Every once in a while, Moulaye Niang dons his familiar No. 55 jersey and runs the court with Kansas University’s basketball players during preseason practice sessions.
“I play every now and then to stay in shape. I can’t just sit and do nothing,” said Niang, a 6-foot-10 student assistant, who worked out with the Jayhawks on Saturday at Bill Self’s coaches clinic in Allen Fieldhouse.
The slender forward from Senegal, who played sparingly the last three seasons at KU, last spring announced plans to give up basketball because of back problems. The former fan-favorite still is part of the program, spending time on the court and in the basketball office as he completes his degree at KU in business finance.
“I work with the young guys, help them understand what it’s like,” said Niang, who said his back still gave him trouble if he played more than a few times a week.
“If they have tough times, I will help them snap out of it. Things will not always go smooth the first year. I’ll make sure they understand that.”
Niang — he said his goal was to graduate and “get in the business world, try to find a job” — said he was thankful he remained on medical-hardship scholarship and remained around the team.
“I am really thankful, appreciate coach giving me this chance,” Niang said. “I’m not completely away from basketball and I’m grateful for that.”
The NCAA Div. II Tigers opened their exhibition slate Sunday, tripping the “Dreambuilders” all-star team, 59-58. FHSU trailed 31-24 at halftime before rallying.
Jeremy Atwater, a 6-foot-5 senior from Las Vegas, had 16 rebounds and nine points. The Tigers’ only double-digit scorer was Derrick Turner, a 6-4 junior who had 12 points off 6-of-8 shooting.
Coach Mark Johnson took a look at a lot of players: Ten averaged 10 or more minutes. The Tigers hit 36.1 percent of their shots, including three of 18 threes.
Fort Hays State, of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, will receive $20,000 for playing KU.
Seniors Hassan Adams and Chris Rodgers scored 22 and 17. Extended full-court pressure implemented by the two teams accounted for 41 turnovers.
The KU game in Maui on Nov. 21 will mark the Wildcats’ first of the regular season. KU will open with Idaho State on Nov. 18 at Allen Fieldhouse.
