Hello from Hoopville.
Recently I asked you to flood me with e-mail concerning “Late Night With Roy Williams.”
I wanted to know whether you liked Late Night the way was (is and probably forever will be) or if you had some suggestions to make it better.
I received 10 replies and heeerrrrreeeee they are…
Hi Gary. First off, I really like your column!! As for your question in regards to Late Night, I hope they do not run the program the same as last year. It just wasn’t as good as years past.
I know September 11th was obviously a huge factor, but I hope they don’t repeat some of the same ideas as last year. For starters, there were too many dance numbers with the girls basketball team. I think rather than doing one thing with the men, and another with the ladies they should integrate both teams more. Eliminate some of the dancing, it takes away from “The Roy Shuffle.”
I don’t think they should totally eliminate the girls involvement, but we do need to remember this is Roy’s team’s night. That is who people come to see, and they come to share in their excitement about the men’s upcoming season.
If the women were playing as stellar as the men, maybe then they could have more of their own show.
Also, I really enjoyed Jeff Carey and Todd Kappelman’s performance, but the acoustics in the field house are terrible and with the fan frenzy it is just impossible to hear. I hope they can find a way around that, because I would love to see Nick Collison perform some Limp Bizkit like he did his freshman year!
I am really hoping that the promotions staff will come up with a good program this year, Kirk and Nick deserve the best. Hopefully Late Night will be the start of a fabulous season for the beloved Iowa boys, and their loyal Jayhawk following.
Sincerely, Cassie, Lawrence, KS
Reply No. Two: I love the total amateurish skits that the men’s and women’s teams put on at Late Night. I would only like to see the sound system improved. Late Night rocks! Signed, Daniel Below The Hill
Reply No. 3: Starts too early. Instead of trying to do a whole night of bad entertainment, begin at 10 PM. Do the player skit/dance/song thing. Introduce the players. Start practice. Oh, fix the horrible sounds system. Late Night should be about basketball…not all the other crap. Brent.
Reply No. 4: Gary, The redeeming part about the questions of changing Late Night or replacing Allen Fieldhouse is that we now have categorical proof that there is such a thing as a stupid question.
Both of these are part of the history and lore of KU. Late Night is a piece of tradition that builds the camaraderie of both the fans and players.
It’s part of the glue that holds the KU tradition together.
I’ve been to a lot of basketball arenas and events, but none so special as Allen Fieldhouse and Late Night. For anyone who hasn’t been, try it. You’ll be hooked forever. Signed, JerryM, ’79, Grantville
Reply No. 5: One more thought on Allen (from the last Ask Gary where Gary asked if fans wanted a new fieldhouse). It would cost somewhere in the area of $35 million to build a new arena that would provide the seating capacity, bells and whistles to replace Allen. Think about it. The new one would have to have capacity for 20,000 and sky boxes.
The money would have to be generated somewhere.
The fact is that Allen is a great place because there are students there for the games. Take the debt that it would take and wham.
Seat prices would go way up meaning fat cats and students are affected equally. The number of students would probably be reduced or held the same (net loss) to maximize the revenue to keep the U out of the poor house. Think of all the things that the athletic department could do with 30 million. No brainer. The new arena idea is a loser. Finally when it comes to keeping up with Missouri, the shoe is on the other foot. They are chasing us. Bill Zimmerman, Houston, TX
Reply No. Six: Gary, It’s not the building, it’s the town, the fans, the coaches, and last but not least the players. You could play KU games outside at Holcolm and still draw 15K plus and still win as just as much. Signed, Greg Powers
Reply No. Seven: In answer to your question about the Late Night format… I used to be a fan, and I’m not so much anymore. The Crimson Girls now choreograph the entire thing … none of it looks original. The players used to come up with fun skits. Part of the fun was watching these athletes come up with basketball related hilarious stuff.
Now, it’s all scripted with annoying “themes” like “Survivor” or whatever is popular that year. In between the scripted skits, there are canned, choreographed dance numbers. All look the same. When the players made up their own stuff… now *that* was fun.
Now it all seems planned from start to finish and all the spontaneity is gone.
I feel like I’ve seen the same Late Night now four years in a row. Couple that with the bad sound in the place, (you can’t even hear the skits) and I find myself gritting my teeth waiting for the scrimmage to start. Before a few years ago, the scrimmage was the most boring part of the night. Now, it’s all I look forward to. Signed, Scott Alden, Lawrence
Reply No. Eight: I definitely think the format for Late Night should be changed. Primarily, GET RID OF THE SKITS! Watching the KU players trying to be funny or cute is worse than nails on a chalk board while getting a root canal. I would like to see more of an emphasis on firing up the fans for the coming year. I suggest we keep the cheerleaders and dance team, but as for the players … how about a dunk contest. Bob and Max could also pass around a microphone to those players who want to tell everyone how great the fans are and how bad we are going to thrash MU this year.
I would also like to see the athletic department put together a highlight video of last year’s team and then talk briefly about and/or introduce each player on this year’s team.
Finally, I hate the fact that so many fans walk out on the team while they are playing.
Perhaps they should delay the Late Night function by one day so that the scrimmage can take place at a time more suitable for families…say 8:00 p.m. This way the “wine and cheese” crowd would not have to disrespect the players by walking out in the middle of the scrimmage. Signed, Stanley L. Rasmussen
Reply No. Nine: I would like to watch “Late Night” on television as I have no chance to attend this wonderful inspiring activity.
Reply No. 10: I’m sorry I missed the AFH remodeling question, and surprised that not one person suggested putting a dome over Memorial Stadium and letting the ‘Hawks hoop it up in there! That’s one way to fill it!!!
Late Night is what it is: a novel way to introduce this year’s crop of athletes to the student body and
community at large. If we’re lucky Roy dances …
I don’t believe that there should be any changes because every year new freshmen arrive without knowing what preceded them. If people grow tired of it, they just stop going (like myself, but hey, I went for SEVEN years.) It’s all in good fun!
Rock Chalk from Florida!
Juan in St. Petersburg
Thanks for the responses.
For what it’s worth, I’ve heard the 2002 Late Night format will remain the same as past years, though my guess is there will be more dancing involved with fewer skits and/or singing.
Just a guess. We’ll release more details about Late Night when they are available.
Late Night, by the way, is Friday, Oct. 11. Doors usually open about 5 p.m. with skits and stuff starting about 10 p.m. Admission is free.
Thanks for sending the replies.
Prediction: KU will beat SW Missouri State Saturday to up its football record to 1-2.
