Kansas sophomore forward Drew Gooden isn’t the only basketball player in his family. Brother Antonio has some ability, too.
“My little brother was showing off his stroke in the fieldhouse today,” Gooden said of 13-year-old Antonio, who put up some shots before the Jayhawks’ 99-56 victory over Washburn Saturday at Allen Fieldhouse.
“He’s a pretty good shooter,” Drew praised.
Gooden’s father, Andrew, stepmother, Adrienne, Antonio, and 11-year-old sister, Ariel, are in town for three games Washburn, today’s 7:05 p.m. game against Middle Tennessee State and Thursday’s game against Illinois State.
Gooden, who had 12 points and six boards on Saturday, said he’s not extra motivated with family in town.
“Nah, it’s not a matter of getting motivated. We’ve just got to go out and play,” Gooden said of the 5-0 Jayhawks.
Gooden has quite a support system.
His grandfather, Andy, was in town for Late Night With Roy Williams in October.
His mother, Ulla, and stepfather, Jim Lear, who live in Arkansas, also will be attending some games this season as they did last year.
“They’ll be here for some big games, when they get some free time,” Gooden said. “They watch the games on the satellite.”
Ulla proved a big hit last year when she knitted socks for all the KU players.
“It’s a surprise,” Gooden said of possible gifts from Ulla this Christmas season. “It’s a gift from Santa so nobody knows.”
Gooden is eager to step back on the court tonight. He made four of eight free throws in Saturday’s win over the Ichabods. As a team, the Jayhawks made 18 of 35 free throws.
“I’ve been struggling with my free throw shooting. It’s in my head right now,” said Gooden, who’s made 17 of 34 for 50 percent after making 65.9 percent of his free throws last year.
“I was hitting 80 percent at this time last year,” Gooden said. “It’s mechanics. Sometimes the ball is a little flat on my free throws. I look forward to showing everybody, showing you guys (media) I can make ’em.”
KU senior Luke Axtell, who “tweaked” his left ankle in Saturday’s victory, practiced on Sunday. He scored five points in the win over Washburn in his first appearance of the season. He missed the first four games because of a left ankle sprain.