Hampton next for Jayhawks

By Gary Bedore     Jan 15, 1988

Zeke Avery’s from Virginia and proud of it.

“We’re right off the water, in between historic Williamsburg and Virginia Beach,” said the Hampton, Va., travel guide, er, college basketball coach. “This really is a nice part of the country.”

The first-year Hampton University coach, head man the past 12 years at Booker T. Washington High in Norfolk, is eager to provide background information on Hampton, Kansas’ next basketball opponent.

Tipoff is 7:35 p.m. Saturday at Allen Fieldhouse. There is no live telecast.

“Did you know Ricky Mahorn is a Hampton grad?” asked Avery, referring to the Detroit Pistons’ player. “John McLendon (Hall of Fame coach, who graduated from KU in 1936) coached here. He is a Converese rep now and does clinics. He’s still involved with Hampton and our conference (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Assn.).”

Hampton, an NCAA Div. II school, has a “name” currently involved in its basketball program. Bobby Dandridge, the former NBA standout who played with Milwaukee and Washington, is an Avery aide.

“I knew him at Norfolk State,” Avery said. Avery graduated from State in ’68; Dandridge in ’72. “I was the student assistant for the team he was on. Bobby and I together bring a new flavor here. His experience is so valuable.”

Dandridge, in fact, was a factor in scheduling the KU game.

“We wanted to upgrade our schedule in some way, give our kids a new look. Bobby knowing Larry Brown from the pros surely enhanced that,” said Avery.

Hampton, which fell to Norfolk State, 76-73, in overtime on Tuesday, then 90-85 at Elizabeth City State on Thursday night, doesn’t figure to challenge the Jayhawks, 14th-ranked in NCAA Div. 1, and winners of 54 straight in Allen Fieldhouse.

“It’s just another basketball game. I don’t mean to be non-chalant, but that’s what it is,” said Avery. “No sense thinking about who we’re playing or the records involved. We look for a good game and look to win a basketball game.”

The Pirates boast balance. Peltre Williams, a 6-6 junior, averages 15.1 points and 8.3 rebounds, while 6-5 junior Sylvester Hartfield averages 12.8, 6-5 sophomore Stacy Clark 12.2 and 6-0 senior Raymond lee 11.5.

“One thing we try to stress is balance, to keep pressure off some folks,” said Avery. “That way we don’t rely on one particular person.

“This game is part of a busy schedule that will help us during our postseason tournament. In our tournament, we may be playing four nights in a row. This introduces us into what we may be getting into later.”

KU coach Larry Brown is hoping his squad gains something from this battle. The Jayhawks are still trying to adjust after losing starters Archie Marshall and Marvin Branch within a two-week stretch.

“We’ve gotta keep trying, executing,” said Brown. “With new kids, you’ve got to expect this.”

After Saturday’s game, the Jayhawks have a week off before hitting the road to Notre Dame for a nationally televised game a week from Saturday.

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