A fixture at Kansas University for almost a decade, Joe Holladay has not been forgotten in his home state of Oklahoma.
Holladay, who is beginning his 10th year on Roy Williams’ basketball staff, on June 8 was inducted into the inaugural 20-member group of the Oklahoma Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in ceremonies in Shawnee, Okla.
Back in 1998, Holladay was named to the Oklahoma High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
After graduating from the University of Oklahoma in 1969, the former Sooner guard embarked on a 24-year career as a coach, teacher and athletic director in the Oklahoma prep ranks before heading to KU.
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Boschee’s future: Don’t expect to hear Kansas senior Jeff Boschee’s name announced in next Wednesday’s NBA Draft, which will be televised by TNT.
Boschee, a 6-foot-1 guard from Valley City, N.D., realizes his chances are slim to none.
“Probably not,” Boschee said, asked if he’d be selected in the two-round draft. “I haven’t attended any of the pre-draft camps and with each roster having only 16 spots, the chances aren’t all that good. I’m going to stay up here and work on my degree in the fall and see how things go from there.”
Boschee, who has two semesters remaining to complete a degree in sports management, will work in KU’s basketball office next season as part of the internship required in his major.
“I’m going to finish up school and try to pursue my basketball career once I’m finished with school,” he said. “I’ll probably stay on the court and work out with the team next year. I think I’ll be around every day (at practice) and see what I can do.”
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Earl returns: Former Kansas forward Lester Earl has returned from Spain where he played last season.
“Spain was good. It was just another chance for me, and I played well. I was just able to get my foot back in the door,” said Earl, a 6-6, 240-pound post player from Baton Rouge, La., who completed his KU eligibility in 2000.
“I’m just waiting,” he said of his future plans. “I’m training and finishing school (Liberal Arts degree). Next year I’m hoping to catch on with somebody.”
Earl, who had knee problems at KU, looked limber this week at Williams’ camp. He had a vicious slam in the game between current and ex-KU players. The current players won, 80-73.
“It’s just a good experience to play with the guys and see what they’re like. They made a good run at the title last season and it’s fun to get play with them again,” Earl said.
“I don’t like to lose in anything, but they came out to play. They shot the ball well, and down the stretch we didn’t get any shots.”
Gooden’s plans: Former KU forward Drew Gooden may have one more individual workout for teams. The New York Knicks, who want to take a look at Gooden in case he falls to No. 7 in next Wednesday’s draft, may send representatives to the Bay area Saturday for an open workout for the Knicks and Golden State Warriors. The Knicks also have said they’d like Gooden to stop by at team headquarters on Tuesday when he arrives for Wednesday night’s draft proceedings at Madison Square Garden.