Kansas University’s men’s basketball family is holding a reunion in Lawrence this weekend.
Well not exactly … but a batch of Jayhawks are in town for the wedding of KU administrative assistant and former backup point guard C.B. McGrath, who today marries former KU tennis standout Kris Sell.
The most famous of the returnees is Denver Nuggets forward Raef LaFrentz, second-leading scorer in KU history.
“It’s great to see coach (Roy) Williams, great to be messing around shooting baskets in Allen Fieldhouse,” LaFrentz said Friday afternoon in between hoisting jump shots, sans shoes.
“I’ve seen a lot of basketball, been a lot of places … there’s nothing like this place.”
LaFrentz will attend his former teammate’s wedding today, along with ex-Jayhawks Jerod Haase, Ryan Robertson, T.J. Pugh and Scott Novosel.
“A lot of the guys aren’t going to be able to make it because they are in the (NBA) playoffs,” said LaFrentz, who averaged 12.9 points and 7.8 boards this past season, his third in Denver.
“Jacque (Vaughn, Utah) and Scot (Pollard, Sacramento) can’t make it. Ostertag (Greg, Utah) can’t make it. I don’t know if he’d been invited,” LaFrentz joked of the 7-footer.
Two more Jayhawks will marry this summer Pugh, who also lives in Denver, will marry July 22, a day after LaFrentz walks the aisle in Des Moines, Iowa just down the road from his hometown of Monona.
“This is the best time of the year,” the 6-11, 240-pound LaFrentz said. “We just got done with the season, so my body is starting to feel a little bit better.
“It’s basically like you just crossed the finish line. I’d definitely like to be playing now, playing in the postseason, but the work is done and now it’s kind of play time.”
LaFrentz finished the regular season on a high note.
He tied a career scoring high with 32 points and grabbed 20 rebounds in a victory over Pollard’s Sacramento Kings.
It marked the first time LaFrentz had scored 20 points and grabbed 20 boards in the same game.
The victory pushed Denver’s record to 40-42 as the squad failed to make the playoffs for the sixth straight year.
“It takes some time to come from where the Nuggets have been,” LaFrentz said. “I think we have a lot of things in line. It’s a team that’s ready to bloom but we just haven’t yet. We’re steadily taking steps in the right direction. Hopefully the Nuggets will be better next season.”
There have been the usual trade rumors involving LaFrentz, who says he’d like to return to Denver. He has another year left on his contract.
“I love Denver. It’s a big city, but pretty laid back. I think it fits me pretty well,” LaFrentz said. “A lot of things are in their hands. Once things get ironed out it’s ultimately a decision for myself.
“I feel good about the team. My health is good. I’m a long ways removed from my knee injury now (surgery two full seasons ago). I’m to the point I don’t think about it. I can jump well off it. Things are good.”
Xavier looks at Dougherty
Kansas basketball assistant Neil Dougherty is believed to be on Xavier University’s head basketball coaching wish list.
The Muskateers of the Atlantic Ten Conference this week lost coach Skip Prosser to Wake Forest.
The Cincinnati Enquirer says the school will interview UNC Greensboro head coach Fran McCaffery. Butler head coach Thad Matta is a possibility. Other assistants mentioned: Florida’s John Pelphrey and Temple’s Nate Blackwell.
