Stories for October 2015

Bob Stoops: David Beaty 'doing all the right things'

Throw Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops into the circle of football minds who both believe in and sympathize with first-year Kansas University football coach David Beaty. By Matt Tait

Notebook: Fish Smithson continues run, takes accountability

Junior safety Fish Smithson, who entered the Kansas University football team’s 62-7 homecoming loss to No. 14 Oklahoma second in the Big 12 Conference in total tackles, recorded his fifth double-digit tackle total of the season, leading the Jayhawks with 10 tackles in the loss to the Sooners. By Matt Tait

Column: Homecoming humiliation might go down as ultimate low point

Every recovery, every emergence from a near-death experience, has a moment to look back on as the absolute low point. If and when the Kansas University football program ever escapes the abyss, those experiencing better times will look back on Halloween of 2015. KU Homecoming at Memorial Stadium. By Tom Keegan

KU's 'Air Raid' offense still waiting to take off

Saturday's 62-7 loss to No. 14 Oklahoma marked the fourth time in the past five games that Kansas University’s new-look, Air Raid offense failed to fly above 14 points. By Matt Tait

Game balls and gassers: KU vs. Oklahoma

Wide receiver Tyler Patrick made a nice move after catching a pass, and took it into the end zone for a 17-yard touchdown. Had five receptions for 46 yards, both team-highs.

Unstoppable Sooners run away from Kansas

Saturday, during No. 14 Oklahoma's 62-7 rout of Kansas in front of a Halloween crowd of 26,677, quarterback Baker Mayfield, now playing for the Sooners after transferring from Texas Tech and sitting out a year, left the laugher — healthy this time — with 9:34 to play in the third quarter after completing 27 of 32 passes for 383 yards and four touchdowns and finishing with a stellar QB rating of 226.2. By Matt Tait

Sooners spoil KU's homecoming with 62-7 rout

In what’s becoming a familiar pattern for Kansas football this season, the opponent often scored at will early and rested its stars late. On Halloween afternoon at Memorial Stadium, No. 14 Oklahoma became the latest Big 12 foe to manhandle the Jayhawks in a 62-7 rout.

How former Jayhawks fared in NBA games of Oct. 30, 2015

KU, TCU play to 1-all soccer draw

A tie was not what Kansas University soccer coach Mark Francis had in mind heading into the Jayhawks’ Senior Night. By Chris Duderstadt

GAMEDAY BREAKDOWN: A look at Saturday's Kansas-Oklahoma football game

A gameday look at Saturday's Kansas University-Oklahoma football game By Matt Tait

Royals' Game 4 starter Chris Young played KU tough once too, Budig recalls

Former Kansas University chancellor Gene Budig taught classes on the economics of sports at Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs after finishing his post as the final president of the American League.

Jayhawks might move game to Thursday

Kansas University basketball fans who also support the Kansas City Royals breathed a big sigh of relief at 10 a.m. Friday.

Homecoming foe to be tough test for KU football

It’s homecoming weekend at Kansas University, and unlike many schools that schedule favorable match-ups for their football programs during the reunion weekend, KU is welcoming 14th-ranked Oklahoma to town for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff.

Jayhawks to join Georgia, George Washington, UAB at 2016 CBE Classic

Kansas University’s men’s basketball team will join Georgia, George Washington and UAB at Sprint Center for the 2016 CBE Classic, KU officials confirmed Friday.

Jayhawks will move Wednesday exhibition if World Series returns to K.C.

KU could play Thursday to avoid conflict with Game 7

If the World Series between the Kansas City Royals and New York Mets reaches a Game 7, Kansas University basketball fans won’t have to worry about missing the Jayhawks’ opening exhibition of the 2015-16 season in order to follow the decisive MLB game.

No joke: Kansas DT Wise stepping up

Red-shirt freshman learning when it’s time to ‘stop being Jay Leno’

As unusual as it might be for an upperclassman to talk like this, Kansas University captain Ben Goodman said Tuesday that one of the best parts about the 2015 football season so far has been the opportunity to hang around the freshman. And he cited second-year player Daniel Wise, a red-shirt freshman D-tackle from Lewisville, Texas, as one of the biggest reasons for that. By Matt Tait

Self: Kansas ‘stale’ so far

Kansas University basketball coach Bill Self walked through the northwest tunnel of Allen Fieldhouse toward the locker room with a frown on his face following Thursday’s 2 1⁄2-hour practice. By Gary Bedore

Column: Kansas football G.A. recalls young Mets

The Brooklyn Cyclones of the fabled, short-season, Class A NY-Penn League, had no shortage of talent in 2010 — like Matt Harvey, Juan Lagares, Wilmer Flores … and J.B. Brown. By Tom Keegan

How former Jayhawks fared in NBA games of Oct. 29, 2015

Here's a look at how former Jayhawks fared in NBA games of Oct. 29, 2015

How former Jayhawks fared in NBA games of Oct. 28, 2015

Here's a look at how former Jayhawks fared in NBA games of Oct. 28, 2015

Texas big man plans to reveal choice

Blue-chip big man Schnider Herard, a 6-foot-10, 255-pound senior center from Prestonwood Christian Academy in Plano, Texas, will announce his college choice next Wednesday, the day of Kansas University’s first exhibition game against Pittsburg State.

Kansas volleyball earns 20th victory

Kansas University sophomore Kelsie Payne slugged a career-high 26 kills with four blocks as Kansas University’s volleyball team bounced back from its first loss of the season with a 3-1 victory over Iowa State on Wednesday night in Hilton Coliseum.

With OU next, Jayhawks’ linemen to get no rest

A week ago, in a 58-10 loss at Oklahoma State, the Big 12’s top-ranked pass rush ate up the Kansas University offense for a pair of sacks and eight tackles for loss.

Column: KU golfer ‘Mook’ making the most of talent

For most, golf amounts to a cruel tease. Regression follows improvement, over and over. The average golfer essentially runs in place thinking half the time that a great distance has been covered, convinced the horrors of the game have vanished from the rear-view mirror.

Kawinpakorn wins third title

Kansas University senior golfer Yupaporn Kawinpakorn rallied from four strokes back in the final round to win the Palmetto Intercollegiate on Tuesday at Turtle Point Golf Course.

Nineteen ’Hawks playing in NBA

An all-time school-high 19 former Kansas University basketball players — including rookies Kelly Oubre, Cliff Alexander and Sasha Kaun — are on Opening Day rosters for the 2015-16 NBA season. By Gary Bedore

Jayhawks hope to corral Perine this year

Had it not been for Kansas University safety Fish Smithson hustling from one side of the field to the other on a dreary day in Norman, Oklahoma, last November, OU running back Samaje Perine’s NCAA single-game rushing record of 427 yards might be even higher. By Matt Tait

Column: Likens has been here before

Middleweights backed against the ropes by heavyweights every week, the Kansas University football players must feel at times as if they never will escape. Offensive coordinator Rob Likens doesn’t have to stop at telling them things will get better, he can show them evidence from his previous job. By Tom Keegan

How former Jayhawks fared in NBA games of Oct. 27, 2015

Here's a look at how former Jayhawks fared in NBA games of Oct. 27, 2015

Kawinpakorn tied for third in S.C.

Kansas University senior Yupaporn Kawinpakorn is tied for third in the 122-golfer field with Giulia Vandenberg of Stetson and Dulcie Sverdloff of Kennesaw State at the Palmetto Intercollegiate. She trails leader Haylee Harford of Furman by four strokes.

L.A. Times rates KU second in sending players to NBA

A Sunday article in the Los Angeles Times figures to give Kansas University’s basketball staff some recruiting material as the Nov. 11-18 early-signing period nears. By Gary Bedore

Jr. Jayhawks: By any measure, Kansas is inexperienced

Even though the Kansas University football team’s 0-7 record has not come as a total surprise, there is one statistic that helps explain it and justifies the Jayhawks’ struggles. By Matt Tait

Former KU football coach Mangino out as Iowa State's offensive coordinator

Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads says offensive coordinator Mark Mangino has left the program.

KU women’s golf opens in 7th

Kansas University’s Yupaporn Kawinpakorn is tied for third and the KU women’s golf team is tied for seventh after Sunday’s first round of the Palmetto Intercollegiate at Turtle Point Golf Course.

Welle sparks KU to men’s golf win

Kansas University senior Ben Welle played bogey-free golf Sunday to surge to a second-place finish at the Price’s Give ’Em Five Invitational, and the KU men’s golf team won its second team title of the season.

Kansas soccer falls to OSU, 2-0

Oklahoma State scored the only goal it would need 1 1⁄2 minutes in and went on to a 2-0 Big 12 soccer victory over Kansas University on Sunday at the Cowgirl Soccer Complex.

Kansas LB Dineen continues to shine

In back-to-back weeks, both losses by the struggling Kansas University football team, sophomore linebacker Joe Dineen Jr. recorded career-high, double-digit tackle totals, adding a silver lining to a season dotted with gray. By Matt Tait

Lightfoot’s coach no stranger to talent

The high school coach of future Kansas University basketball forward Mitch Lightfoot just happens to be Kurt Keener — the same man who won nine state titles in 35 seasons at Detroit Country Day in Michigan. By Gary Bedore

Column: NCAA rules should help hoops

Curtis Shaw, supervisor of Big 12 basketball officials, spoke last week at the conference’s Media Day in Kansas City about “what we call the five major changes in basketball,” intended to allow basketball players to show their skills without facing football-like defenses. By Tom Keegan

On second thought, Arizona prep Mitch Lightfoot taps KU

Mitch Lightfoot, who committed to the University of New Mexico his sophomore year of high school, decided to re-open his recruitment last spring after averaging 17.9 points and 9.7 rebounds for state-champion Gilbert (Arizona) Christian High. By Gary Bedore

KU golfers lead in Texas

Kansas University golfer Chase Hanna fired a 5-under 66 in the second round, and the Jayhawks led the Price’s Give ’Em Five Invitational by one stroke over Marquette heading into today’s final round at Butterfield Trail Golf Club.

KU’s Miller sets pool mark

Kansas University senior swimmer Chelsie Miller broke a Robinson Natatorium record Saturday while winning the 400 individual medley.

Column: Young Jayhawks going through Football 101

Drop a student who hasn’t yet taken Math 101 into the middle of a Math 141 classroom full of students who already have passed Math 105, 106, 111, 115, and 121 and ask that student to finish on top and what do you expect will happen? It’s no different most weeks for the Kansas University football team, which doesn’t have the luxury of putting its players through years of prerequisites before sending them into competition. By Tom Keegan

Game balls and gassers: KU at Oklahoma State

Linebacker Joe Dineen made his second quarter, blind-side sack of quarterback Mason Rudolph hurt. A week after Dineen posted 10 tackles vs. Texas Tech, he went one better with 11 tackles, including a punishing sack.

OSU goal-line QB nearly perfect against KU

He's no Don Larsen and Saturday's 58-10 victory by Oklahoma State over visiting Kansas University at Boone Pickens Stadium was not the World Series, but Oklahoma State quarterback J.W. Walsh was just about perfect. By Matt Tait

Notebook: David Beaty explains onside kick attempt

Trailing by 24 points at halftime and looking for a spark to give them hope of crawling back into the game, in what turned out to be a 58-10 loss at Oklahoma State, Kansas started the second half with a surprise onside kick that resulted in two penalties — one for kicking the ball out of bounds and the other for sideline interference. By Matt Tait

'Rough day': Freshman QB Ryan Willis struggles vs. Cowboys

Seven days after setting a handful of freshman passing records, Kansas University quarterback Ryan Willis was reminded of just how much he still has to learn during the Jayhawks' 58-10 loss at Oklahoma State. By Matt Tait

OSU defense devours Kansas

A wave of emotion leading up to kickoff gave way to a sea of orange jerseys swallowing the Kansas University offense during Oklahoma State's 58-10 victory Saturday at Boone Pickens Stadium. By Matt Tait

Cowboys pressure Jayhawks throughout blowout

Oklahoma State stayed unbeaten and Kansas football remained winless as the Cowboys manhandled the Jayhawks, 58-10, Saturday at Boone Pickens Stadium, where KU’s losing streak away from Lawrence reached 36 games.

Mitch Lightfoot to play basketball for Jayhawks

Arizona prep forward, who was born in KC, fulfills lifelong dream to be a Jayhawk

Mitch Lightfoot has committed to play basketball at Kansas University.

Homecoming tragedy strikes Stillwater prior to KU-Oklahoma State football game

A vehicle crashed into a crowd of spectators Saturday during the Oklahoma State University homecoming parade that preceded today's football game with Kansas University, killing four people — including a 2-year-old — and injuring dozens more, police said.

GAMEDAY BREAKDOWN: A look at Saturday's Kansas-Oklahoma State football game

A gameday breakdown of Saturday's Kansas-Oklahoma State football game By Matt Tait

No. 2 UT derails KU volleyball run

No. 2-ranked Texas put an abrupt end to the best start in Kansas University volleyball history.

KU men’s golf in tie for second

Kansas University’s Charlie Hillier shot 4-under 68 to put himself in a tie for sixth place, and the Jayhawks were tied for second in the team race after the round of the Prices Give ’Em Five Men’s Golf Invitational on Friday at the Butterfield Trail Golf Club.

Texas Tech clips KU soccer, 1-0

Reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year Janine Beckie scored the only goal in the 56th minute, and Texas Tech goalkeeper Lauren Watson had eight saves as the No. 21-ranked Red Raiders edged Kansas University, 1-0, in Big 12 soccer on Friday at the John Walker Soccer Complex.

Kansas swimming leads double dual

Kansas University won five events and jumped to the lead after the first day Friday of a season-opening double-dual swimming and diving meet at Robinson Natatorium.

Arizona prep Lightfoot to reveal pick

Blue-chip basketball prospect Mitch Lightfoot, who was born in Kansas City and remained a Kansas University fan after moving to Arizona at the age of 5, today is expected to orally commit to either KU or the University of Arizona.

Kansas kickers seeking revival

After starting the season 4-for-4 on field-goal tries, the Kansas University field-goal kickers have missed their last four attempts, including three misses last Saturday in a 10-point loss to Texas Tech.

Royals beat Blue Jays, will face Mets in World Series

Yoenis Cespedes launching long drives, Lorenzo Cain dashing to catch them. Noah Syndergaard zinging 100 mph heat, Alcides Escobar trying to catch up.

Big 12 to reinstate softball championship

The Big 12 Conference has announced it will reinstate its softball championship beginning with the 2017 season.

Soph WR Neal taking snaps on defense, too

Kansas University wide receiver Derrick Neal admitted earlier this week that he was surprised when the KU coaching staff recently approached him about playing a few snaps on defense. But that did not prevent him from accepting the offer without hesitation. By Matt Tait

KU fired up for volleyball matchup with mighty Texas

In his 18th season at Kansas University, volleyball coach Ray Bechard couldn’t exactly pinpoint how long it has been since the Jayhawks last beat perennial power Texas. In his mind, the Longhorns have been beating KU “forever.” By Benton Smith

Hoops, hope converge at Ladies Night Out event

Kansas University freshman forward Cheick Diallo, whose high school academic credentials continue to be examined by the NCAA Eligibility Center as tipoff for the 2015-16 season nears, showed off some linguistic expertise at Bill Self’s sixth-annual Ladies Night Out cancer benefit Thursday in Allen Fieldhouse. By Gary Bedore

Column: Stingy OSU will test Kansas

Offensive coordinator Rob Likens, true freshman quarterback Ryan Willis, the freshman-heavy receiving corps and Kansas University football’s flawed yet improving offensive line face the sort of heat Saturday in Stillwater, Oklahoma, that they haven’t seen yet and won’t see again. By Tom Keegan

Mason all business on court

The TV cameras and still lenses don’t often catch Frank Mason III smiling on the basketball court.

Jayhawks sweep Oklahoma, improve to 19-0

Kansas University’s Cassie Wait and Tiana Dockery chased down the volleyball in the back corner early in the second set Wednesday night against Oklahoma and managed to avoid any carnage, as Wait stole the play away from Dockery, and sent a pass toward the net at Horejsi Family Athletics Center.

Column: Zunica’s attitude just right for KU

Michael Zunica’s introductory words to a man from whom he hoped to earn a job would not have been very well received had he spoken them to a human resources director or police officer, in a classroom or a courtroom.

Column: Cozart could receive medical redshirt

On a sunny late Tuesday afternoon, when most sports fans were indoors watching the Royals move closer to a second consecutive American League pennant, the Kansas University football team’s quarterbacks were in the middle of one of their rapid-fire throwing drills near the North end zone of the West practice field. By Tom Keegan

Media Day: Self envisions lineups in Kansas City

Three weeks into training camp, with a bunch of practices in the books, Kansas University basketball coach Bill Self continues to envision a starting lineup that includes quick ball-handling guards Devonté Graham, Frank Mason III and Wayne Selden, Jr. By Gary Bedore

Smart takes over at Texas

New Texas coach Shaka Smart was coach at VCU in 2011 when the Rams beat KU in the Elite Eight, 71-61. A reporter referenced it to being a “nightmare” for KU coach Bill Self. By Gary Bedore

Winless Jayhawks continue to work like a team on a roll

You'd never know from watching them work at practice that the Kansas Jayhawks are winless so far this football season. The approach of head coach David Beaty and his players is the reason why. And it's all a part of the building process that Beaty is hoping will pay off.By Matt Tait

KU QB Cozart remains out but may be used elsewhere upon return

Out another week because of a shoulder injury, KU quarterback Montell Cozart may be looking at a position change when he returns. By Matt Tait

Kansas University basketball lineup starting to take shape, Bill Self says at Big 12 Media Day

Nothing's set in stone, but Graham, Mason, Selden likely to open on perimeter

Bill Self will likely use a three-guard lineup this season.

Column: Kansas building strong corners

The progress Kansas University’s football team displayed in Saturday’s 30-20 loss to Texas Tech was followed by good news off the field. By Tom Keegan

Rychagova second at ITA regional

Kansas University freshman Anastasiya Rychagova won six of her seven matches in a runner-up performance at the 2015 Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Central Regional.

Bill Self opens Big 12 Media Day today at Sprint Center

Kansas University’s Bill Self will be the first of 10 league coaches to speak at Big 12 Media Day this morning in Sprint Center, which, of course, is located in Royals-crazed Kansas City, Missouri. By Gary Bedore

Warriors sign Xavier Henry

The Golden State Warriors on Monday signed former Kansas University guard Xavier Henry to a free-agent contract, the team announced.

KU QB Ryan Willis named freshman of the week by Athlon Sports

True freshman quarterback Ryan Willis was named Athlon Sports' national freshman of the week on Monday after throwing for 330 yards and two touchdowns, on 35-of-50 passing, in Kansas University's near upset of the Red Raiders. By Matt Tait

KU’s Rychagova in tourney finals

Kansas University freshman Anastasiya Rychagova advanced to today’s title match with a pair of victories Sunday at the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Central Regionals.

KU snares pair of rowing wins

Senior Maggie Duncan and junior Maddie Irelan gave Kansas University a victory in the first race of the day at the Jayhawk Jamboree rowing extravaganza on Sunday at Burcham Park along the Kansas River.

Self, Manning coach? Maybe

Jayhawks with household-name dads might follow fathers’ footsteps

Tyler Self, a junior basketball player at Kansas University, and Evan Manning, a senior, will need to make important decisions on their career paths in the not-so-distant-future. By Gary Bedore

Kansas football matured in loss

Kansas University’s 30-20 football loss to visiting Texas Tech on Saturday might go down as the day a bunch of young Jayhawks grew up. By Matt Tait

Column: A look at KU football at the half

David Beaty, Kansas University’s fifth head coach in seven seasons (including interim Clint Bowen), is halfway through his first season, which makes for a logical time to look at how things have gone so far for the Jayhawks (0-6). By Tom Keegan

Rychagova wins at regionals

Kansas University freshman tennis player Anastasiya Rychagova reached the quarterfinals of the ITA Midwest Regionals on Saturday.

KU’s Lokedi places fourth

Kansas University freshman Sharon Lokedi placed fourth in the NCAA Pre-National Invitational on Saturday to help the KU women take 19th place in the team standings.

Self excited by quick Vick's potential

Lagerald Vick, who averaged 27.0 points a game his senior year and 24.0 points his junior campaign at Memphis’ Douglass High, certainly knows how to put the ball in the basket. By Gary Bedore

Kingsbury: Red Raiders 'choked' on offense vs. Kansas

Texas Tech football coach Kliff Kingsbury did not expect the Red Raiders’ explosive offense to struggle against Kansas University on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. By Gary Bedore

Game balls and gassers: KU vs. Texas Tech

Linebacker Joe Dineen, aka Local Boy, was all over the field delivering hits and fished with 10 tackles, 2.5 for a loss.

Notebook: Jayhawks rediscover ground game

After three straight sub-par efforts on the ground, the Kansas running game got back on track Saturday during a 30-20 home loss to Texas Tech.

Ben Heeney returns to support Jayhawks

With the Oakland Raiders having their bye this weekend, former Kansas linebacker and NFL rookie Ben Heeney was back in Lawrence for the first time this season to take in Saturday's game, a 30-20 Jayhawks loss to Texas Tech.

Column: Risks and rewards come with true freshman QB Ryan Willis

True freshman Ryan Willis made his share of mistakes in turning what had the potential to turn into a more-of-the-same blowout loss into a game, but the way he led Kansas University’s winless football team back from the depths Saturday in a 30-20 loss to Texas Tech in Memorial Stadium is what will energize teammates through another week of grueling practice. By Tom Keegan

To go or not to go: Fourth down debate continues for KU

For the third week in a row, Kansas football coach David Beaty faced a few tough decisions on fourth down on Saturday.

Matthew Wyman now punting, too

Kansas University punter Eric Kahn got one chance to hang on to his starting job during Saturday's 30-20 loss to Texas Tech at Memorial Stadium. And when that kick sailed just 23 yards after KU's second offensive possession of the game, KU coach David Beaty elected to look elsewhere the rest of the way. By Matt Tait

Different feel: Jayhawks competitive in loss to Texas Tech

Saturday, on a gorgeous and sunny fall afternoon, Kansas University football coach David Beaty peered through his adidas sunglasses and saw something that was much easier on the eyes than what he had seen throughout most of his first season in charge of the Jayhawks, as they got within three points late in a 30-20 loss to Texas Tech. By Matt Tait

Jayhawks rally, but fall to Texas Tech

The Kansas football team’s offense moved the ball well against Texas Tech on Saturday at Memorial Stadium, as true freshman Ryan Willis completed 35 of his 50 throws, but putting enough points on the board was another story in a 30-20 home loss.

KU tennis wins 8

Kansas University went 8-2 in singles matches on the second day of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Midwest Regional on Friday at the Greenwood Tennis Center.

No. 3-ranked WVU rips KU soccer, 6-0

No. 3-ranked West Virginia scored two goals in the first 20 minutes and cruised to a 6-0 Big 12 soccer rout of Kansas University on Friday at Dick Dlesk Stadium.

Raiders showing respect for KU

The Texas Tech Red Raiders, who visit Lawrence today for an 11 a.m. kickoff at Memorial Stadium against the winless Kansas University football team, may be bringing the nation’s top-rated pass offense and one of the Big 12’s highest-scoring teams to town, but that does not mean for a second they’re looking past the Jayhawks.

Diallo named to Abdul-Jabbar watch list

Kansas University freshman Cheick Diallo has been named to the 20-member watch list for the 2016 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center of the Year Award, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced Friday.

Inside McCarthy Hall, the KU basketball team’s ‘insane’ new home

Athletes, other students just moved into $11.2 million apartment building

Nobody has to duck inside Kansas University’s McCarthy Hall. With extra-lofty ceilings, tall doorways, high countertops and even shower heads mounted 9 feet off the ground, the newly completed on-campus apartment building is constructed to scale for 7-footer types.

GAMEDAY BREAKDOWN: A look at Saturday's Kansas-Texas Tech football game

A game-day breakdown of Saturday's Kansas-Texas Tech football game By Matt Tait

Kansas tennis opens 5-for-6 at regionals

Kansas University’s tennis team won five of six singles matches Thursday in the ITA Midwest Regionals.

Beaty to reunite with another old friend

David Beaty’s “Hey There, Old Friend, Tour” continues when Kansas University football welcomes Texas Tech to Lawrence for an 11 a.m. kickoff Saturday at Memorial Stadium. By Matt Tait

Big 12 coaches favor KU

Self casts vote for ISU in what he says is ‘great’ league

Bill Self is the only Big 12 basketball coach who did not pick Kansas University to win its 12th-straight conference title in the league’s preseason poll. By Gary Bedore

Column: Selden proves he has grown

Wayne Selden Jr. looks thinner, but he said his weight is the same. He even looks taller. Could it be he has grown an inch? By Tom Keegan

Kansas lands at No. 5 in preseason coaches' poll

The nation’s coaches feel almost as strongly about the 2015-16 Kansas University basketball team as those who make their living in the Big 12 do.

Coaches pick Kansas to win Big 12 again

As another college basketball season approaches, the Big 12’s coaches once again pegged Kansas University as the favorite to finish on top of the standings.

Texas’ Allen plans visit to Kansas

Jarrett Allen, a 6-foot-9 senior forward from St. Stephens Episcopal School in Austin, Texas, who is ranked No. 20 in the recruiting Class of 2016 by Rivals.com, will make an official visit to Kansas University on Oct. 23-25, Jayhawkslant.com reports.

KU volleyball 18-0 after topping Baylor, 3-1

Kelsie Payne and Madison Rigdon smashed 13 kills apiece, while fellow Texas native Tiana Dockery contributed nine as Kansas University’s No. 9-ranked volleyball team remained undefeated on the season with a 3-1 victory over Baylor on Wednesday night in Ferrell Center.

Column: KU guard Graham big key to success

Five themes have dominated the offseason for a Kansas University basketball program that has so much experience, balance and talent that expectations run even higher than usual, which says a lot.

KU welcomes observers

In January of 2011, Darron Thomas was on the top of the college football world, starting at quarterback for Oregon in the national championship game. Today, Thomas, 25, is spending his days closer to the college football basement — and loving it.

KU women picked 10th

Kansas University’s women’s basketball team has beeen picked to place 10th in the Big 12 in a poll of league coaches.

KU baseball sets 2016 slate

Kansas University baseball has announced a 56-game schedule for 2016, including trips to Surprise Stadium in Arizona and Sunken Diamond in Palo Alto, California, to meet Oregon State (Feb. 27-28) and Stanford (March 18-20).

Column: Safety Chevy Graham making the most of his chance

FBS and FCS schools ignored Chevy Graham. So did every Div. II school except East Stroudsburg University. Several Div. III schools wanted him to play football. By Tom Keegan

Four Jayhawks on national watch lists

Kansas University’s Perry Ellis, Frank Mason III, Wayne Selden, Jr., and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk have been named to three position-based watch lists, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced Tuesday. By Gary Bedore

On the attack: Freshman receiver Jeremiah Booker makes mark

On a third-and-17 play during the Kansas University football team’s first possession against third-ranked Baylor last weekend, true freshman receiver Jeremiah Booker sold his route hard past the stakes, stuck his foot in the ground and fought back to the pass from Ryan Willis. By Matt Tait

KU’s Ainise Havili is national player of week

She may be in just her second season of college, but Kansas University setter Ainise Havili already has made quite a name for herself both on the national volleyball circuit and among some of KU’s all-time greats.

Kansas golfers third in Texas

For the fourth straight event, the Kansas men’s golf team finished in the top-five of a tournament, placing third in the Bayou City Collegiate Classic Tuesday.

Havili earns Big 12 honor again

Kansas University setter Ainise Havili earned her second straight Big 12 Volleyball Offensive Player of the Week award Monday.

Kansas golfers tied for third

Tied for first after the opening round, the Kansas University men’s golf team finds itself in third place heading into today’s final round of the Bayou City Collegiate Classic at the Golfcrest Country Club outside Houston.

Late Night visitors impressed by dorm

Three of the country’s top high school junior basketball players — No. 3-ranked Michael Porter, No. 26 Trae Young and No. 37 Mitchell Ballock of Eudora High — took a tour of Kansas University’s new living facility, McCarthy Hall, before Friday night’s Late Night in the Phog. By Gary Bedore

Willis again: Freshman will get second start

Two days after Ryan Willis made the first start of his college career, Kansas University football coach David Beaty said Monday morning that Willis, KU’s freshman quarterback, would make his second start this weekend. By Matt Tait

Column: Mickelson to play big role as senior

Nobody had reason to complain about the way Hunter Mickelson played in the World University Games, where his performance gave him reason to believe he’ll have a more significant role than last season. By Tom Keegan

Texas offensive lineman Hughes commits to Kansas University

Chris Hughes, a 6-foot-5, 260-pound offensive tackle prospect from Harker Heights, Texas, became the fourth offensive-line prospect (and third from high school) in the recruiting class of 2016 to commit to Kansas. Hughes spent the weekend in Lawrence. By Tom Keegan

KU’s Ogletree keeps fighting, talking

For the second week in a row, Kansas University junior Marnez Ogletree demonstrated late in a lopsided loss exactly what the KU football coaching staff is looking for from its young, overmatched team. He never quit fighting. By Matt Tait

Arizona prep forward Mitch Lightfoot nearing decision

Mitch Lightfoot, a 6-foot-8 senior power forward from Gilbert (Arizona) Christian High, made his fifth and final recruiting visit — to the University of Arizona — over the weekend. By Gary Bedore

Fine finish: Williams atones for misses with winner for KU soccer

Kansas University senior Ashley Williams knew she had missed two golden opportunities to give KU’s soccer team a first-half lead Sunday against Oklahoma, but she more than made up for it in the game’s closing minutes. By Chris Duderstadt

KU volleyball 17-0? ‘Hell yeah!’

If, a few months ago, somebody would have told Kansas University volleyball outside hitter Tiana Dockery the Jayhawks would win 17 straight matches to open her senior season, her reaction would have been ... By Gary Bedore

Hoops recruit big fan of KU's McCarthy Hall

Bol Bol, a 6-foot-11 sophomore forward from Roeland Park’s Bishop Miege High who is ranked No. 10 in the recruiting Class of 2018 by Rivals.com, enjoyed stopping by KU on Friday and attending Late Night for the first time. He checked out the new $12 million McCarthy Hall, new apartment complex for KU players. By Gary Bedore

Brennan Bechard recalls ‘lucky’ $10K shot

Seven years after his playing career ended, Brennan Bechard on Friday night wound up as No. 2 highlight on ESPN “SportsCenter Plays of the Day.” By Gary Bedore

Game balls and gassers: KU vs. Baylor

Ryan Willis: Maintained poise despite heavy pressure and put several long throws on the money. With two beautiful, perfectly placed long spirals, Willis turned a third-and-17 from the KU 42 into a game-tying touchdown on his first series as a starting quarterback.

Mammoth Baylor TE LaQuan McGowan grabs first TD of season

Football’s biggest eligible receiver — LaQuan McGowan, Baylor’s 6-foot-7, 410-pound tight end used primarily as a blocker — got his first catch of the season versus Kansas, and scored a touchdown with some open-field elusiveness. By Tom Keegan

Column: QB Ryan Willis gives KU hope for down the road

When asked for their impressions of KU’s true freshman quarterback Ryan Willis, Baylor coach Art Briles and nickelback Travon Blanchard didn’t have to watch their words. All they had to do was speak the truth. By Tom Keegan

Young guns: Freshman WRs make plays for Kansas

The Kansas University football team seems to get younger by the week, and Saturday’s 66-7 loss to No. 3 Baylor continued that trend. Three true freshmen accounted for 38 percent of KU's completions to wide receivers (6 of 16) and more than half of KU's receiving yardage (56 percent) during the loss. By Matt Tait

Taylor Cox plays for first time in more than two years

Sidelined because of a couple of different injuries for the better part of the past three seasons, Kansas University senior running back Taylor Cox started and led KU's rushing attack with 45 yards on 19 carries Saturday, in the Jayhawks’ 66-7 home loss to Baylor.

David Beaty explains punting on fourth-and-short

For the second week in a row, a fourth-down decision early in the game was a part of Kansas University football coach David Beaty's postgame press conference, following Saturday's 66-7 loss to Baylor at Memorial Stadium. By Matt Tait

Outmatched: No. 3 Baylor speeds past Kansas

For exactly five minutes and 33 seconds of Saturday's 66-7 mismatch in front of a crowd of 25,910 at Memorial Stadium, the Kansas University football team hung in there with third-ranked Baylor. Nobody expected it to last. And it certainly didn't.

Baylor offense scores at will in rout of Kansas

The No. 3-ranked Baylor Bears and their merciless offense lived up to their billing Saturday in a 66-7 dismantling of Kansas at Memorial Stadium.

Fine-tuned: Bragg provides Late Night highlight

That wasn’t Billy Joel, Elton John or Stevie Wonder dressed in black and sitting in front of a black grand piano under a spotlight at center court of Allen Fieldhouse on Friday night. No, on this occasion, the Late Night in the Phog performing artist was 6-foot-9 freshman basketball forward Carlton Bragg. By Gary Bedore

New women’s coach: Don’t judge yet

New Kansas University women’s basketball coach Brandon Schneider, while amped up for his first Late Night in the Phog, realized the 12-minute scrimmage his players put on for a packed Allen Fieldhouse wouldn’t exactly give KU fans an accurate preview of what’s to come. By Benton Smith

GAMEDAY BREAKDOWN: A look at Saturday's Kansas University-Baylor football game

A gameday breakdown of the Kansas-Baylor football game By Matt Tait

KU soccer trips Baylor

Parker Roberts’ goal with less than 10 seconds remaining in the second overtime sent Kansas University past Baylor, 1-0, in Big 12 soccer Friday night at Rock Chalk Park.

Briles, Baylor hold KU’s attention

Whether it was as a high school coach in Texas or an assistant coach in Lawrence, Kansas University football coach David Beaty has seen plenty of Baylor’s Art Briles throughout the past several years.

A Late Night Retrospective

Microphone in hand, Kansas University coach Bill Self strolled through the facility’s northwest tunnel wearing the same black-and-white striped, rather loud suit that Andrew Wiggins fashioned in Brooklyn, New York, the night he was tapped first in the 2014 NBA Draft. By Gary Bedore

Late Night: A night of acting, dancing and basketball

A short, 20-minute men’s basketball scrimmage annually serves as the curtain-closing act in Kansas University’s Late Night in the Phog production in Allen Fieldhouse. By Gary Bedore

Five top recruits will be on hand for Late Night

Two of the top guards and three of the premier forwards in the recruiting Class of 2016 will be attending the 31st-annual Late Night in the Phog tonight in Allen Fieldhouse. By Gary Bedore

Former KU basketball great Bill Bridges dies at age of 76

Former KU great Bill Bridges has died following a battle with cancer at the age of 76.

KU's Perry Ellis named to preseason all-Big 12 team; Cheick Diallo freshman of year

Perry Ellis was named to the preseason all-Big 12 team and Cheick Diallo freshman of the year today in a vote of league coaches.

Townsend sets longevity mark for KU assistants

Now in his 12th year at Kansas University, Kurtis Townsend is the longest-tenured assistant men’s basketball coach in school history.

Column: Bears don’t need to run up the score

Texas takes great pride in its enormity and it is a huge state, except to one man who has managed to shrink the state into one massive small state.

Baylor QB Russell planned to be a Jayhawk

In some sort of alternate universe, T.J. Millweard would be starting for Baylor on Saturday and Seth Russell would be taking the snaps for Kansas.

KU women’s basketball embraces change

So much changeover exists within the Kansas University women’s basketball program right now, you’ll have to be patient with first-year head coach Brandon Schneider when it comes to figuring out one fairly significant aspect of this roster’s makeup.

Jayhawks hope to have short memories

Before the Kansas University men’s basketball team could begin to move forward toward another season loaded with great expectations and even higher hopes, the Jayhawks had to go through the process of putting the 2014-15 season to bed.

KU volleyball trips Tech, stretches streak to 16

Kansas University’s volleyball team remained perfect Wednesday night.

Jayhawks earn academic honors

Kansas University softball’s Maddie Stein, Sophia Templin and Erin McGinley were named 2015 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-America Scholar-Athletes on Tuesday.

Column: Willis’ burden a bit too daunting

In one sense, Kansas University true freshman quarterback Ryan Willis can’t win in his starting debut Saturday at home vs. Baylor. Upsets do happen, but not in games that involve a 44-point underdog.

KU QB Millweard ready if needed

True freshman Ryan Willis may be slated to start Saturday’s 11 a.m. game against No. 3 Baylor for the Kansas University football team, but when you’re talking about a program that already has lost three quarterbacks this season, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared for anything.

Self sees Jayhawks’ strengths, weaknesses

Bill Self wore a tuxedo, not a sports coat, when he last entered The Midland Theater in the Power and Light District in downtown KC.

KU volleyball counts on Havili

Kansas University volleyball coach Ray Bechard had high expectations for his Jayhawks entering this season, but their offensive production has surprised him a little bit.

Kawinpakorn wins second straight tournament

Kansas University senior golfer Yupaporn Kawinpakorn fired a round of 4-under, 68 at the Chip-N-Club Invitational, Tuesday, to clinch her second straight tournament victory.

KU athletes earn Big 12 honors

Kansas University cross country runners Evan Landes and Sharon Lokedi respectively earned the Big 12 Men’s and Women’s Runner of the Week awards for their performances Saturday at the Rim Rock Classic.

Eyeing a start: With Cozart, Ford out, KU turns to Willis

When Bishop Miege football coach Jon Holmes saw his former quarterback Ryan Willis step onto the field during the final few drives of last week’s Kansas University loss to Iowa State, he recognized just about everything. By Matt Tait

Column: Kansas not the worst, but close

In the event Cheick Diallo is cleared to play basketball for Kansas University, the Jayhawks will become fashionable picks for the No. 1 spot in the nation and with good reason. Someone, somewhere will then connect the dots and claim that the school with the nation’s best basketball program also has the worst football team in the Football Bowl Subdivision. By Tom Keegan

Rigdon earns Big 12 honor

After leading a balanced Kansas University offense with 11 kills on 15 error-less swings in a three-set victory over West Virginia, KU sophomore outside hitter Madison Rigdon was named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week.

KU's Kawinpakorn tied for fourth

Four Kansas University golfers ended the first day of the Chip-N-Club Invitational at the Lincoln Country Club in the top 25.

Got to Bragg: Late Night music on tap

There’s been a lot of lip-synching and dancing, but very few instances of players actually performing musically at the season-opening Late Night basketball celebrations at Kansas University the last 30 years. By Gary Bedore

QB problems: Cozart out indefinitely with shoulder sprain, Ford out for the season

Freshman Ryan Willis now listed No. 1 on KU depth chart

It seemed like this was the next logical step. And it was made official Monday, when Kansas University football officials announced that junior quarterback Montell Cozart was out indefinitely with a shoulder sprain. It is Ryan Willis time at KU.

Selden has been practicing despite sprained ankle, should be close to 100 percent by end of week

Brannen Greene taking limited reps at practice as he recovers from offseason hip surgery

An ankle sprain hasn't kept Wayne Selden Jr., off the court.

Diallo, Bragg go 1-2 in hype

Highly acclaimed Cheick Diallo, who enters college as the No. 5-rated player in the recruiting Class of 2015 by Rivals.com, figures to be a lock for Big 12 preseason freshman-of-the-year honors. He might not be the only Kansas University freshman to garner votes for the honor, however, especially if the fact he has yet to be cleared for participation in games (by the NCAA Eligibility Center) is taken into consideration. By Gary Bedore

Jayhawk tennis duo undefeated at tourney

Kansas University’s Smith Hinton and Anastasiya Rychagova remained undefeated in singles at the Purdue Tennis Invitational with a pair of victories on Sunday.

KU soccer rips Cyclones, 4-0

Four Kansas University players each scored a goal, and sophomore Maddie Dobyns recorded a shutout in goal as the Jayhawks routed Iowa State, 4-0, in Big 12 soccer Sunday at the Cyclone Sports Complex.

KU football remains positive

Saturday afternoon, after his team’s 38-13 loss at Iowa State, Kansas University football coach David Beaty talked about the need for his coaching staff and players to focus less on winning the small battles and more on winning games. That kind of recipe could make for a long eight weeks. By Matt Tait

Two ex-Jayhawks join Kansas Hall

Former Kansas University football player Terry Beeson and softball player and coach Tracy Bunge were inducted into the state of Kansas Sports Hall of Fame on Sunday in Wichita.

'Crazy ride': KU grad Kastor relishes NWSL title

After helping FC Kansas City win its second straight National Women’s Soccer League championship Thursday against the Seattle Reign, former Kansas University forward Caroline Kastor has had time the past few days to reflect on her first professional season. By Chris Duderstadt

Kansas duo third in doubles

Kansas University tennis players Smith Hinton and Anastasiya Rychagova placed third in doubles Saturday at the Purdue Invitational. Hinton and Rychagova defeated Notre Dame’s Mary Kloss and Allison Miller, 6-4, for third. They also won singles matches.

Freshman Lokedi leads Jayhawks to Rim Rock title

Kansas University freshman cross country runner Sharon Lokedi made an immediate impact in her first collegiate race, as she won the Rim Rock Classic and helped the Jayhawks to a women’s team title.

KU volleyball sweeps West Virginia, rolls to 15-0

Kansas University sophomore outside hitter Madison Rigdon smashed a match-high 11 kills against no errors in the Jayhawks’ 25-14, 25-18, 25-12 volleyball rout of West Virginia on Saturday afternoon in sold-out Horejsi Center. By Gary Bedore

KU volleyball team enjoying dream season — and all that comes with it

Paula Warren, director of the Douglas County Special Olympics, tries to attend as many Kansas University volleyball games as she can with her athletes. She finds that watching the team play gives Special Olympics participants a great boost.

KU brings out best in Cyclones

Kansas University’s football losing streak away from Lawrence grew to 35 games Saturday in a 38-13 loss to Iowa State. And the opponents’ post-game notes had a familiar ring to them, packed with words such as “first” and “since.” By Tom Keegan

Notebook: KU defense again struggles to stop run

Very few Big 12 Conference football teams are in need of any help on offense, but those that might be struggling in the run game likely just circled their game against Kansas University in the upcoming weeks. By Matt Tait

Cringe-worthy: Flubs doom Jayhawks at Iowa State

Dumb and Dumber is not just a movie title any more. It also accurately and completely sums up the way the Jayhawks played Saturday at Jack Trice Stadium on their way to a 38-13 loss to Iowa State in front of a fired up and friendly ISU crowd of 55,837. By Matt Tait

Game balls and gassers: KU at Iowa State

Marcquis Roberts, graduate transfer from South Carolina, scored a touchdown on an 83-yard interception return, had a sack and six tackles.

Column: David Beaty's decision-making puzzling at ISU

First-year head coach David Beaty had four options from which to choose Saturday early in the second quarter of Kansas University’s 38-13 loss to Iowa State in packed Jack Trice Stadium. The situation called for an aggressive play, not a passive one. By Tom Keegan

Jayhawks open Big 12 slate with another road loss

Despite a somewhat promising start, with Kansas finding relative success on offense and defense on the road, the Jayhawks dropped their 35th game in a row away from Lawrence, in a 38-13 loss at Iowa State Saturday.

Jayhawks’ Patrick gets shot as starter

Last weekend, for the second game in a row, red-shirt freshman Tyler Patrick was the Jayhawks’ most productive and impressive wide receiver on the field.

Kansas soccer falls to Texas, sees streak end

Kansas University’s soccer team, which had scored seven goals in winning three straight games to close the nonconference season, opened Big 12 play with a 2-1 loss to Texas on Friday night at Rock Chalk Park.

Self: KU’s first practice ‘not great’

The 2015-16 college basketball season officially is underway at Kansas University.

KU tennis duo perfect at Purdue

Kansas University tennis players Smith Hinton and Anastasiya Rychagova teamed for two doubles wins in the first round of the Purdue Invitational on Friday and won in their respective singles matches.

GAMEDAY BREAKDOWN: A look at Saturday's Kansas-Iowa State football game

A game-day breakdown of Kansas University’s game Saturday at Iowa State By Matt Tait

Column: ‘Svi’ no longer new kid in town

Kansas University basketball media day, 2014: The youngest college basketball player in the nation sat on his assigned chair — eyes a little wide, expression on the reserved side — doing his best to answer the questions sent his way. By Tom Keegan

Waiting game: Diallo ‘thrilled’ to be back on court

Cheick Diallo, the media learned Thursday, likes to talk about his lifelong love of soccer and dislikes discussing more depressing topics — like his ongoing basketball eligibility case with the NCAA. By Gary Bedore

KU hoops notebook: Dealing with player-eligibility cases 'frustrating'

Kansas University basketball coach Bill Self was asked if dealing with player-eligibility cases has been “frustrating.” The Jayhawks are awaiting word from the NCAA Eligibility Center on Cheick Diallo’s status for the season. By Gary Bedore

Returning Kansas runners eager to compete at Rim Rock again

Rim Rock Farm, the home course for Kansas University’s cross country team, has its fair share of hills, valleys, twists and turns. The terrain of the course has a symbolic meaning for two Jayhawk cross country runners, who are closing in on their return to KU’s home course Saturday for the Rim Rock Classic after sitting out the 2014 season due to nagging injuries. By Chris Duderstadt

KU looking for a few good (D-line)men

Kansas University’s football coaching staff knew entering Year One of a difficult rebuilding project the Jayhawks would have deficiencies in a number of areas this season. They thought — and hoped — defensive end would be one position KU could count on for depth and productivity. By Benton Smith

Diallo permitted to practice, Self says

Kansas University basketball coach Bill Self received a letter from the NCAA on Wednesday that provided at least some good news on Cheick Diallo’s eligibility situation.

KU snapper Goldenberg perseveres

It’s not every year that a walk-on gets cut from a college football program and, four months later, finds himself suiting up and starting for that same program.

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