Stories for August 2014

KU cross country wins in opener

Kansas University opened its cross country season with two team victories and an individual triumph in the Bob Timmons Dual Classic on Saturday at Rim Rock Farm.

McClinton MVP as KU volleyball clips Creighton

Omaha native Sara McClinton, who is friends with a bunch of players on Creighton University’s volleyball team, knew the No. 23-ranked Bluejays had revenge on their minds entering Saturday’s rematch of last year’s NCAA Tournament Round of 32 contest in Horejsi Center.

Kansas cornerback Shepherd has history of helping others

Kansas University senior JaCorey Shepherd was born to be kind.

Kansas finalist for prep Dorsey

Kansas University is one of six finalists for Tyler Dorsey, a 6-foot-4 senior shooting guard from Maranatha High School in Pasadena, California. By Gary Bedore

Short-handed KU soccer drops UTSA

Kansas University’s women’s soccer team was depleted due to injury and suspension, but the Jayhawks still had the firepower to overcome Texas-San Antonio, 2-1, Friday at the Jayhawk Soccer Complex. By Chris Duderstadt

Dineen willingly moved to RB

Just as freshman Joe Dineen started getting comfortable at Kansas University’s preseason football camp, his head coach offered him an opportunity that would change that instantly. By Benton Smith

Column: ‘Fish’ proof of KU’s depth

Nobody has to tell Kansas University sophomore safety Anthony “Fish” Smithson that failing to prepare is preparing to fail. By Tom Keegan

Stunning setback: Jayhawks rout UVU, fall to Lipscomb

Kansas University’s volleyball team, which claimed the 700th victory in program history on Friday afternoon, found No. 701 surprisingly elusive on Friday night. By Gary Bedore

Milwaukee prep slices Kansas

Diamond Stone, a 6-foot-10 senior center from Milwaukee Dominican High, has cut Kansas University and Kentucky from his list of prospective schools. By Gary Bedore

Heeney, Watson ‘odd couple’ for KU

There’s a true freshman currently going through his first preseason camp that may be positioning himself to slide into the Ben Heeney role for the next few years. By Matt Tait

Ex-Jayhawk Black signs two-year deal with Rockets

Basketball notebook. ... Former Kansas University center Tarik Black has signed a two-year, partially guaranteed contract with the NBA’s Houston Rockets, the Houston Chronicle reported on Wednesday night.

Jayhawks will get early look at SEMO

In a sense, the 2014 Kansas University football season starts tonight. No, the Jayhawks won’t be in uniform, under the lights with the roar of the crowd and smell of tailgating in the air. But their first opponent of the season will be.

Tarik Black signs contract with NBA's Houston Rockets

Tarik Black has signed a two-year partially guaranteed contract with Houston.

Kansas corner Kevin Short fired up

After being declared ineligible two nights before last year’s season-opener, Kansas University junior cornerback Kevin Short is so excited about the season ahead he can barely stand it. By Matt Tait

’Wolves welcome Wiggins

Andrew Wiggins is definitely feeling appreciated following his trade from Cleveland. By Gary Bedore

KU soccer doesn't expect to return to Rock Chalk Park until October

Kansas University's soccer team will return to its new home field at Rock Chalk Park — just not anytime soon.

KU linebacker Ben Heeney to throw out first pitch at Sunday's Royals game

Led by senior linebacker Ben Heeney tossing out the ceremonial first pitch, Sunday will mark “KU Night at the K” for the Kansas University football program and the Kansas City Royals.

Lewandowski recalls defensive roots

Senior offensive tackle started Kansas career on other side of line

Senior left offensive tackle Pat Lewandowski opened preseason camp as the first-string left tackle for KU, but his first contributions to the program came as a defensive end and tackle as a red-shirt freshman. He moved to left offensive tackle (where he played behind Tanner Hawkinson) as a sophomore and started six games at center as a junior. By Benton Smith

Bill Self says Cup good for ‘Svi’

The FIBA World Cup basketball tournament starts Saturday in Spain — five days after the opening bell of Kansas University’s academic school year. The fact KU freshman Sviatoslav “Svi” Mykhailiuk is entered in the Cup as a member of Ukraine’s national team makes some wonder how he’ll be able to pass the 12 hours of schoolwork he’s required to take first semester at KU. By Gary Bedore

Column: KISS and tell: Ex-Jayhawk Joe Mortensen relishes TV role

He owes his very existence to KISS, so it’s no surprise that Joe Mortensen withstood punishing hits on behalf of the quirky rock band. By Tom Keegan

More on 'Svi': Bill Self discusses Ukraine freshman at Monday's Boy Scout golf tourney

KU coach says Mykhailiuk may do some online coursework while at World Cup

Svi Mykhailiuk will be playing for Ukraine at the upcoming World Cup.

KU soccer nets ‘home’ win

Jayhawks return to Complex for 3-0 victory

KU’s season-opening victory Friday against Wyoming left its new home field with some divots and potholes, so the Jayhawks headed back to the facility they have played at for years and practiced at all preseason for a 3-0 victory over the visiting Mustangs. By Benton Smith

Kansas senior Victor Simmons at home at ‘buck’

It’s a good thing Victor Simmons does not fear change, because the Kansas University senior has experienced nothing but transition since joining the program. By Benton Smith

Column: Running backs' lost carries might be least of Kansas' worries

It’s possible Taylor Cox and especially Brandon Bourbon actually could be missed more in the passing than running game. By Tom Keegan

Chillin' out: ‘Svi’ excused from Challenge

Just one Kansas University basketball player did not participate in the team’s ALS Ice Bucket Challenge on Sunday afternoon outside Allen Fieldhouse. The one missing Jayhawk was freshman Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk, who had an excused absence. By Gary Bedore

Mykhailiuk to arrive at KU in September, Self says Sunday at Ice Bucket Challenge

Incoming freshman to play for Ukraine in World Cup

Svi Mykhailiuk will be on KU's campus sometime in early to mid September.

KU-SMU soccer location moved

After a hard-fought match took its toll on the new pitch at Rock Chalk Park on Friday night, Kansas University officials have opted to move the Jayhawks’ match today against SMU to the team’s former game field at the Jayhawk Soccer Complex. The game will still kick off at 1 p.m. and will be free to the public.

KU volleyball gets started

Prior to Kansas University volleyball’s Crimson and Blue alumni match Saturday, the Jayhawks ran over to the west wall of the Horejsi Family Athletics Center to unveil the 2013 NCAA Sweet 16 banner.

Ballock continues sharp shooting

Basketball notes. ... Eudora High sophomore guard Mitchell Ballock continues to make a name for himself as one of the country’s top sharpshooters.

Wiggins trade to ’Wolves official

As long rumored and reported, former Kansas University guard Andrew Wiggins will begin his NBA career with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Jayhawks turning former liability into strength

During the first few months of Charlie Weis’ initial season back in 2012, the new Kansas University football coach and several of his assistants often stressed the need for improved speed.

Plano prep Davis commits to A&M

Tyler Davis, a 6-foot-10 senior center from Plano (Texas) West High, on Friday orally committed to play at Texas A&M. Davis, who is ranked No. 35 in the Class of 2015 by Rivals.com, also had Kansas University, Arizona, Baylor, Texas and others on his list of schools. By Gary Bedore

Column: Kansas assistant AD Grant helped Tiger, Seals

In his seventh season as the KU football team’s head athletic trainer and his fifth as the university’s director of sports medicine, Murphy Grant and the rest of the Big 12 athletic trainers have pooled their brains and research to find better ways to detect and treat sickle cell anemia, cardiac issues and heat illnesses. By Tom Keegan

Perfect pitch: KU rolls in Rock Chalk Park debut

Friday night marked the first home game in the Kansas women’s soccer program’s history that was played under the lights of Rock Chalk Park, and the Jayhawks shined under them in a 3-1 victory against Wyoming in their season opener. By Chris Duderstadt

KU football fans asked to vote on opening-game uniforms

Don’t expect Kansas University football coach Charlie Weis to spend any time on his phone texting his vote for which of three uniform combinations the Jayhawks will wear Sept. 6 in their home opener against Southeast Missouri State. By Benton Smith

At pep rally, Weis won’t utter B-word

Kansas University football coach Charlie Weis didn’t have to use the words “bowl game” to fire up a parking lot full of crimson-and-blue-clad supporters Friday evening at Corinth Square. By Benton Smith

Wiggins trade to be announced

The blockbuster trade that will send Kevin Love to team up with LeBron James in Cleveland will be completed today, making the Cavaliers an instant favorite in the Eastern Conference and turning Andrew Wiggins into something of an anomaly.

KU hoops prospects to play on TV Saturday

Several Kansas University basketball recruiting prospects will participate in the Under Armour Elite 24 all-star game, set for 6 p.m. Saturday at Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York. By Gary Bedore

KU volleyball seeks to build momentum

Kansas University volleyball coach Ray Bechard lost seven seniors from the first Sweet-16 team in program history, but all he has to do is pick up KU’s media guide to be reminded of the quality players returning from a historic 2013 run. By Benton Smith

Column: Kansas junior RB De'Andre Mann plays for family

De’Andre Mann, either No. 1 or No. 2 on the depth chart at running back in the wake of injuries to seniors Brandon Bourbon and Taylor Cox, wears No. 23, and it has nothing to do with Michael Jordan. By Tom Keegan

KU freshman RB Corey Avery relishes 'Superman' alter ego

You may know him as Kansas University freshman running back Corey Avery. But he also answers to “Superman.” By Matt Tait

KU coach Self takes ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Kansas University football coach Charlie Weis, volleyball coach Ray Bechard, track coach Stanley Redwine and now men’s basketball coach Bill Self have successfully completed the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

Column: Dineen follows family tradition

Fifty years ago, Ron Oelschlager was the guy blocking for the guy everybody wanted to watch. Today, he’s the grandfather of the Kansas University running back in the news, former Free State High star quarterback/safety Joe Dineen. Column by Tom Keegan

Heeney, Harwell, Sendish named Jayhawks’ captains

Flanked by senior teammates Nick Harwell and Cassius Sendish at the Mrkonic Auditorium podium in the Anderson Family Football Complex, Kansas University senior Ben Heeney was introduced Wednesday as the Jayhawks’ first repeat captain since Toben Opurum in 2011-12.

KU hoops target Mitchell Ballock talk of town

Eudora High sophomore Mitchell Ballock received hugs, high-fives and plenty of pats on the back Tuesday — the day after it was made public that he’d received a scholarship offer to play basketball at tradition-rich Kansas University. By Gary Bedore

Column: Tackle knows Cozart’s health critical

It becomes more important now than ever for quarterback Montell Cozart, a big-play threat as a runner and potentially as a long-ball thrower as well, to stay on his feet. That’s where Larry Mazyck, a 6-foot-8, 360-pound left tackle in his first season at KU after two years of junior-college football, can help. By Tom Keegan

RBs Brandon Bourbon, Taylor Cox to miss 2014 KU football season

What once was a position of strength for the Kansas University football team quickly has transformed into one of the team's least experienced units. KU coach Charlie Weis announced Tuesday night that senior running backs Brandon Bourbon (torn ACL) and Taylor Cox (torn Achilles' tendon) both will miss the 2014 season after suffering injuries during preseason camp. By Matt Tait

Kansas moves tight end Shelley-Smith to tackle

Monday’s Kansas University football practice produced the first significant position change of the 2014 season. Third-year sophomore Jordan Shelley-Smith, a tight end from Waco, Texas, spent Monday working with the offensive line, and it looks as if the shift is permanent. By Matt Tait

KU hoops offers Eudora’s Ballock

Eudora High sophomore combo guard Mitchell Ballock, who led the Cardinals to the Class 4A-II state championship last March and starred at this summer’s Stephen Curry camp in California, has been offered a scholarship to play basketball at Kansas University. By Gary Bedore

Andrew White III headed to Nebraska

Former KU wing tweets out his choice

Shortly after his sophomore season, Andrew White III figured it was time he left Kansas University's basketball program in search of a better opportunity to play meaningful minutes. A little more than three months later, the 6-foot-8 wing has a new home, not too far away. By Gary Bedore

Kansas basketball recruiting target Zimmerman nets MVP

Kansas University recruiting target Stephen Zimmerman was named MVP of the Nike Global Challenge last weekend in Chicago. By Gary Bedore

Conrad Roberts rules city golf — again

It didn’t take long for Conrad Roberts to get back to his winning ways at the Lawrence Amateur Golf Association’s city tournament. By Bobby Nightengale

Column: Thin blue line: Kansas better, but building O-lines takes time

For a Kansas University football team that looks better on defense and so much better at wide receiver than in Charlie Weis’ previous two seasons as head coach, the state of the offensive line stops me from believing those gains will add up to a bowl bid. By Tom Keegan

KU makes prep Dorsey’s top-10 list

Tyler Dorsey, a 6-foot-4 senior combo guard from Maranatha High in Pasadena, California, on Saturday cut his list of schools to 10 and scheduled official visits to two of the finalists — Kansas University and Oregon.

Fan-tastic: Spectators get glimpse of Jayhawks

The 11th practice of Kansas University’s preseason football camp featured a little different element than the 10 that came before it: fans. By Matt Tait

KU football Fan Appreciation Day, open practice still on

Today's Fan Appreciation Day and open practice for the Kansas University football program will go on as scheduled.

KU soccer surges to victory

Kansas University scored three goals in the final 30 minutes to claim a 3-0 exhibition victory over South Dakota State on Friday at the Jayhawk Soccer Complex.

Hudy’s book available soon

Kansas University strength coach Andrea Hudy’s first book, “Power Positions: Championship Prescriptions for Ultimate Sports Performance,” will be available Thursday on Amazon.com. By Gary Bedore

Grand plan: KU wideout Nigel King working way up depth chart

Maybe it’s his experience, maturity or veteran status, but former Maryland and current Kansas University wide receiver Nigel King already has figured out a plan for the 2014 season. By Matt Tait

Tyler Dorsey to visit for Late Night

Tyler Dorsey, a 6-foot-4 senior combo guard from St. John Bosco in Bellflower, California, will visit Kansas University for the Oct. 10 Late Night in the Phog, Jayhawkslant.com reports. By Gary Bedore

Dogged pursuer: Junior DL Semke relentlessly chases perps, QBs

Now a 6-foot-2, 265-pound junior defensive lineman on scholarship after bouncing around from position to position as a special-teams and show-team warrior in 2013, T.J. Semke spent some of his spare summer time as “extra muscle” for a bail bonds business. By Benton Smith

Big 12 announces 2014-15 men's basketball schedule

Kansas to open at Baylor, on Jan. 7

The Big 12 unveiled its 2014-15 conference schedule Thursday afternoon, and Kansas University will open league play on the road, January 7, at Baylor — four days after most of the conference's teams begin squaring off.

KU’s Lucas effective for Athletes in Action

Basketball notebook. ... Kansas University sophomore forward Landen Lucas scored eight points and grabbed 13 rebounds in Athletes In Action’s 108-99 victory over the Barons, a Latvian professional team, on Wednesday in Riga, Latvia.

Column: Weis sees positives at camp

Corey Avery might be the newcomer Charlie Weis has enjoyed watching the most, but he’s far from the only one who has caught the attention of Kansas University’s third-year head football coach.

KU freshman RB Avery 'exciting'

When a football team has the luxury of giving the ball to a guy like Kansas University senior receiver Tony Pierson, using the words “most exciting” to describe another player has a way of opening some eyes. Such was the case Wednesday, when KU coach Charlie Weis touted freshman running back Corey Avery as one of the early head-turners from the first few days of preseason camp.

KU soccer picked sixth in Big 12

Kansas University's soccer team was predicted to finish sixth in the 2014 league standings, according to the Big 12 preseason coaches’ poll released Wednesday.

Jaylen Brown to visit KU, other hoops notes

Jaylen Brown, a 6-7, 200-pound senior small forward from Wheeler High in Marietta, Georgia, will visit KU for the Oct. 10 Late Night in the Phog, Rivals.com and 247Sports.com reported Tuesday. Brown is ranked No. 3 in the Class of 2015 by Rivals.com. He’s also considering UCLA, Kentucky, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Florida and Ohio State. By Gary Bedore

Much better: Senior Pierson puts injury behind

Tony Pierson, the 5-foot-10 wide receiver who led the Jayhawks with 333 receiving yards on 24 receptions last season and is up to a career-best 177 pounds, said earlier this week that the lingering affects of the injury are a thing of the past. By Matt Tait

Column: Enough football negativity already

I’m sick and tired of naysayers who are sick and tired of anything nice written or said about any aspect of the Kansas University football program. By Tom Keegan

KU coaching legends to gather in Allen Fieldhouse for Oct. 27 program

Larry Brown, Ted Owens, Bill Self, Roy Williams to share memories with fans in charity event

KU's last four basketball coaches will gather in Allen Fieldhouse on Oct. 27. Ticket information will be available in September.

KU basketball to face Florida at Allen Fieldhouse for SEC/Big 12 Challenge

The networks and times have been finalized for the second SEC/Big 12 Challenge, the two conferences and ESPN announced Tuesday.

KU studying decisions that change definition of student-athlete

As students return to Kansas University and football season gets under way, fans may be more interested in depth charts and tailgating. But athletics officials are looking at court decisions and administrative actions. By Scott Rothschild

KU TE Jimmay Mundine to miss some practice time

Senior tight end Jimmay Mundine will miss a couple of weeks of practice while recovering from a small procedure he had done on Monday, Kansas University football coach Charlie Weis announced today.

KU women’s golf lands another Thai

Kansas University women’s golf coach Erin O’Neil has signed another Thailand native, Pitsinee “Lizzie” Winyarat, to a national letter of intent.

KU hoops recruiting: Zimmerman sets up in-home visit

Stephen Zimmerman, a 7-foot senior center from Bishop Gorman High in Las Vegas who will visit KU for the Oct. 10 Late Night in the Phog, will have an in-home visit with KU’s Self on Sept. 15, Jayhawkslant.com reports. By Gary Bedore

Column: Fearless signal-caller can hoop, too

Montell Cozart didn’t say anything that could revive the ill will that existed between the basketball and football teams a few years back. His words were all in good fun, but he did want to let everyone know he can hoop. By Tom Keegan

Work of (Coz)art: Kansas QB’s confidence soaring

Young in the face but wise where it counts, Montell Cozart spent the past few months fine-tuning his game so he would be ready for showtime. By Matt Tait

Wiggins deflects questions about trade to Wolves

When training camp begins in October, he'll be trying to block and deflect shots in the NBA. On Monday, No.1 overall draft pick Andrew Wiggins was deflecting questions about precisely where he'll be playing.

Updated roster shows big gains for several KU football players

Kansas University football officials on Monday released an updated player roster with several new player weights, many of them for the newcomers.

KU basketball slated for four Big Mondays in 2014-15

Mondays, as always, will be big for Kansas University's men's basketball team this coming season. For the ninth straight year, the Jayhawks will make four appearances on ESPN’s Big Monday, as announced by the Big 12 Conference.

KU track athletes snare pair of seconds

Kansas University senior Michael Stigler and junior Sydney Conley each earned a second-place finish as they competed for the United States at the North America, Central America and Caribbean (NACAC) U23 Championships.

Column: Mitchell, Campo opening doors in recruiting

It didn’t take the Kansas University football program’s best recruiter, Reggie Mitchell, long to see how another member of Charlie Weis’ staff could be used to open doors. By Tom Keegan

No worries: Andrew Wiggins ‘excited’ by trade

Nineteen years old and soon to be living the life of a multi-millionaire, Andrew Wiggins looked like a guy with no worries Sunday at Bill Self’s basketball ProCamp at Shawnee Mission West High. By Gary Bedore

KU passing offense confident in turnaround

For a guy joining a football team that finished 117th out of 123 FBS programs in passing yards per game a year ago, wide receiver Nick Harwell sure seems upbeat about what Kansas University can accomplish by throwing the ball this season. By Benton Smith

Coaches: Kansas defense ‘on the cusp’ of success

Kansas University safeties coach Scott Vestal knew what he was about to say would sound a bit hollow. But he couldn’t help himself: "There’s a different feel. ... I don’t even think it’s a belief. I think it’s knowing ... knowing we’re on the cusp of something pretty good here." By Matt Tait

KU basketball notebook: Landen Lucas begins tour with victory

Kansas University sophomore forward Landen Lucas scored eight points and grabbed eight rebounds in Athletes in Action’s victory over a Lithuanian pro team, Saturday in Estonia. Notebook by Gary Bedore

Woodland misses cut at PGA

Former Kansas University golfer Gary Woodland shot a second straight 1-over-par 72 at the PGA Championship on Friday and missed the cut by one stroke.

KU retouches Allen Fieldhouse floor

Allen Fieldhouse will have a shiny, new basketball floor for its 60th anniversary season. Workers started the process of sanding, sealing, painting and buffing KU’s playing surface on July 29 with the court to be available for men’s and women’s practices around Labor Day. By Gary Bedore

Kansas soccer moves exhibition location

Kansas University soccer has moved its scheduled exhibition match against South Dakota State on Aug. 15 from Rock Chalk Park to the Jayhawk Soccer Complex.

KU volleyball second in Big 12 preseason poll

The Kansas University volleyball team was voted second in the Big 12 preseason poll, released Friday.

Smooth operators: Jayhawks open fall camp expecting efficiency

Friday’s first practice of the 2014 Kansas University football season began a new era for third-year KU coach Charlie Weis. “I’m really looking forward to being a head coach,” said Weis, who fired himself as the team’s offensive coordinator during the offseason. By Matt Tait

Column: Avery latest RB talent sold on Kansas

Kansas University football coaches for years have said landing commitments after visits is not the difficult part; it’s getting recruits to visit. Column by Tom Keegan

Dylan Admire leaves KU football program to focus on academics

Kansas University football coach Charlie Weis announced through a press release Friday that junior Dylan Admire would forego his final two years of eligibility to concentrate on academics.

Woodland shoots 1-over on Day One of PGA

Former Kansas University golfer Gary Woodland shot 1-over 72 during Thursday’s opening round of the PGA Championship.

Kansas rowing hires aide

Kelsey Arnold, who spent the past three years as an assistant rowing coach at Grand Valley State University in Michigan, has joined Kansas University’s rowing staff.

KU volleyball nets honors

Incoming Kansas University setter Ainise Havili was named Big 12 Preseason Freshman of the Year.

Column: Montell Cozart right fit at QB for KU

If the Kansas University football team had the Hogs, the famous line of the 1980’s fielded by the Washington Pigskins, then Jake Heaps might have emerged from the spring as the starting quarterback. By Tom Keegan

Andrew Wiggins trade done deal

The long-rumored trade of Andrew Wiggins from the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers to the Minnesota Timberwolves was confirmed by Yahoo Sports and USA Today on Thursday. “I think this is kind of anticlimactic,” Kansas University coach Bill Self said with a laugh Thursday on ESPN radio’s “SVP and Russillo” show. By Gary Bedore

Quite a catch: Kansas lands veteran WR

Kansas University’s wide-receiver corps added 24 Div. I appearances, 575 career yards and five touchdowns to the mix on Thursday. By Matt Tait

Sources: Cleveland finalizes deal to send Wiggins to Minnesota

Minnesota and Cleveland have agreed in principle to a trade that will send Love to the Cavaliers for a package that includes Andrew Wiggins, two people with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Thursday.

Surprise addition: KU football adds Maryland WR Nigel King

Kansas University has added another big name wide receiver via transfer. Former Maryland standout Nigel King, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound, junior who will be eligible to play his final season of college football for the Jayhawks this fall has joined the Kansas program and is in Lawrence.

Column: KU offense's recent woes warrant closer look at hype

The average Kansas University football fan brings healthy skepticism to any conversation regarding the offense. Let’s look at the most common sources of suspicion and label each one fair or unfair. Column by Tom Keegan

Five storylines stand out as KU fall football camp nears

Beginning Friday, the Kansas University football team will hop back onto the practice field for the first time in months, marking the official beginning of the 2014 season. Here’s a quick look at some of the more interesting storylines as camp kicks off. By Matt Tait

Mentor: Ex-Oregon recruit Kasongo college-ready athlete

Former Oregon signee Ray Kasongo, a 6-foot-9, 235-pound unranked power forward from Canada who will visit Kansas University with his parents Friday through Sunday, as a freshman will be able to hold his own physically against top college talent. So said his mentor, former Louisville player Brandon Bender. By Gary Bedore

Pastor: KU career didn’t define Loneski

Former Kansas University basketball player Ron Loneski, who was a roommate of Wilt Chamberlain and starter on the Jayhawks’ 1957 NCAA runner-up team, was more than willing to talk hoops with fans after making Lawrence his permanent home in 2005. However ... “Being a basketball hero was not important to him,” stressed Paul Gray, a Lawrence pastor and friend of Loneski. By Gary Bedore

Captain obviously: Accolade-averse Heeney clear star, say Jayhawks

Forget the impressive statistics, relentless playing style, superhero website and preseason accolades. Kansas University linebacker Ben Heeney isn’t buying any of it. But coaches and teammates are happy to acknowledge Heeney's place as the Jayhawks’ top defender. By Matt Tait

Former Oregon signee Kasongo to visit KU

Kansas University basketball coach Bill Self isn’t finished pursuing players in the incoming Class of 2014. The Jayhawks — who still have one scholarship available in recruiting — this weekend are scheduled to host Ray Kasongo, a 6-foot-9 power forward who was recently denied admission to Oregon. By Gary Bedore

KU to open 2014 Orlando Classic tourney vs. Rhode Island on Thanksgiving

Kansas University's men's basketball team now knows its Thanksgiving Day plans. The Jayhawks will begin bracket play against Rhode Island in the 2014 Orlando Classic at HP Field House, located at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World resort, near Orlando, Florida.

NBC solves case of Wiggins jerseys

A report that Andrew Wiggins’ Cleveland Cavaliers jerseys were “discontinued” by the NBA because of a likely trade to Minnesota is false, a league official told NBCsports.com. By Gary Bedore

Column: Weis deserves No. 102 ranking

Athlon’s preseason college football magazine ranked the Football Bowl Subdivision coaches from 1 through 128. The good news for Kansas University’s Charlie Weis: He wasn’t the lowest among former Notre Dame coaches. The bad news: He ranked 102nd. By Tom Keegan

KU great Loneski dies

Former Kansas University basketball player Ron Loneski died Friday at Lawrence Memorial Hospital at the age of 77. Arrangements are pending and will be announced by Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Ukrainian signee named tourney MVP

Incoming Kansas University freshman Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk was named most valuable player of the Under 18 European championship Div. B basketball tournament on Sunday in Sofia, Bulgaria. By Gary Bedore

Column: OC John Reagan gets point across

To say I was impressed by what I saw from John Reagan during the 90 minutes of one spring practice open to the media would be putting it mildly. I was blown away. By Matt Tait

KU’s Mykhailiuk lifts Ukraine to Euro tourney final

Incoming Kansas University freshman Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk scored 22 points off 8-of-18 shooting to lead Ukraine to a 65-64 victory over Finland in Saturday’s semifinals of the Under-18 European Championship Div. B tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria. Basketball notes by Gary Bedore

Drop-plagued TE Jimmay Mundine heeds coach’s call: ‘Catch the ball’

Junior-year drops kept Kansas University tight end Jimmay Mundine from transforming into the total package he aspired to be, so this summer he has lived by three words: catch the ball. By Benton Smith

Juco CB switches commitment from Kentucky to Kansas

The Kansas University football team picked up its 13th commitment in the recruiting class of 2015 on Saturday. Like No. 12, he chose KU after switching his commitment. Michael Mathis, a 6-foot-2, 205-pound cornerback from Kilgore Junior College, orally committed to Kansas after originally pledging his services to Kentucky. By Matt Tait

KU’s Ellis, Oubre help out at adidas Nations

Kansas University junior forward Perry Ellis and freshman guard Kelly Oubre are working as college counselors at the fifth-annual adidas Nations event Friday through Monday in Los Angeles. Basketball notebook by Gary Bedore

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