywindow.blogspot.com/2007/08/sad-truth-about-mother-teresa-revealed.html
nuleafjhawk 2 years ago
beware and Kaneda, I have absolutely no authority to speak intelligently about Mother Teresa, either pro or con, because I have never studied her or know really anything about her. I would be very leery of internet sources however. Why is it when anyone speaks of another's willingness to help others, they are always compared to her? Understand, I'm not sticking up for her, I'm just asking.
nuleafjhawk 2 years ago
ahhh - never mind. I don't care - let's just stick to KU basketball.
Kleave 2 years ago
To be honest, I've been discussing Withey with a U of A fan, and they really couldn't care less that they "lost" him to us. In fact, it was more of a "good riddance" situation for them...not sure how well Withey will pan out.
KULA 2 years ago
What's your UofA friend basing his judgement on? Did Withey ever even suit up and play for U of A? Sounds like sour grapes.
ahpersecoachingexperience 2 years ago
u of a fans are the worst! They are so proud of so little!
Oh, and good bye momo.
lee3022 2 years ago
Experience is good for both players and life experiences in Europe is positive as well.
However, my first thought it no training table and no supervision pumping iron might slow down Withey's strength development. But two weeks will not likely make or break it and Coach knows best.
cheeseburger 2 years ago
Congrats and best wishes to Jordan and Jeff. Glad to see these good Christian kids putting their faith into action.
Make_Ur_Free_Throws 2 years ago
Nice to see Jeff and Jordan getting this opportunity, and using their God given talents to share in a positive way with others. Growth can be measured in many ways, even on the inside where you can't always see it, and I'm sure what they will take away from this summer will be a big benefit in their lives both on and off the court! Good luck men!
bennybob 2 years ago
shouldn't withey be spending the summer in the weight room instead of playing pall in a part of the world notorious for producing slender big men?
ralster 2 years ago
Ah, benny"bobbed-brain" (sorry mother nature shorted ya!), You ever think that those slender, European bigmen are some of the most skilled guys you will ever see? Ever heard of Dirk Nowitzki? Toni Kukoc? Paul Gasol?
Come on, benny-- give us some more short-brained thoughts!
nicka 2 years ago
Perses...
"upside" usually refers to someone with unrefined athletic ability with loads of potential. Withey just has lots of room for improvement because he isn't very good. I believe that is called "sucky".
Nba aspirations are laughable. He's a stick figure that trips all over himself. Remember, he wasn't a freshman last year, plus he had a redshirt year to develop. Play the injury card here if you like, but he should already be showing signs of improvement, and hasn't.
nicka 2 years ago
fyi...i'm a huge ku fan and have watched every minute withey has played in a ku uniform. "uncoordinated" is the word that first comes to mind. maybe this is the cause of all the injuries?
please don't try to show me up with your knowledge of the guy's high school stats. that was 3 years ago, and he is 7 feet tall...of course he is going to dominate in high school.
ralster 2 years ago
nicka, I read your post and your battle with phog1004. You call yourself a "ku fan", yet you bash a guy we very likely will need to do some of what Self+Danny expect him to do? What if Withey read that comment? You probably reply with some "nervous macho" answer like he needed to read it or something foolish, eh? Most guys like to defend their statement, even if it=rubbish, are you any different? Basically you post critical crap in a public domain and one of our very necessary pieces for next year (Withey) reads it and you become such the internet hero dont you--If he has a lackluster season, you get to thump your chest and say "I told ya so"--isnt that how it works for you? Enlighten me, dumbass. I doubt there is a KU diploma on your wall. If there is, you should be ashamed. If not, go earn one!
If you are so good at predicting the future, why arent you in Vega$ earning millions? Yep...loser.
KU 2 years ago
Withey needs to put his faith in Cheeseburgers and Milk Shakes............and Hudy.
I'm just not sure he has the drive to be a dominant Big. I can't tell if it's a lack of work ethic or a fear of getting hurt or something else. In the little time we have actually seen him on the court he rarely looks like he's into the game. You can make excuses all you want about how he hasn't played in an actual game situation, but give me a break.......he has gone up against the Morris twins and Thomas Robinson everyday in practice. If that doesn't prepare you to play in games, I'm not sure what will.
dgspurgin 2 years ago
Jeff, just play for Christ's sake.
KanedaMGM 2 years ago
Don't anger him with your false gods or you will feel the rath of His great Noodley Appendages.
theend 2 years ago
Question for all you in denial KU fans......Not only does KU choke in March.....but they choke badly. So.....why? Why is that Northern Iowa and VCU not only won.....they completely destroyed KU......can you say blow-out??
This doesn't ever get mentioned.......everybody only talks about KU losing. They forget that KU was absolutely dismantled by two inferior teams.
So.....lets hear it you rah-rah KU fans......why? I know your perfect Jayhawks can do no wrong......so how is this possible?
ccarp 2 years ago
sorry, rearend...I guess I didn't get the question...is it why they choke so badly? Why did they get destroyed? Or is it, can we say blow out? Is it why people forget about the loss? Is it that the hawks can do no wrong?
I don't know that they "choked" so badly. They definitely played tight, got a team that was hot from 3, and they diverted from the game plan and tried to chuck 3's themselves. I guess that's the reason they lost. Can you provide any insights yourself?
The fact we don't dewell on the losses is that it was just their 3rd loss of both seasons. So, you could say we won more games then we lost. We also won the conference both of those seasons, so we consider those years to be decent seasons. Trust me, we think and discuss the losses at the end of the season. Luckily, those sour end of season conversations always wrap up with, "Always next year!".
As for do no wrong, we've had plenty of growing pains with our teams, but we love basketball and understand it is a sport that is one of the best forms of entertainment in the world and our Hawks have been and always will deliver high quality entertainment. Sounds like they've even made you smile.
So, I guess the real question is why did you come to post? Who is your squad? Let's get a game lined up and see who wins. My money is on the hawks.
Thanks for giving me a chance to reflect that even with some blips in our seasons, KU is the most successful team in the country most of the year. That's something to be excited about. Oh yeah, our first coach invented the game, our second coach invented coaching, Wilt Chamberlain set up the modern game, KU has the most wins and appearances in the NCAA for the last 22 years, we're the reason the Kentucky and UNC grew to success, and we've got what will be the winning-est coach in college basketball history.
Thanks, rearend, you gave me time to think of my team and how great they are and how proud I am to be a jayhawk. ROCK CHALK ,JAYHAWK!
theend 2 years ago
You think KU is in tandem with national powers Duke,UNC,UConn and KY??????? Not even close, friend. Kansas is a regional power at best......they get a lot of wins vs Iowa State and Nebraska......that's why they are at the top in wins. But KU has very few national titles....3.(Helms titles do not count). Until KU can win on a ntional level.....they are not a national power.
nuleafjhawk 2 years ago
You are a national moron. Or is that ntional?
theend 2 years ago
I like Herman Munster.......1313 Mockingbird Lane. What was the name of the neice that was really pretty but the family called her the ugly one?
nuleafjhawk 2 years ago
Marilyn !!
Hawk90 2 years ago
Guess who has the most ncaa tourney wins in the past 10 years? Even with the major upsets. We aren't to far removed from a title. I hate the argument that the only way to judge a teams power is by national title. Guess who isn't to far ahead of us? that would be UNC. Guess who only started winning in the 90s? That would be Duke. Guess who always has the best talent on their team and hasn't won since 98? That would be UK. Uconn? Please, they aren't a national power. Titles don't say it all. Basketball is a sport of who is hot. That why in the NBA they have a seris. I love march madness and don't want it to be gone with even though it seems that we are hurt the most. You say we are only in the top 3 in wins because of Neb and Iowa state, so are you implying those other schools never have to play weak teams in their conference? KU is a national power, who needs to step in up in march. This is the order of the last 4 national champs. UCONN, Duke, UNC, Kansas. Kansas had to beat the preseason favs UNC and the Dream team Memphis. In no way am I saying that Titles don't matter, but its not the only stick you judge by. KU is a national Power, go ask ESPN, Fox, CBS and any other sports stations.
wissoxfan83 2 years ago
Hawk90, I am in no way defending rearend, however, winning it all is what many people judge a programs success on. UCONN now has 3 in the time we have 1. It's what I tend to focus on too. '97 was a great year, but we didn't win it all. 03, a great year, but...
However I do believe that KU is a premier program, a Porsche among the Cadillac's. Duke, UNC, KU, are the programs most people measure themselves against.
theend 2 years ago
An excellent comment!!! Well said!!! National titles are not everything......but they are extremely important. It's hard for me to say KU had a great year unless they win it all. Am I spoiled? Yes.....but still.....I want national titles.
Hawk90 2 years ago
I agree, I want em too. I still have nighmares about VCU. I love Self but he has to figure what is going on.
wissoxfan83 2 years ago
You weren't supposed to make it look like I agreed with you :)
Hawk90 2 years ago
UCONN is a great program. And I agree with you, my problem with UCONN is that they arent always on the top. They are very inconsitant. While I think they're are a great program. I also am really picky with calling schools elite. KU, UK, UNC, Dook, AU are the elite programs. UCLA has the most titles, but they got those in like a span of 10 years(which is why Wooden by far is the best coach). But to me you have to be at the top for a long time(Duke slipped in the 70s and 80s.but had good history before that.) So if I expanded what I believe to be elite, UCONN would be the first school
RockChalk26 2 years ago
@ccarp - don't bother with theend. He makes the same post once a week about how KU doesn't win in March and that we need to change something.
Oh yeah, then he will give a shout out to Iowa State!
theend 2 years ago
KU doesn't win in March and we need to change something.....and shout out to Iowa State!!!
dynamitehawk 2 years ago
theend,
I usually ignore your stuff - you make me look like the Andy Griffith of citizen board rats. But to answer your's and other recent silly questions: Yes, KU has some embarrassing losses. Yes, we are some of the most optimistic and forgetful people you will ever find. In fact, I heard that Ben McLemore used to jump and put his lunch on top of the backboard every day in high school. It's possible because we're magic. Duh.
nuleafjhawk 2 years ago
I've made my fair share of Mid-March choke comments, out of frustration, but it's almost June. Do you really not have anything better to talk about now? So - are you a K-State fan who is just jealous that we even make it TO the tournament? Or is it just because you're 12 years old?
theend 2 years ago
I'm 13!!
nuleafjhawk 2 years ago
DARN! DARN! DARN! DARN! (FYI - famous Herman Munster quote!) - I'm upset with myself. I really had you pegged for 12 !!
theend 2 years ago
My favorite part of that show was people's reactions when they would see the Munsters for the first time(especially Herman). Those were the days of real comedies, my friend....Beverly Hillbillies,Hogans Heroes,Gilligan's Island, The Munsters....most of what is on TV today is trash(although I do like 'The Office')
nuleafjhawk 2 years ago
DARN! DARN! DARN! DARN! I wish I hadn't read your latest reply. I'm actually starting to warm up to you. Actually, I had Grandpa put a spell on you and now you will start making very enlightened pro KU comments. (subliminal ... forget about March)
drgnslayr 2 years ago
You are fortunate your mother didn't have the same attitude you have while deciding whether or not to take her pregnancy all the way through to theend.
drgnslayr 2 years ago
This should be a good experience for both players. Euro-ball refs let them play (few calls) so it will be a body-banging good experience, especially for Jeff. Pretty much all big men interior dirty play is allowed; elbows and extreme body contact is the norm... and you can foul penetrating guards and get away with it as long as you don't totally mug them. He'll realize how important strength is to his game. Just so he doesn't return to become a "hack master" next season.
My fingers are crossed that neither player gets too banged up over there. Fortunately, they will have months to recover. Euro-ball is like a hybrid of basketball and American football.
jayhawkinATL 2 years ago
Man, has Zach Peters fallen like a rock since he committed or what???
jhawk613 2 years ago
This seems to happen to every guy that commits early (to us and others).
Remember Woolridge (who should have red-shirted his first year) was a top 50 recruit at one point, then he committed 2 years early and dropped to 80-90 range.
jayhawkinATL 2 years ago
Yeah, I somewhat recall Peters somewhere near top 10 when he was deciding between us and UK.
DrPepper 2 years ago
Zach has also stopped playing AAU (working on his own instead) so he is not in front of those making the rankings.
theend 2 years ago
Withey seems like a nice guy......but he needs all the help he can get. This will be good for him. Even so......I wouldn't expect too much from him.
OakvilleJHawk 2 years ago
theend..this was a rational, insightful comment with a reasonable, mature conclusion and probably right on......are you feeling OK??
Just teasin' my friend. :)
theend 2 years ago
I know......I'm not sure what's wrong with me. Well.....I hope Withey improves b/c it would be great to have him and T-Rob playing together. They both have a long way to go, though. But still.....a lot of potential......PS-they both need to start with improving FT's!!
nuleafjhawk 2 years ago
Oak - It's the spell I had Grandpa put on him, it's finally taking effect!! Gotta go tell Lilly.....
DevilHawk 2 years ago
Sounds about right at this point. At this point I'd just like to see Withey contribute and stay healthy the entire season.
ralster 2 years ago
theend/purplebutt, Agree about Withey. Do you honestly think losing to Ariz, Duke, Self's Illini, Syracuse, Bucknell, Bradley, UCLA, MichSt, UNI, VCU dampens any of our enthusiasm?? Seriously? You are dumber than a pile of steaming compost. You need to direct your comments to Bill Self. We arent his mind-readers or answering service. Go root for your own loser 'cats! Write Bill Self a letter and send it to University of Kansas, c/o KU Athletics. Put your theory to the test and ask the man himself?
ralster 2 years ago
Seriously doubt 'theend' is a ku grad or student--no way a ku diploma on his wall. All his posts very easily=troll. Just here to incite. But he's so stupid, I cant resist thumping the dumbshizz--too easy. Would be hella fun in person, too...what a great outlet.
Well, theend, looks like the apocalypse is near for your purplepussy 'cats. Dalonte is gone to Maryland to be in the ACC. Turgeon has proved little, but Dalonte ready to leave Frank and hellhole Manlesshattan nonetheless. Preseason #3 last year, but almost an NITscare, and now Pullen gone, too. From hero-to-zero...people jump off sinking ships if they can, dont they???? Theend.
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