Stories for April 2017

How former Jayhawks fared in NBA games of April 30, 2017

Here's a look at how former Kansas players fared in NBA playoff games of April 30, 2017.

KU baseball salvages Baylor series with Sunday split

On the heels of a disappointing, could-have-won Game 2 loss to Baylor at Hoglund Ballpark on a gloomy and wet Sunday afternoon, the Kansas baseball team needed a big time effort from someone in the Sunday afternoon finale to salvage the series. By Matt Tait

Washington told Fish Smithson before draft's conclusion they wanted him

Safety optimistic about chances with Redskins

Even as Fish Smithson spoke on the phone Saturday with staff members of an NFL franchise, the former Kansas football safety was torn. It was during the seventh and final round of the draft, and a scout and coaches from the Washington Redskins were telling Smithson they were prepared to offer him a deal — given that no other franchise got in their way by taking him with one of the 10 remaining picks. By Benton Smith

Fish Smithson reaches free-agent deal with Redskins

KU CB Stewart gets offer from Chargers

The final rounds of the 2017 NFL Draft drew to a close Saturday without former Kansas safety Fish Smithson getting the optimal congratulatory phone call for which he hoped. After seven rounds and 253 picks, though, Smithson’s professional aspirations weren’t thwarted. The 5-foot-10, 201-pound defensive back from Baltimore knew entering the weekend free agency could be his path toward his dreams. By Benton Smith

KU transfers eligible to play during summer stint in Italy

Kansas coach Bill Self confirmed to the Journal-World that transfers Sam Cunliffe, Dedric Lawson, K.J. Lawson and Charlie Moore will be eligible to play with the Jayhawks during this summer’s trip to Italy. By Matt Tait

KU junior Svi Mykhailiuk invited to NBA combine

Jackson, Mason also receive invitations

Kansas junior Svi Mykhailiuk was one of three Jayhawks who recently received word that he had been invited to participate in this year’s NBA combine, May 9-14 in Chicago. By Matt Tait

Texas topples Jayhawks twice

Texas won a pair of Kansas against Kansas on Friday at Arrocha Ballpark.

How former Jayhawks fared in NBA games of April 28, 2017

Here's a look at how former Kansas players fared in NBA playoff games of April 28, 2017.

KU baseball comeback falls short against Baylor

Trailing by a run in the bottom of the eighth inning Friday, the Kansas baseball team had everything set up for a late-inning comeback against Baylor.

Tom Keegan: Kansas pitcher Jackson Goddard knows power more powerful with change of pace

Any day that Jackson Goddard is scheduled to pitch for the Jayhawks projects as a good one and those days fall every week on Saturday, the middle day of three-game Big 12 series. By Tom Keegan

Transfer trend becoming more prevalent with Kansas basketball

A recent surge in Division I transfers coming to Kansas has seen the Jayhawks take advantage of a growing trend that is making a major impact on college basketball.By Matt Tait

How former Jayhawks fared in NBA games of April 27, 2017

Here's a look at how former Kansas players fared in NBA playoff games of April 27, 2017.

Tom Keegan: It didn't take Kansas second baseman James Cosentino long to adjust to big-time competition

The development of every baseball player making the jump to a more difficult level follows a different path, but with 28 years of experience in the college game, Kansas coach Ritch Price does see patterns develop and knows when to start looking for progress.

Former Cornhuskers O-lineman Zach Hannon transferring to Kansas

A graduate transfer from Nebraska looking to play closer to his hometown of Kansas City, Mo., offensive lineman Zach Hannon plans to do so at the University of Kansas. Listed most recently on the Cornhuskers’ roster as a 6-foot-5, 315-pound lineman, the former Rockhurst High standout announced Thursday afternoon via Twitter he will enroll at KU, where he will be eligible for the 2017 season. By Benton Smith

How former Jayhawks fared in NBA games of April 26, 2017

Here's a look at how former Kansas players fared in NBA playoff games of April 26, 2017.

Tom Keegan: KU golfer Chase Hanna putts his way to Big 12 title; team finishes third

Kansas senior Chase Hanna left himself a brutal up-and-down to save par from behind the 18th green at Prairie Dunes in the final round Wednesday in the Big 12 men’s golf championship.

Ahead of draft, KU's Fish Smithson leaning on advice of two all-pros

Regardless of how this weekend plays out for NFL Draft hopeful Fish Smithson, the three-year University of Kansas safety will go back to a lesson passed on to him from a couple of men who know more than most about making it as a defensive back at football’s highest level. “It’s not about how you start. It’s about how you finish. So don’t really worry about it,” Smithson said recently of some pre-draft wisdom he picked up from former KU standouts Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr. By Benton Smith

KU junior Svi Mykhailiuk awaiting word on NBA combine invitation

Before any final decision can be made — before all of the workouts and interviews and information gathering is complete — Kansas junior Svi Mykhailiuk must first find out if he will be invited to the NBA combine May 9-14 in Chicago, an answer that, according to KU coach Bill Self, should come sometime this week. By Matt Tait

How former Jayhawks fared in NBA games of April 25, 2017

Here's a look at how former Kansas players fared in NBA playoff games of April 25, 2017.

Kansas fourth, senior Chase Hanna fifth heading into final round of Big 12 golf championship

Riding the hot hands of senior Chase Hanna and junior Daniel Sutton, the Kansas men’s golf team enters Wednesday's fourth and final round of the Big 12 Championship at Prairie Dunes in fourth place.

Tom Keegan: Predicting statistical leaders for Kansas football defense in 2017

he Big 12 is no place to break in a defensive backfield, but in years that it’s necessary, it helps to have a disruptive pass rush and Kansas is certain to have that.

Jayhawks land first in-state commitment of 2018 class

Kansas football coaches began their annual spring “Kansas blast” on Monday, hitting various high schools around the Sunflower State to not only build relationships with prep coaches but also search out in-state talent. One day into the strategic recruiting approach, the Jayhawks landed their first in-state commitment for the Class of 2018. Wichita Collegiate offensive tackle Mac Copeland declared on Twitter Monday night his intentions to sign with KU football. By Benton Smith

KU golfer Hudson leads at Big 12

Kansas golfer Daniel Hudson shot a 2-over 72 and held the lead after the first round of the Big 12 men’s golf tournament Monday at Prairie Dunes in Hutchinson. The Jayhawks held second place in the team standings.

How former Jayhawks fared in NBA games of April 24, 2017

Here's a look at how former Kansas players fared in NBA playoff games of April 24, 2017.

Wayne Selden's strong postseason showing delights KU coach Bill Self

During his three seasons at Kansas, Wayne Selden had a tendency to play his biggest games on the biggest stages. The Memphis Grizzlies rookie is now doing the same thing in the NBA. By Matt Tait

Tom Keegan: Predicting statistical leaders for Kansas football offense in 2017

Now that spring football has ended for Kansas, it no longer is too early to take a guess at statistical leaders in various categories.

KU's QB battle continues: Jayhawks will wait to name starter

As anticipated, the race to become the Jayhawks’ No. 1 QB won’t draw to a close until at least August. Had one candidate dominated and the other floundered, David Beaty, offensive coordinator Doug Meacham and quarterbacks coach Garrett Riley could have reached a verdict. Instead, Peyton Bender and Carter Stanley enter the next portion of the offseason still aiming to overtake the other. All of which is absolutely fine with Meacham. By Benton Smith

How former Jayhawks fared in NBA games of April 23, 2017

Here's a look at how former Kansas players fared in NBA playoff games of April 23, 2017.

Recruiting heats up for 2018 hoops prospects

Kansas coach Bill Self, along with dozens of other big time Division I basketball coaches, spent some time in Fort Worth, Texas, over the weekend, evaluating talent at the adidas Gauntlet. By Matt Tait

Sooners rally past KU baseball

Oklahoma scored two runs in the eighth inning to erase a Kansas lead, and the Sooners defeated KU, 7-6, in Big 12 baseball Sunday in Norman, Okla.

Kansas softball packs punch, 13-5

The moment the ball cleared the left field fence, Kansas softball coach Megan Smith told her team that everything was going to be just fine.

KU women golfers 7th at Big 12

Kansas’ women’s golf team concluded its season with a seventh-place finish at Big 12 tournament Sunday in San Antonio.

Baylor shuts out Kansas tennis

Baylor blanked Kansas, 4-0, in Big 12 women’s tennis Sunday in Waco, Texas.

One-time dancing sensation Tyrone Miller Jr. now flipping hips as safety

Tyrone Miller Jr. maintains that it was an easy decision, and one he certainly doesn’t regret. During the summer before his senior year of high school, Miller had to choose between football and dancing. For the previous five years, he had managed to balance both. By Shane Jackson

Andrea Geubelle gradually becoming comfortable with Olympian identity

Former Kansas triple-jumper Andrea Geubelle's triumphant return to the Kansas Relays marked much more than a memorable homecoming. By Matt Tait

How former Jayhawks fared in NBA games of April 22, 2017

Here's a look at how former Kansas players fared in NBA playoff games of April 22, 2017.

Kansas men 1st, women 2nd at KU Relays; Stigler coasts to 400 hurdles crown

The No. 12-ranked Kansas men's track and field team won the scored invitational of the KU Relays on Saturday at Rock Chalk Park. Kansas finished second to Minnesota on the women's side. KU alumnus Michael Stigler continued to return to form by winning the college/open division of the 400-meter hurdles.

Tom Keegan: Ross Randall, beloved coach, friend, story teller, remembered fondly

Forever armed with a phenomenal short game and wry wit that kept his playing partners laughing and his opponents crying for 18 holes, former Kansas golf coach Ross Randall did some of his best work telling stories on the 19th hole.

Kansas baseball tops Oklahoma

Jackson Goddard allowed two runs and struck out seven in seven innings, and Kansas’ baseball team defeated Oklahoma, 5-2, on Saturday in Norman, Okla.

Former Kansas golf coach Ross Randall dies at home in Florida

Ross Randall, Kansas golf coach for 28 years before stepping down in 2007, died of an apparent heart attack Friday night in the Florida home he shared with wife Linda.

How former Jayhawks fared in NBA games of April 21, 2017

Here's a look at how former Kansas players fared in NBA playoff games of April 21, 2017.

Happy homecoming for former Kansas track and field standouts at KU Relays

University of Kansas alumni Andrea Geubelle, Mason Finley and Michael Stigler returned to their old stomping grounds Friday for KU Relays at Rock Chalk Park, and KU freshman Gleb Dudarev jump-started the Jayhawks in their scored invitational against California, Southern Illinois, UMKC (men) and Minnesota (women).

Olympic golden boy claims big check with record at downtown shot put

A light rain fell as did the thermometer, dropping below 50, hardly ideal conditions for an event best waged with bodies loosened by sunny heat and stabilized by a completely dry surface.

Former KU center Jeff Withey accused of domestic violence

Attorney: Ex-fiancée's claims 'salacious and patently false'

Former Kansas center Jeff Withey, now in the NBA with the Utah Jazz, has been accused by his former fiancée of domestic violence, according to various media reports. TMZ.com first reported Kennedy Summers, a former Playboy Playmate, made the allegations to the Manhattan Beach Police Department earlier this week, when Withey was in Los Angeles for his team’s playoff matchup with the L.A. Clippers.

How former Jayhawks fared in NBA games of April 20, 2017

Here's a look at how former Kansas players fared in NBA playoff games of April 20, 2017.

Street Savvy: KU's Nick Meyer wins Street Pole Vault

At the conclusion of the second-annual Kansas Relays Street Pole Vault, Nick Meyer immediately made his way over to a large group of family and friends in the stands.

Tom Keegan: Jim Ryun reflects breaking his world mile record 50 years ago

Somewhere, sitting on a basketball team’s bench or listed way down on a football squad’s depth chart, or standing in front of a gymnasium door searching in vain for his name on the posted final roster is a man who had he just headed out to the track to start a life of turning left could have become a celebrated champion.

How former Jayhawks fared in NBA games of April 19, 2017

Here's a look at how former Kansas players fared in NBA playoff games of April 19, 2017.

KU's Frank Mason III made lasting impression on Jayhawk teammates

While the praise for one of the best seasons by a Kansas player in recent memory has started slowing down, the celebration of Frank Mason III’s career and the impact he had on his teammates will be everlasting. By Matt Tait

Come rain or shine world-class behemoths will compete Friday in shot put

I suspect a weather forecaster is calling for a 55 percent chance of rain Friday afternoon because said forecaster wants to scare people away in order to lay claim to the best vantage point for the always-crowded Downtown Lawrence Olympic Shot Put.

Time for Lawrence Downtown Shot Put moved up to 4:30 p.m. Friday

The starting time of the Downtown Olympic Shot Put has been moved up 90 minutes to 4:30 p.m. Friday in an attempt to beat the rain, according to the event’s organizer.

KU gets OK to ban handguns from football, men’s basketball games; purses will also be banned

The University of Kansas has received formal approval to ban guns from games at Allen Fieldhouse and Memorial Stadium. Metal detectors and guards would be put in place for men’s basketball and football games, primarily, but also to any other sporting event expected to draw more than 5,000 to the facilities, under a proposal approved Wednesday morning by the Kansas Board of Regents governance committee.

How former Jayhawks fared in NBA games of April 18, 2017

Here's a look at how former Kansas players fared in NBA playoff games of April 18, 2017.

Tom Keegan: KU Relays set to blast off at Rock Chalk Park

The 90th Kansas Relays get underway today at Rock Chalk Park when the starter's gun for the 100-meters portion of the decathlon blasts at 10 a.m., the beginning of four days of track and field, the biggest events scheduled for Friday and Saturday.

Lawrence selected to host two upcoming NCAA championship events

Lawrence has been selected as a venue for two upcoming division one NCAA championship events.

KU big man Landen Lucas looking to fund athletic endeavors of local athletes

Through a co-initiative with his mother, Shelley, former KU center Landen Lucas has created the Landen Lucas Foundation – Sports for Life Fund, which, in both Lawrence and his hometown of Portland, will provide scholarships and financial support for young athletes who may not otherwise be able to participate. By Matt Tait

Spring practices and competition not over for KU football just yet

Although this past Saturday’s spring game served as the mark-your-calendar and tell-your-friends date for Kansas football players, it didn’t double as the conclusion of the Jayhawks’ offseason schedule. KU’s coaches still had two more sessions on the docket this week to both build off what players accomplished at the scrimmage and/or address issues that remained as the Jayhawks near the spring ball finish line. By Benton Smith

Tom Keegan: Josh Jackson best of Bill Self one-and-done players

Josh Jackson clearly established himself as the best of the Kansas one-and-done players. Two-thirds of the one-and-dones were worth recruiting, another way of saying that 33 percent were net negatives. By Tom Keegan

Longtime KU assistant Clint Bowen expects D-line to be strength

Armstrong, Wise make Jayhawks strong up front

Currently in his 18th season working on the Kansas football staff in some capacity, defensive coordinator and assistant head coach Clint Bowen has seen a multitude of Jayhawks try and make an impact as defensive linemen through the years. Few have impressed Bowen more than junior defensive end Dorance Armstrong, who, along with junior tackle Daniel Wise, gives KU what their coach likes to call “two impact guys” By Benton Smith

Josh Jackson declares for NBA Draft

A foregone conclusion became official Monday, as Kansas freshman star Josh Jackson announced he will enter the 2017 NBA Draft. By Matt Tait

Tom Keegan: Mock NBA draft of KU players

Sixteen Jayhawks finished the season on NBA rosters and six are competing in the playoffs. Frank Mason III hopes to get drafted.

Beaty hoped for more scoring, but pleased with offense in spring game

Third-year Kansas football coach David Beaty left Memorial Stadium Saturday feeling good about his Jayhawks’ performance at the team’s spring game. Beaty just wished they could have given the fans a little bit more of an offensive show. “We’ve just got to do a better job of finishing. I would’ve liked to see more points scored today," Beaty said. By Benton Smith

Goddard strikes out 13, pitches Jayhawks past OSU

Kansas baseball coach Ritch Price believes sophomore Jackson Goddard is one of the best pitchers in the nation when Goddard is at his best.

Kansas softball swept by OU in three-game series

Moments after home plate umpire Craig Elmore signaled Oklahoma sophomore Caleigh Clifton was safe at home plate, Kansas softball coach Megan Smith stormed out of the dugout to plead her case.

Prep receiver Tevailance Hunt commits to KU during spring game visit

Less than two hours after the completion of his program’s annual spring game, Kansas football head coach David Beaty was on Twitter, firing off his favorite hashtag, “Neat deal.” By Benton Smith

Chancellor Gray-Little honors, celebrates Bill Self, Frank Mason III

Never one to jump into the spotlight of college athletics, University of Kansas Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little recently had and took the opportunity to celebrate one of the school’s most cherished employees. By Matt Tait

Notebook: KU quarterbacks embrace competition element of spring game

Kansas quarterbacks Peyton Bender and Carter Stanley began competing for the program’s starting job the day Bender set foot on campus a few months back, so Saturday’s spring game didn’t feel too different for the two players on the field with the most eyes on them. By Benton Smith

Tom Keegan: Safety Mike Lee adds teammate to his greatest hits collection in spring game

Alabama transfer Daylon Charlot made the prettiest play of the day, pulling a Peyton Bender pass out of the sky in traffic and keeping a foot inbounds for a 28-yard reception. The loudest moment came courtesy of none other than the Water Moccasin himself, rising sophomore safety Mike Lee.

Receivers rule day at Kansas football spring game

Bender happy to team with frontline play-makers

The team names atop this year’s Kansas football spring game rosters read: Team Jayhawks and Team KU. As far as play-makers Daylon Charlot and Steven Sims Jr., were concerned, though, “Jayhawks” might as well have been replaced with “Wide receivers” or “Victorious." By Benton Smith

KU baseball rallies past OSU

Kansas’ baseball team score five runs in the sixth inning to erase a four-run deficit and defeated Oklahoma State, 6-5, on Friday night at Hoglund Ballpark.

Powerful Sooners blast KU softball, 16-7

Through three innings, the Kansas softball team didn’t resemble a team on a three-game losing streak as it went blow-for-blow with No. 8 Oklahoma. The Jayhawks answered each Sooner run, at least until they unleashed a barrage in the fourth inning.

Billy Preston fairly quiet at Jordan Brand Classic

Future Kansas forward Billy Preston was back on the all star circuit Friday night in the 16th annual Jordan Brand Classic in Brooklyn, where his West all-stars topped the East squad, 124-116, in comeback fashion. By Matt Tait

Tom Keegan: Too many Kansas football fans in show-me state of mind

Sure, when Todd Reesing was tougher to catch than the wind, scrambling in every direction and still managing to keep his eyes downfield, spectators flocked to Memorial Stadium to watch him lead Kansas to victory. It became very fashionable to attend games and talk about them all week.

Friendly trash talk sets table for competitive KU spring game

Generally, college football coaches downplay the significance of a spring game. It’s no different than any of the numerous other offseason practices, they will tell you, with the players getting analyzed and coached up — same as a Tuesday afternoon on a field void of spectators. The designated head coaches for the Kansas Jayhawks’ intrasquad scrimmage would agree with all of that, too, but at least Tony Hull and Kenny Perry are making sure all involved thoroughly enjoy the experience. By Benton Smith

KU basketball player Josh Jackson's inattentive driving case rescheduled

A Lawrence Municipal Court case involving traffic citations filed against University of Kansas basketball star Josh Jackson has been rescheduled.

KU tennis loses to Tulsa, 4-2

Anastatsia Rychagova and Janet Koch claimed singles victories, but Kansas’ women’s tennis team fell to Tulsa, 4-2, on Thursday at Jayhawk Tennis Center.

OSU topples KU baseball

Oklahoma State scored at least one run in each of the first six innings and defeated Kansas, 11-6, in Big 12 baseball Thursday night at Hoglund Ballpark.

KU softball falls to Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s Paige Parker struck out 15 batters, and the Sooners defeated Kansas, 4-1, in Big 12 softball Thursday night at Arrocha Ballpark.

Unshakable: Ryan Schadler overcomes organ disorder to return to KU football

Anomaly threatened to end receiver's career

Throughout his youth and first few years as a college athlete, Ryan Schadler never felt quite right. No one ever would have guessed Schadler, who returned a kickoff 91 yards for a touchdown in his debut with the Jayhawks in 2015, had any sort of health issues, let alone jumbled organs. By Benton Smith

Tom Keegan: Dorance Armstrong keeps aiming higher

On his way to earning first-team All-Big 12 honors as a sophomore, Kansas defensive end Dorance Armstrong generated more NFL-prospect buzz of any Jayhawk since Aqib Talib, first-round draft choice of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2008.

Draft has Jayhawks fired up for Saturday's spring game

WR Sims first off the board

The texts just kept coming to Kenny Perry’s phone on Tuesday night, all carrying the same general inquiry: “Who’s it gonna be? Who’s it gonna be?’” Kansas football players would not leave Perry, the cornerbacks coach and co-defensive coordinator, alone, because every Jayhawk wanted to know who would be the first pick in the program’s spring game draft. By Benton Smith

Josh Jackson formally charged in criminal damage case, plans to file for diversion

University of Kansas basketball star Josh Jackson plans to file for a diversion in a case in which he allegedly vandalized a woman's car outside a Lawrence bar and threatened to beat her.

KU's Svi Mykhailiuk declares for NBA Draft, won't hire agent

According to the Kansas basketball Twitter account, KU junior Svi Mykhailiuk has decided to enter the NBA Draft this season but will not hire an agent, leaving available the option to remove his name from consideration and return to school for his senior season. By Matt Tait

KU golfer Diaz ties for 3rd in Tulsa

Kansas’ Ariadna Fonseca Diaz tied for third place in the Dale McNamara Invitational on Tuesday in Tulsa, Okla., and the Jayhawks tied for fifth in the nine-team tournament.

Jayhawks rally past Shockers

Kansas’ baseball team rallied from a two-run deficit with a four-run seventh inning and defeated Wichita State, 8-6, on Tuesday night at Hoglund Ballpark.

WSU blanks KU softball

Wichita State held Kansas’ softball team to three hits in a 6-0 victory over the Jayhawks on Tuesday night at Arrocha Ballpark.

KU men’s golfers take second place

Junior Daniel Hudson fired a final round of 2-under-par 70 to tie for sixth place and lead Kansas’ men’s golf team to a second-place finish Tuesday at the Wyoming Cowboy Classic in Phoenix.

Tom Keegan: Taking transfers has its advantages

I was walking along whatever the name of that street is in the French Quarter of New Orleans where inexperienced drinkers on vacation drink hurricanes as if they’re strawberry lemonades and then leave proof of their foolishness in unsightly globs that leave the rest on alert with every step.

KU's Devonte' Graham said decision to return came down to 'unfinished business'

Kansas guards Frank Mason III and Devonte' Graham again took center stage at the team's annual banquet on Tuesday night, one to collect another trophy and the other to talk about his decision to return to try to win one of his own. By Matt Tait

Devonte' Graham's decision to return keeps expectations high for KU's backcourt

After enjoying the luxury of having one of the best backcourts in college basketball during the 2016-17 season, the Kansas Jayhawks no longer have to worry about a drop-off in 2017-18. By Matt Tait

KU success of two other Memphis natives helped lead Lawson brothers to Kansas

Talking on Gary Parrish’s radio show Monday afternoon, Keelon Lawson said Memphis natives Tarik Black and Lagerald Vick played a role in inspiring his sons, Dedric and K.J., to transfer from Memphis to Kansas. By Matt Tait

Tom Keegan: Kansas receiver Daylon Charlot can't wait to show his talent in games

A la any talented wide receiver, Kansas sophomore Daylon Charlot is absolutely convinced that if the season started Saturday he would be good for two, maybe three touchdowns. Instead, it starts 21 Saturdays from Saturday and that's eating at him.

Brett Ballard plans to promote family atmosphere at Washburn

Former Kansas walk-on Brett Ballard was introduced as the new head basketball coach at Washburn University on Monday morning and during his introductory news conference the Hutchinson native made one thing clear — he wants Washburn basketball to be a family. By Matt Tait

Tom Keegan: Graham return turns attention to next season, away from Elite Eight loss

Officially, the 2016-17 basketball season ended March 25th in Sprint Center when the scoreboard read Oregon 74, Kansas 60. But it doesn’t really end until exciting thoughts about the next basketball season shove the memories of the wounds of the final loss to the back of the mind.

Tech trips KU softball

Kansas’ softball team yielded three home runs in a 9-3 loss to Texas Tech on Sunday in Lubbock, Texas.

KU baseball tops WVU

Tanner Gragg’s leadofff home run in the seventh inning broke a 2-all tie, and Kansas’ baseball team defeated West Virginia, 7-2, on Sunday in Morgantown, W.Va.

Devonte' Graham announces he's returning to Kansas for senior season

Three years ago today, Kansas guard Devonte’ Graham was released from his scholarship at Appalachian State, which paved the way for him to come to Kansas. Sunday afternoon, via an enthusiastic message via Twitter, Graham announced that he would maximize his time as a Jayhawk and return for his senior season. By Matt Tait

Kansas softball edges Tech

A five-run third inning catapulted Kansas to a 5-4 road win over Texas Tech Saturday night. First baseman Becki Monaghan and senior infielder Taylor McElhaney each had a two-RBI single in the inning.

WVU blanks KU baseball, 8-0

Kansas’ baseball team managed just one hit in an 8-0 loss to West Virginia on Saturday in Morgantown, W.Va.

Tom Keegan: Rio gold medalist Ryan Crouser in Downtown Shot Put field

The pressure was on Bob Sanner, executive director of Lawrence Sports Corporation, to land a big name to keep interest high in the annual spring event that makes downtown buzz, elevates moods and packs restaurants and bars. Sanner always aims high in putting together the field and couldn’t have aimed any higher than he did for a new marquee name for the evening competition scheduled for Friday, April 21.

KU's Frank Mason remains team-first despite barrage of individual honors

Being honored and praised for one’s individual play on a national stage 10 times during a three-week stretch can temporarily alter the focus of even the most die-hard team-first athletes. But not Kansas senior Frank Mason III. By Matt Tait

Tony Hull makes 'Louisianimals' part of Kansas football vernacular

Associate head coach creating recruiting pipeline to 'The Boot'

The invented word first became a part of the Kansas football vernacular in February, when running backs coach Tony Hull’s impact as a recruiter in his home state of Louisiana became abundantly clear. Hull, a second-year assistant at KU whose success on the recruiting trail in and around his hometown of New Orleans at least played a part in Beaty naming him associate head coach, wishes he could claim Louisianimals as his own. By Benton Smith

WVU rolls past KU baseball

A sacrifice fly by junior Matt McLaughlin scored the only run of the game for Kansas’ baseball team in a 10-1 road loss to West Virginia on Friday night. The Jayhawks’ defense committed four errors that led to six runs.

Warren’s slam lifts KU softball

Junior Mikayla Warren’s grand slam in a six-run sixth inning led Kansas to an 8-5 road win over Texas Tech on Friday night. The Jayhawks increased their winning streak over the Red Raiders to four dating to a series sweep in 2016.

KU's Frank Mason III completes player of the year sweep with Wooden Award

Kansas senior Frank Mason III completed the national player of the year sweep in Los Angeles on Friday night, hopping on stage one final time to collect the 2017 John R. Wooden Award. By Matt Tait

Tight end Jace Sternberger transferring from Kansas

After two seasons in the Kansas football program, tight end Jace Sternberger announced Friday he will transfer and look to continue his college career elsewhere. By Benton Smith

Instilling confidence in KU quarterbacks priority for assistant Garrett Riley

Now that overseeing the Kansas football team's quarterbacks is his responsibility, assistant coach Garrett Riley wants to make sure his throwers aren’t costing KU possessions in 2017. While Riley will critique their reads and technical approaches, as well, he has a broader plan he hopes will curtail all of KU’s quarterbacking woes. And it starts with the QBs gaining confidence. By Benton Smith

Hall of Fame Material: Early showdowns with coaching icons got the attention of Bill Self Sr.

Last Saturday afternoon, during the Final Four festivities in Phoenix, Kansas basketball coach Bill Self was honored as one of 11 members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame's 2017 class. Last week, the Journal-World began a series that examined Self's path to the Hall of Fame by hearing from a few people who know him best, and that series concludes today with a few thoughts from Self's father, Bill Self Sr. By Matt Tait

Former KU player, assistant Brett Ballard hired to lead Washburn basketball program

Former Kansas basketball player and assistant coach Brett Ballard is coming home. After leaving Kansas following the 2009-10 season to take over as the head coach at Baker University, Ballard spent five seasons working on Danny Manning’s staffs at Tulsa and Wake Forest. By Matt Tait

Carlton Bragg Jr. leaving Kansas

If 6-foot-10 forward Carlton Bragg Jr., a former McDonald’s All-American from Cleveland who delivered a mixed bag of results during his first two seasons as a Jayhawk, is going to realize his full potential, it won’t be at Kansas. KU coach Bill Self on Thursday announced in a press release that Bragg plans to transfer during the offseason. By Matt Tait

Hall of Fame Material: Opportunity to work with Bill Self icing on the cake of Sheahon Zenger's dream job

Last Saturday afternoon, during the Final Four festivities in Phoenix, Kansas basketball coach Bill Self was honored as one of 11 members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame's 2017 class. Last week, the Journal-World began a series that examined Self's path to the Hall of Fame by hearing from a few people who know him best, and, this week, the series concludes with new installments. By Matt Tait

Journal-World sports writers to answer questions at public forum

Athletes, coaches, recruits — seasons past and seasons to come — all will be fodder for comments, questions and opinions from Journal-World sports editor Tom Keegan and his colleague Matt Tait in a free, public program at 10 a.m. April 12 at the Lawrence Public Library auditorium.

'Young and immature' at Alabama, O-lineman Charles Baldwin rebooting college career at KU

A year ago at this time, Kansas offensive lineman Charles Baldwin was trying to win the starting right tackle job for national powerhouse Alabama. His short-lived stay in Tuscaloosa, Ala., didn’t go as the Windsor, Conn., native originally envisioned, but Baldwin said he learned a lot about discipline, work ethic and football over the course of his few months there before starting over at KU. By Benton Smith

Hall of Fame Material: Bill Self has 'perfect DNA for the job,' per Roger Morningstar

Roger Morningstar has known generations of college basketball coaches and he doesn’t stop at saying Bill Self is the best basketball coach he’s ever seen, although he does say that.

KU baseball tops Missouri State

Matt McLaughlin homered, doubled and went 4-for-5, and Kansas’ baseball team defeated Missouri State, 4-2, on Tuesday in Springfield, Mo.

KU big man Udoka Azubuike has successful surgery Tuesday

Self says freshman center 'right on schedule' with rehab

Kansas freshman Udoka Azubuike, who suffered a season-ending injury to his left wrist last December, took another step toward recovery on Tuesday. By Matt Tait

No. 3 QB Tyriek Starks making most of limited spring snaps

On David Beaty’s long checklist of things to accomplish this spring, finding Kansas football’s starting quarterback for 2017 ranks at the top. So KU’s head coach told the man playing behind the top two candidates, No. 3 QB Tyriek Starks, it would be in his best interest to not let a single snap go to waste. By Benton Smith

Hall of Fame Material: Tyshawn Taylor and Bill Self close through good times and bad

Just eight days after undergoing arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, Tyshawn Taylor played 33 minutes for Kansas in a loss to Davidson in December of his senior season. That requires exceptional toughness, so nobody can question the degree of that trait in tungsten-tough Taylor.

KU baseball closes out 5-4 victory over Texas

Players of the Kansas baseball team were flooded with elation as soon as the ball fell safely into the glove of right fielder Brett Vosik for the final out Sunday.

Hall of Fame Material: Bob Davis cites Bill Self's personal touch as key to success

“It’s a cradle of Hall of Fame coaches,” retired broadcaster Bob Davis said of the Kansas basketball program.

Frank Mason III named 2017 Naismith Trophy winner

KU point guard also adds NABC player of the year honor Sunday night

Make it two for two for Kansas senior Frank Mason III, who on Sunday morning was named the 2017 recipient of The Naismith Trophy, one of the most prestigious honors given annually to college basketball’s best player. Mason capped his wild weekend by adding the NABC player of the year honor Sunday night. By Matt Tait

Kansas softball falls to OSU, 7-1

Oklahoma State used a four-run third inning to hand Kansas’ softball team a 7-1 defeat Saturday in Stillwater, Okla.

Jayhawks turn back Texas on final play

After three hours of hard-fought baseball, Saturday afternoon’s contest between Kansas and Texas came down to a play the Jayhawks practice at least twice a week.

Tom Keegan: Kansas has back-to-back-to-back Hall of Fame basketball coaches

Now that it’s official and Bill Self is a Hall of Famer, joining the previous two Kansas basketball coaches, it’s time to glimpse deep into the future to imagine two of the most pressure-packed jobs in all of sports: Kansas athletic director and next Kansas basketball coach.

He's in! KU's Bill Self elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Saturday morning at a ceremony in the desert not far from the site of this year’s Final Four, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame officially confirmed something that Kansas basketball fans have believed for years — Bill Self is a Hall of Famer. By Matt Tait

Kansas softball drops 2 to OSU

Kansas’ softball team dropped a pair of games to Oklahoma State on Friday in Stillwater, Okla.

Kansas baseball tumbles in series opener vs. Texas

With Nolan Kingham on the mound for Texas, Kansas coach Ritch Price knew his team would have to win a low scoring game.

News

Sunday, April 30

Safety optimistic about chances with Redskins

Saturday, April 29

KU CB Stewart gets offer from Chargers

Jackson, Mason also receive invitations

Friday, April 28

Thursday, April 27

Wednesday, April 26

Tuesday, April 25

Monday, April 24

Sunday, April 23

Saturday, April 22

Friday, April 21

Attorney: Ex-fiancée's claims 'salacious and patently false'

Thursday, April 20

Wednesday, April 19

Tuesday, April 18

Monday, April 17

Armstrong, Wise make Jayhawks strong up front

Sunday, April 16

Saturday, April 15

Bender happy to team with frontline play-makers

Friday, April 14

Thursday, April 13

Anomaly threatened to end receiver's career

Wednesday, April 12

WR Sims first off the board

Tuesday, April 11

Monday, April 10

Sunday, April 9

Saturday, April 8

Associate head coach creating recruiting pipeline to 'The Boot'

Friday, April 7

Thursday, April 6

Wednesday, April 5