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Men's Basketball

Big Dub returns

KU’s 12th leading scorer healthy, happy

Posted Saturday, July 5, 2008

Wayne Simien returns to Lawrence

In his four years at KU, he became a consensus All-American, Big 12 Player of the Year, and a Wooden and Naismith awards finalist. Now, former KU great Wayne Simien has returned to where it all started. Watch video »

Photo by Nick Krug

Former Kansas University forward Wayne Simien relaxes Thursday in Allen Fieldhouse. Simien, who has had some health problems the past two years, will be playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers’ summer league team July 11-20 in Las Vegas. He’ll also host a camp July 29-31 at Free State.

Photo by Thad Allender

Kansas’ Wayne Simien shoots over Oklahoma State’s Joey Graham during one of his final games at Allen Fieldhouse.

Wayne Simien

Simien still smiling about championship ring (07-05-08)

A young woman approached former Kansas University basketball All-American Wayne Simien as he ran some errands in Lawrence the other day.

She did not want an autograph.

“She said, ‘I have a story I remember about you, not on the court but at Jayhawker Towers,’” Simien said of his living quarters from 2001 to ‘05.

“She said, ‘My grocery bag broke and everything fell out. You stopped, helped me pick up my groceries and helped me carry them to the room. I’m trying to teach my two sons to have that same kind of character.’

“I was like, ‘Man, that’s pretty powerful,” added Simien, a 6-foot-9, 250-pound gentle giant who played for the NBA’s Miami Heat for two seasons, sat out last year to rehab a knee injury, and is now on the summer roster of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

“She didn’t come up to me and say, ‘Wayne I remember how many points you scored,’ but that’s the thing she remembered and is trying to teach to her boys. That’s one of the reasons I’m having this basketball camp.”

Simien, 25, this week announced his plans for his first “Called to Greatness” basketball camp for boys and girls grades 4-12 to be held July 29-31 at Free State High. The camp will not only focus on basketball instruction and 5-on-5 scrimmaging, but spiritual matters. Simien’s Web site (iamctg.org) says to “expect training to be rooted in Scriptural teaching. For example, each camper will learn what the Bible says about perseverance, attitude, aiming high and setting goals.”

“We want to call these kids to be great in every area of their life, not just basketball, but as students and future role models,” said Simien, who plans on bringing in guest speakers from “all over the country, different coaches and professional athletes touching on different subjects young people face as well.”

Simien, who reached two Final Fours in his four seasons at KU (he’s the schools seventh-leading rebounder and 12th leading scorer) — has faced many obstacles, in the form of injuries.

Simien — he had knee and shoulder woes at KU — played in 43 games his rookie season with the Miami Heat, but just eight in 2006-07. He was hit hard by salmonella poisoning and the infection had him in the hospital nine days.

“I didn’t think I was going to die, but it was pretty tough. I was always confident I was going to be able to pull through,” Simien said. “I had my family right there with me and I had my faith rooted in Jesus Christ. I was not fearful about dying. I’ve felt great this last year and a half going on two years, no symptoms, no tests or results or anything like that. Right now I believe I’m healed.”

Just as the salmonella cleared, he suffered a knee injury that required arthroscopic surgery last summer. The Heat traded him to Minnesota. The Timberwolves, who paid the final year of his contract, told him not to report to preseason camp since he needed additional rehab on the knee.

“My knee is feeling good,” Simien said. “I was at minicamp with the Cavaliers just a few weeks ago. We were doing two a days and pretty intense work on the court. It responded well. I played well. I’m encouraged how it’s reacting so far.”

He’ll participate for Cleveland’s summer league team July 11-20 in Las Vegas. He’ll be joined by recent KU grad Darnell Jackson, who was a second-round pick of the Cavs, and possibly Billy Thomas, who is signed through next season with Cleveland.

“It’s something I was joking with Danny Ferry (Cavs’ GM) about, how he always tries to keep Jayhawks around with Drew (Gooden) and Scot (Pollard) being there before (two seasons ago), now Darnell with the second pick. They know how to keep the right guys around.”

Simien, who recently moved into a house in Lawrence with his wife Katherine and daughter Selah (another baby is on the way in December), is hoping the NBA works out now and for years to come.

“I don’t see that as of right now,” Simien said of playing in Europe. “There is always that possibility. Not many people get a chance to say they get to do something they love for a living. If that means the NBA or another league or overseas ... I will be excited to be a part of basketball and play basketball anywhere.”

He’s remained upbeat seemingly his entire life ... never questioning his faith amidst his injuries and illnesses.

“There’s really no telling why or who in that regard. I just know I’ve learned so much from being in these tough situations,” Simien said. “I know it all will work out for the best. I’m excited to see what will happen in the future.”

Comments

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Posted by chezlog (anonymous) on July 5, 2008 at 2:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'll never forget Wayne's speech on Senior night -
"Let not the the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches. But let the one who boasts, boast in this alone: that he knows Me and understands that I am the Lord."

Posted by approx (anonymous) on July 5, 2008 at 4:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wayne's a little too zealous for me to ever really identify, but all the best to him, nonetheless. To each his own. And he is a good guy.

Posted by jayhawkliz (anonymous) on July 5, 2008 at 5:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good Luck Wayne. What a great example you are for the youth of America!

Posted by Nutflush21 (anonymous) on July 5, 2008 at 6:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Anyone else find it mind boggling that a first team All-American and one of the best players to ever suit up in the Big 12 is stuggling to find his way in the NBA? I know there is the health issues, but its not like he was playing any meaningful minutes for the Heat prior.

I hope he stays healthy and catches on with an NBA team that can utilize his skills because he has plenty of them.

Posted by klineisanazi (anonymous) on July 5, 2008 at 6:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Nutflush21: Not really, as Tyler Hansbrough will find out. Two different games. That is why so much hype over how high a player goes in the draft can be distracting. Yes, it takes NBA talent to win the NC, but the college game should stand on its own. And Wayne Simien is one of the all-time great KU players, no matter what happens in the "league".

Posted by Hawklin (anonymous) on July 5, 2008 at 8:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Riley said he regretted not giving Wayne a bigger role as a rookie but it was a Championship team. Off season Riley says Wayne will have a bigger role in the offense. Wayne gets sick.

Not mind boggling at all.

Posted by jhox (anonymous) on July 5, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wayne was a great offensive player. Definitely NBA caliber in that respect, but defensively his feet are probably not quite quick enough to stay with most of the guys at his position in the NBA. If there is one thing that will hold him back in the NBA, it will be his defensive shortcomings.

I thought the Hansbrough comment above was dead on. He'll struggle defensively in the NBA as well (not to mention Hansbrough won't get to the free throw line 20 times a game in the NBA with his "jump into the defender and create the fowl" tactic.) College refs kiss his rear more than any player I can ever recall.

Wayne is a great guy though, and was an outstanding college player. We were fortunate to have had him at KU.

Posted by sevenyearhawk (anonymous) on July 5, 2008 at 9:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

My favorite part of Wayne's senior speech was when he referenced to having attended his first game in 8th grade, then he gestured to the general vicinity of where he sat ...

Posted by bringheatwavewheat (anonymous) on July 5, 2008 at 10:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wayne, you are a tremendous example to not only the kids, but all of us. Thanks for being a professional athlete who isn't self absorbed, you are rare. I love your enthusiam and boldness for God, keep it up bro!

Posted by KEITHMILES05 (anonymous) on July 5, 2008 at 11:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh good grief! Stop the begging other "players find the light."

NO reason to hate on the "other players." It's cool for Wayne and I admire him greatly. However, you are wrong to assume the "other players" haven't repented.

Posted by bmkjayhawk (anonymous) on July 5, 2008 at 12:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What is the criteria for getting your number in the rafters? All-America? Is Simien going to have this happen (or has he?)?

Posted by craigers (anonymous) on July 5, 2008 at 1:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As the scripture says, "You shall know them by their fruits." Wayne is a great Christian role model with great character, to everybody.

Posted by trich424 (anonymous) on July 5, 2008 at 2:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"However, you are wrong to assume the "other players" haven't repented."

I think he is talking about the other players that haven't repented. He isn't hating on them, and don't pepper in nice comments to make yourself not seem like a hater.

Posted by txrockchalk (anonymous) on July 5, 2008 at 2:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Previous post by djkc28:

Posted on June 18 at 5:40 p.m.

Who says he took his penis out. Thats an assumption with no basis.

Even if he did, she probably wanted it. Case closed. Let's move on.

On Collins tests stalled at KBI

http://www2.kusports...

------------------

As you can tell, when he posts his "Christian" thoughts, he is merely baiting people. Just ignore him/her.

Otherwise, great posts by chezlog and craigers.

Posted by dagger108 (anonymous) on July 5, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Keith - There are plenty of people that spin the negative side/consequences of everyones need for God, and it sounds like you've heard it as much as anyone. There really is none of that here. We've all mesed up at some point. Repentance is just admitting it and asking our Creator for His forgiveness - accepting His love for us. It's not hate.

It is great to see Wayne's devotion and great example for all of a changed life, especially in light of remembering the same humility of last year's FB team. Sorry that you've been confronted by the hate of some, but hopefully your eyes will be opened to the love of repentance and the message.

Posted by jhwkfanincali (anonymous) on July 5, 2008 at 2:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Off the subject, but ESPN Classic is showing the 1988 championship game and the 2008 game after

Posted by jhwkfanincali (anonymous) on July 5, 2008 at 2:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It is on now

Posted by garybedore (Gary Bedore) on July 5, 2008 at 3:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

One othe thing of interest I forgot to write is I believe the camp he's holding is a non profit organization. All money put it goes back to the camp for the following year. That would be great if he could land a contract in the NBA again. He also could go to Europe but I'm sure he'd rather raise his family here.

Posted by 100 (anonymous) on July 5, 2008 at 5:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Perhaps Pierce would like to display his MVP trophy in the Booth Hall of Fame? Would be a great way to remember a great Jayhawk...

Posted by trich424 (anonymous) on July 5, 2008 at 6:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I doubt that. He worked too hard to just give that trophy to KU.

Posted by jhawkjdub (anonymous) on July 5, 2008 at 7 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good luck to Wayne, a true Jayhawk. Whenever I think of him, I think of how he gave his arm for the team. Its scary to think how good we would've been in 2003 if he's healthy and Gooden stays. Yikes!

Posted by jaybate (anonymous) on July 5, 2008 at 11:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Can anyone give me some scoop on 6'10" Michael Chandler of Lawrence North? He's listed in the 2011 class.

Posted by trich424 (anonymous) on July 6, 2008 at 3:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

He is 6'10 and goes to school at Lawrence north. He is a sophomore.

Posted by DSommersby (anonymous) on July 6, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wayne is a class act. My family saw him just north of the stadium following the "Welcome Home" rally the day after the National Championship. He was sporting his letter jacket and just hanging out with his wife and baby after watching the team rally. Jayhawk fans were lining up to take photos with him and he talked to each and every person as if they were a long lost friend. The guy really took time to chat up anyone who came up.

We even saw some hippie looking, punk type guys run up and kiss Big Dub on the cheek and say, "I love you man". Big Dub smiled and said, "I love you too" or something like that. My buddy said to me when this happened, "This is why I love Lawrence, because everyone supports the Hawks and rallies for the collective good of the school and team and their people."

Big Dub could not have been a finer representative for KU that day as he visited with the euphoric fans who were celebrating a brand new title and letting them all get up close and personal with another KU star. It was his title too, as he helped groom Darnell, Sasha, and Russell and set the precedent of work ethic for these guys.

Best wishes Wayne. Hope you get healthy and play the way you want. I'm really pulling for guys like you and B-Mac!

Posted by HousJHawk (anonymous) on July 6, 2008 at 11:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't think Wayne or anyone else was espousing "hate" on anyone else. That's just silly.

I hope that Wayne finds a place in the NBA. He's a good guy and a great player.

Even though I live in Houston, far from my Kansas roots, I'm glad that he has decided to go back to his Kansas roots and settle in Lawrence. It only makes the KU program stronger to have all of the alums in town.

Go Hawks!