Stories for November 2017

Tom Keegan: Kansas AD Sheahon Zenger explains thinking behind retaining football coach David Beaty

Sheahon Zenger played football at Fort Hays State and MidAmerica Nazarene and served as recruiting coordinator at Kansas State, South Florida and Wyoming before taking a turn toward the administrative side of athletics in 2001 at K-State. The Kansas AD’s background hasn’t translated to on-field success for the Kansas football program. By Tom Keegan

Missouri-KU clash leading to reunion for KU volleyball's Taylor Alexander

Melanie Crow and Taylor Alexander have shared the court before — as teammates. The two will be on opposite sides as the NCAA tournament begins. By Scott Chasen

First-teamer Daniel Wise leads KU football All-Big 12 honorees

The 2017 season fell far short of the type of success Kansas football players envisioned, but their efforts within a challenging 1-11 campaign didn’t go overlooked by the Big 12’s coaches. Led by junior Daniel Wise’s first-team selection, four Jayhawks achieved all-conference status for their individual play and production, the Big 12 announced Thursday afternoon. By Benton Smith

Jayhawks remain 'hopeful' Billy Preston will rejoin the KU lineup

The no-news in the Billy Preston saga took on a slightly different sound on Thursday afternoon. By Matt Tait

Once de-committed Texas prep QB Clayton Tune back on board with KU

In the latest example of the mercurial nature of college football recruiting, Texas prep quarterback Clayton Tune, less than six weeks after de-committing from Kansas, has jumped back on board. By Benton Smith

'Ugly, ugly, muddy game': Christalah Lyons helps Jayhawks grind past UMKC

UMKC coach Jacie Hoyt didn't want to let KU's Kylee Kopatich get into a rhythm. Fortunately for the Jayhawks, they had another player step up. By Scott Chasen

Kansas basketball benefiting from putting defense first

They put up 96 points in a 38-point win, scored 59 in the first half and shot 75 percent from the floor during the first 20 minutes and 59 percent for the game. Yet, Tuesday night, during No. 2 Kansas' 96-58 victory over Toledo, it was defense, and not offense, that was never far from the Jayhawks' minds. By Matt Tait

Tom Keegan: Holy Toledo! Devonte' Graham was on his game Tuesday

He plays at such high speeds and so often flings creative passes on the fly that Devonte’ Graham is bound to make more turnovers than the average guard. Graham really slammed his foot on the accelerator Tuesday night in Allen Fieldhouse with Toledo in town. By Tom Keegan

'As good of a team as I've ever seen': Jayhawks knock out Toledo with dominant stretch in first half

You probably have not spent much time — if any — thinking about it, given the unlikely and ridiculous sound of such a thing. But Tuesday night, at Allen Fieldhouse, during Kansas' 96-58 trouncing of Toledo, the Jayhawks showed you, the Rockets and the rest of the world exactly what a 32-3 run looks like. By Matt Tait

Notebook: Lawrence's Justin Roberts receives pregame ovation; KU football player could walk on

Normally when an opposing player is introduced at Allen Fieldhouse, he draws a few boos or no reaction at all from the home crowd. That was not the case on Tuesday night before KU's 96-58 drubbing of visiting Toledo, when Toledo sophomore Justin Roberts was introduced as a surprise starter. By Matt Tait

Devonte' Graham and No. 2 Jayhawks too hot for Toledo

In one of the more surprising developments of the first few weeks of the Kansas basketball season, senior guard Devonte’ Graham went the first five games without reaching 20 points in any of the No. 2 Jayhawks’ victories. The veteran from Raleigh, N.C., eclipsed that mark in the first half Tuesday night, though. By Benton Smith

Multimillion-dollar KU-Adidas deal remains unsigned as investigation into Adidas executive continues

Kansas Athletics still has not signed its multimillion dollar apparel deal with Adidas, and a spokesman for the school said Tuesday he’s not sure when the deal will be finalized.

No rush: Kansas DT Daniel Wise plans to weigh draft outlook carefully

There’s a chance the next time the Kansas football team takes the field it will do so without standout defensive tackle Daniel Wise. The 6-foot-3, 290-pound lineman, just like his KU teammate Dorance Armstrong Jr., will spend much of his time in the upcoming weeks exploring whether he should enter the 2018 NFL Draft. By Benton Smith

Tom Keegan: Freshman Marcus Garrett knows what it takes to earn playing time

Freshman Marcus Garrett doesn’t come across as someone who places a premium on prestige. My guess is he didn’t come to Kansas because of all the glitz that comes with playing for a blue blood. He came to Kansas because he wanted to become a better basketball player.

Havili again named Big 12's setter of the year

For the third straight season, Kansas senior Ainise Havili was chosen as the Big 12's Setter of the Year by the league's coaches, announced Monday. She was one of five KU volleyball players to earn all-conference honors.

Kansas picks up defensive back commitments from familiar junior college

Adding a defensive back from Hartnell College has worked out well for the Kansas football program before. Head coach David Beaty and his staff have to be hopeful history repeats itself — a couple times — after adding two commitments Monday from the junior college in California. The same program that brought the Jayhawks safety Fish Smithson produced a pair of Class of 2018 recruits for KU when sophomore safety Jeremiah McCullough and freshman defensive back Davon Ferguson pledged to sign. By Benton Smith

Gameday Breakdown: No. 2 KU basketball vs. Toledo

A look at some of the keys for second-ranked Kansas in tonight's home matchup with the Toledo Rockets. By Matt Tait

In-season surgery 'never really a thought' for KU tackle Hakeem Adeniji

Sophomore LT played with labrum tears

Even before this past Kansas football season began, left tackle Hakeem Adeniji suffered an injury — a torn labrum in one of the sophomore offensive lineman’s shoulders — that would make his already strenuous job even more difficult. The 6-foot-4, 290-pound blocker from Garland, Texas, didn’t consider the setback in preseason camp a reason to take time off. Nor did Adeniji decide he’d had enough the first week of October, when the exact same trauma popped up in his opposite shoulder. By Benton Smith

Jayhawks move up to No. 2 in latest AP poll

As Kansas closes out the college basketball season’s opening month, only one other team in the country is considered in better standing.

KU, Villanova announce future hoops series

Kansas and Villanova on Monday announced the creation of a two-year series that will take place in Lawrence and Philadelphia beginning in December of 2018. By Matt Tait

Roberts Reunion: KU vs. Toledo a family affair

To most, Tuesday's Kansas basketball matchup with Toledo — 7 p.m. at Allen Fieldhouse — is merely the sixth game on the Jayhawks' 2017-18 schedule. But to Kansas assistant coach Norm Roberts and his son, Justin, the clash will be a showdown unlike any they have experienced. By Matt Tait

Kansas faces Missouri in first-round NCAA volleyball tournament match

Nothing felt scripted about the huge roar from the Kansas volleyball players when their first-round NCAA tournament match appeared on the screen. The spontaneous celebration gave those not watching the screen a pretty good guess as to the opponent: Missouri.

Brianna Osorio, Jayhawks come up with key plays, remain unbeaten

While Brianna Osorio didn't have the flashiest night, the JUCO transfer scrapped for three important plays down the stretch of KU's grind-it-out win over Rice at Allen Fieldhouse. By Scott Chasen

KU football players react to hearing David Beaty will remain head coach

Some supporters of the perpetually rebuilding Kansas football program voiced their displeasure via social media, message boards and internet comment sections with athletic director Sheahon Zenger’s decision to bring head coach David Beaty back for 2018, in spite of his 3-33 record. A similar reaction did not exist within the KU football locker room, according to players who spoke with the media shortly after Zenger’s steadfast endorsement of the coach. By Benton Smith

Tom Keegan: Future as bleak as the present for Kansas football

The Kansas football fan was floored by a left-right combination delivered in blurry quick fashion Saturday afternoon. The left to the jaw: Oklahoma State 58, Kansas 17, the 1-11, 2017 season over. The right to the chin: At game’s end, KU athletic director Sheahon Zenger released a statement that indicated head coach David Beaty would return, which in effect killed interest in the 2018 season.

Notebook: Zenger endorses Beaty in rebuilding process; Wise and Armstrong will weigh NFL decisions

The moment the University of Kansas football team’s season ended with a 58-17 pasting at the hands of No. 18 Oklahoma State, athletic director Sheahon Zenger sent out a statement in support of head coach David Beaty. By Benton Smith

KU basketball winning with different styles in 2017

Days after setting program highpoints for 3-point shooting, No. 3 KU seemed to have a different game plan in mind. By Scott Chasen

Familiar Finale: Jayhawks end season with blowout loss to Oklahoma State

A predominantly agonizing Kansas football season, so often defined by shortcomings or downright inept play, reached a fitting close Saturday afternoon at Boone Pickens Stadium. By Benton Smith

'Didn't want to cry': KU volleyball falls short on Senior Day

The cheers, clapping and tears after the match were to be expected. There was only one thing missing. By Scott Chasen

Sheahon Zenger: Beaty will return as coach in 2018

Immediately following the Kansas football team's 58-17 loss to Oklahoma State in its 2017 season finale Saturday, Kansas athletic director Sheahon Zenger released a statement to confirm that David Beaty will remain as head coach.

Jayhawks thumped by Oklahoma State in season finale, 58-17

Similar to many of the other Big 12 games this season, the Kansas football team fell into an early deficit and didn’t produce nearly enough offense to keep up in Saturday’s 58-17 loss to Oklahoma State at Boone Pickens Stadium. By Bobby Nightengale

Big Trouble: Azubuike, Lightfoot lead Jayhawks in rout over Oakland

Tuesday night, it was the Kansas guards who lit up the Allen Fieldhouse nets for a school-record 19 3-pointers in a rout of Texas Southern. Friday, the focus shifted inside and the result remained the same, as KU's two big men, so different in size, skill and status, led a 102-59 Kansas pounding of Oakland in the same building. By Matt Tait

Notebook: Malik Newman's father visits Allen Fieldhouse; no update on Billy Preston

Seeing it during Late Night and an official visit is one thing. But experiencing the mystique for an official game is something completely different. And Friday night, Malik Newman's father, Horatio Webster, truly experienced Allen Fieldhouse for the first time. By Matt Tait

Jayhawks stay hot, dominate Oakland to improve to 5-0

If there were any concerns about a Thanksgiving hangover, the Jayhawks were quick to quiet them. By Scott Chasen

At your service: KU volleyball littles prepare for senior day

Although the trio of Ainise Havili, Madison Rigdon and Kelsie Payne will headline KU's senior day, senior back-row players Addison Barry and Tori Miller have also left their mark on the program — oftentimes with their serving. By Scott Chasen

Game day Breakdown: KU football at No. 18 Oklahoma State

A lengthy list of flaws, showing up on offense, defense and special teams to varying degrees this fall, has kept the Kansas football team in a losing rut since defeating overmatched FCS opponent Southeast Missouri State in the season opener. A one-win season awaits the Jayhawks unless they score an upset on the road at Oklahoma State, considered at least a 40-point favorite over wobbling KU. By Benton Smith

Jayhawks headed back to the Big Apple in 2018

KU announced this week that the Jayhawks were one of four teams selected to play in the 2018 NIT Season Tip-Off, a two-game, four-team event that will take place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. By Matt Tait

Kelsie Payne preparing for program history on KU volleyball's senior day

Kelsie Payne's first successful swing on Saturday will bring about an anticlimactic conclusion to one of the most momentous achievements of her career. By Scott Chasen

Game day breakdown: No. 3 KU basketball vs. Oakland

A look at some of the keys for third-ranked Kansas in tonight's post-Thanksgiving clash with Oakland at Allen Fieldhouse.By Matt Tait

Tom Keegan: Beaty gives captains big role in choosing punishment for handshake snub

David Beaty wasn't part of the captains' plan to stiff Baker Mayfield at the coin-toss handshake, but the coach did let the captains have a role in deciding the nature of the "punishment."

‘I’m here now’: How KU volleyball’s Taylor Alexander honors, preserves memory of late teammate

Before transferring to KU, Taylor Alexander hit her lowest point. This is the story of how she learned to stop blaming herself for what happened. By Scott Chasen

Jayhawks pick up commitment from juco CB on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving in the Kansas football offices became a little happier when the coaching staff received a verbal commitment from a junior college prospect the coaches hope can help out the Jayhawks’ secondary. Elmore Hempstead, rated a three-star juco corner by Rivals, reached out to the KU staff Thursday morning to share his decision. By Benton Smith

'Just like money': Kylee Kopatich, Jayhawks dominate first half in blowout win vs. Delaware State

When Kylee Kopatich saw her opponent on Wednesday, her ever-present smile got a little wider. By Scott Chasen

Notebook: Mike Lee's status for finale at Oklahoma State uncertain

The Kansas football team’s second-leading tackler, sophomore safety Mike Lee, might not get another chance to add to his current season total of 65 stops. Head coach David Beaty didn’t know at his weekly press conference whether Lee would be able to return to the field for Saturday’s season finale at No. 18 Oklahoma State. By Benton Smith

The loud emergence of quiet Lagerald Vick

Although his natural disposition keeps him quiet off the court, Kansas junior Lagerald Vick is anything but silent on the floor. Here's the story of how KU's fast-rising star found his voice.By Matt Tait

Tom Keegan: Put him in, coach, he's ready to play

Third-year Kansas football coach David Beaty defined the identity of this year’s team as “resiliency.” And there's one player on the roster who personifies that characteristic better than any.By Tom Keegan

Challenging junior season hasn't discouraged KU's Dorance Armstrong Jr.

Dorance Armstrong’s junior season with the Kansas football program hasn’t played out the way the massive defensive end envisioned. As his coaches adjusted schemes to make up for the unit’s shortcomings, they revised Armstrong’s responsibilities. Consequently, the sacks and tackles for loss that defined his breakout sophomore year often have been replaced by near misses and frustration. The 6-foot-4, 246-pound Houston native, though, hopes all of this will ultimately benefit him as a player. By Benton Smith

Udoka Azubuike goes for career-high, leaves Self wanting more

Svi Mykhailiuk needed only one word to summarize what will go down as one of the nastiest KU dunks in recent memory. Really, his smile said it all. By Scott Chasen

Tom Keegan: Self not one to coach to a game's score

No one can ever accuse Kansas basketball coach Bill Self of not practicing what he preaches to his players regarding not playing to the scoreboard. By Tom Keegan

Notebook: Self says Azubuike 'deserved' technical foul

He made nine of 12 shots, finished one rebound shy of a double-double (20 point and nine boards) and added a steal, a block and assist and two fouls in 27 minutes. But the main thing on the mind of Kansas coach Bill Self about big man Udoka Azubuike following Tuesday’s 114-71 whipping of Texas Southern at Allen Fieldhouse was one of the things Azubuike did wrong. By Matt Tait

Jayhawks dial up record 19 3-pointers in rout of Texas Southern

The phone call was placed with the intent to be a prank, but it turned out being a premonition. Tuesday afternoon, several hours before Bill Self's third-ranked Kansas basketball team throttled Mike Davis' Texas Southern squad, 114-71, at Allen Fieldhouse, Self gave his old friend a ring and reminder. By Matt Tait.

Jayhawks set school 3-point records in win over Texas Southern

The first half of Tuesday's game in Allen Fieldhouse resembled that of a Harlem Globetrotters’ scrimmage far more than a competitive game. Then again, it wasn't really that either. By Scott Chasen

Jayhawks lose role as captains after spurning Baker Mayfield's handshake

When the Kansas football team’s captains decided to snub Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield during pre-game unpleasantries this past weekend, they had no idea of what fallout would come. A day after their head coach, David Beaty, declared public apologies to numerous parties on their behalf, he announced at his Tuesday press conference Daniel Wise, Dorance Armstrong Jr., Joe Dineen and Jeremiah Booker will be deprived of their captain status for the upcoming season finale at No. 18 Oklahoma State. By Benton Smith

Game day Breakdown: No. 3 KU basketball vs. Texas Southern

A look at some of the keys for third-ranked Kansas in tonight's home clash with Texas Southern. By Matt Tait

Tom Keegan: Defensive-stopper role in Lagerald Vick's future

Rare is the basketball player who leaves for the arena with his mind trained on how miserable he’s going to make life for the man he will guard that night.

Jayhawks still preparing to play without freshman forward Billy Preston

Although he offered no actual update on the status of withheld forward Billy Preston, who has missed all three of KU's regular season games so far, Kansas coach Bill Self admitted to being “worried” about the situation.By Matt Tait

Notebook: 'Provoked' by Kansas, fiery Sooners QB Baker Mayfield stripped of starting job

Captured on ESPN grabbing his crotch and yelling profanities toward the Kansas sideline following a third-quarter touchdown in his team’s trouncing of the Jayhawks Saturday at Memorial Stadium, Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield won’t start or serve as a captain for the Sooners on his Senior Day. First-year OU head coach Lincoln Riley announced those punishments for his fiery Heisman Trophy-hopeful quarterback at his Monday press conference, in Norman, Okla., while also referencing the pregame handshake snub by the Jayhawks’ captains that set Mayfield down that path. By Benton Smith

Beaty apologizes to Oklahoma, KU fans, Big 12 and college football for captains' handshake snub

A couple days removed from seeing three of his Kansas football team’s defensive captains refuse to shake hands with Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield prior to kickoff, head coach David Beaty took a contrite stance on the matter Monday morning, on the Big 12 coaches media teleconference. “First of all, that was absolutely unacceptable,” Beaty began, when asked to further explain the occurrence, adding he reached out to OU head coach Lincoln Riley to apologize “on the behalf of myself and our team.” By Benton Smith

Lawrence's Amani Bledsoe enjoys 'fun' homecoming game against KU

There were more family and friends in the stands than usual, but Amani Bledsoe tried to treat Saturday’s football game against Kansas like all of the others. By Bobby NIghtengale

‘Crazy decisions’: KU overcomes turnover woes, sneaks past Yale

The sound of the final buzzer following KU’s 81-75 win over Yale brought joy to many of the 1,918 fans in Allen Fieldhouse on Sunday. Six-year-old Cole Schneider was not one of them. By Scott Chasen

KU's offense once again falls flat in loss to Oklahoma

The No. 3-ranked Oklahoma Sooners are known for their highly effective offense and a tough-to-defend quarterback in Baker Mayfield, who just might win the Heisman Trophy, in spite of his combustible personality. OU’s football team, at least this season, is not known for its defense. Nonetheless, Kansas failed to score a touchdown in its 2017 Memorial Stadium finale, a 41-3 defeat. By Benton Smith

Self thrilled by 2018 recruiting haul, but still searching for more

Even with four future Jayhawks already signed in the 2018 recruiting class, KU men's baskteball coach Bill Self and his staff are searching for more.By Matt Tait

Tom Keegan: KU's undisciplined football showing grants chancellor chance at mulligan

At what point will the power brokers at the University of Kansas pretend to care about the football team enough to be embarrassed into action? By Tom Keegan

Lokedi places 44th at NCAA championships

Kansas cross country standout Sharon Lokedi placed 44th at the NCAA Championships on Saturday at Tom Sawyer State Park in Louisville.

Notebook: Sims plays through injury vs. Oklahoma; Dineen honors late teammate

The Kansas football team’s receiving corps’ run of injury bad luck continued Saturday during a 41-3 loss to Oklahoma at Memorial Stadium. By Benton Smith

Unfriendly Affair: Despite inspired start, Jayhawks can't keep up with No. 3 Oklahoma

If the Kansas football team’s defensive captains hoped to rattle Oklahoma quarterback and Heisman Trophy candidate Baker Mayfield by refusing to shake his hand during the pre-game coin toss, the ploy’s effects weren’t nearly enough to upset the No. 3 Sooners. By Benton Smith

Tom Keegan: Heisman favorite Baker Mayfield's right hand at center of two controversies

When the best football team in the Big 12 meets the worst, the last thing anyone expects is a memorable game that grabs national attention. Yet that’s exactly what happened Saturday at Memorial Stadium, and for all the wrong reasons.

Jayhawks dropped by Sooners, Mayfield in 41-3 loss

There was an icy standoff during the opening coin toss. Some trash talk and unsportsmanlike penalties after plays. But in the end, the result was the same for the Kansas football team as all of its other Big 12 games. By Bobby Nightengale

Bill Self on Devonte' Graham: He doesn't need to get 18 a game

By this point, T.J. Otzelberger has probably had enough of coaching against Kansas guards — even if he can’t quite remember their names. By Scott Chasen

The Svi Show: Mykhailiuk shoots Jayhawks past South Dakota State, 98-64

In order for a tired group of Jayhawks to handle their business Friday night at Allen Fieldhouse, one of the Kansas basketball team’s seven scholarship players needed to step to the forefront early and plant some seeds of doubt in the minds of their opponents from South Dakota State. By Benton Smith

Tom Keegan: Walk-on Clay Young fit right in during KU's win over SDSU

Blending with stars from the perennial national powerhouse Kansas basketball team and trending on Twitter, senior forward Clay Young had an even more memorable Friday night than the luckiest of college students. By Tom Keegan

Notebook: Bill Self passes Roy Williams with win over SDSU, KU commits 0 turnovers in 1st half

Bill Self would've been just fine if the topic of his place on the all-time wins list at KU never came up. By Scott Chasen

Payne ties KU's kills record, Jayhawks top Texas Tech

Kansas All-American senior Kelsie Payne tied the program's career kills record and the volleyball team ended a two-game losing streak with a four-set road victory over Texas Tech at United Supermarkets Arena, 27-25, 25-14, 22-25, 25-22.

Billy Preston sits for third straight game; Self says no update

Three games into the season, freshman Billy Preston still hasn’t made his debut for Kansas basketball. By Benton Smith

Svi Mykhailiuk catches fire, sparks blowout win over South Dakota State

The only person who could stop Svi Mykhailiuk was Svi Mykhailiuk. Early in the first half against South Dakota State, the senior guard cot fire, tallying 19 points in what would become a blowout win. By Scott Chasen

Explosive OU offense will challenge both sides of ball for Kansas

For all the challenges the staggering Kansas football team has endured at various points throughout what stands as a nine-game losing streak, the Jayhawks just might be in for their most formidable trial yet. No. 3 Oklahoma, averaging 44.3 points a game and a nation-leading 600.7 yards, hasn’t scored fewer than 29 points in a game this season. Its opponent Saturday at Memorial Stadium, KU, hasn’t scored 30 points in a game since September and has averaged 12.5 points in the six defeats since. By Benton Smith

Game day breakdown: KU football vs. No. 3 Oklahoma

Other than the players and coaches who occupy the Kansas locker room, there might not be a single person who follows college football who expects the Jayhawks to beat Oklahoma. Earlier this week, KU chancellor Douglas Girod endorsed third-year head coach David Beaty and his long-term vision for the program. So there couldn’t be less pressure on the home team, considered a five-touchdown underdog. By Benton Smith

Game day Breakdown: No. 4 KU basketball vs. South Dakota State

A look at some of the keys for fourth-ranked Kansas in Friday's matchup with South Dakota State at Allen Fieldhouse. By Matt Tait

KU Student Senate, Kansas Athletics introduce basketball lottery system for low-income, first-generation students

A new partnership between the University of Kansas Student Senate and Kansas Athletics aims to make games at Allen Fieldhouse more accessible to traditionally underserved students.

Tom Keegan: Better stamina and fewer fouls mean more minutes for Udoka Azubuike

The most significant number produced in Kansas’ 65-61 victory over Kentucky in the Champions Classic leapt off the box score as if it were a typo. Udoka Azubuike, a broad-shouldered 7-footer who carries 280 pounds, played 34 minutes and did it against fast and quick Kentucky.

Notebook: Meacham breaks down Stanley's 3 interceptions at Texas

In his third start this season and sixth during his time at Kansas, redshirt sophomore quarterback Carter Stanley threw a career-best three touchdown passes this past Saturday at Texas. The Jayhawks’ ninth consecutive loss, though, also included three costly Stanley interceptions, a career-worst for the second-year QB. Offensive coordinator Doug Meacham broke down what went wrong for Stanley and his teammates on each giveaway. By Benton Smith

Self says Billy Preston's status unchanged

Jayhawks preparing to play without their freshman forward Friday night

The Kansas men's basketball team went into Thursday's practice preparing to play Friday's game against South Dakota State without Billy Preston. By Matt Tait

In the zone: Stifling defense guides KU women to 72-37 win over Texas Southern

After a strong first quarter sparked the Kansas women's basketball team to an 18-point victory over Campbell in the Jayhawks' season opener on Sunday, Brandon Schneider's squad used a big second quarter to pull away from Texas Southern in a 72-37 win over the Tigers on Wednesday in Allen Fieldhouse. By Chris Duderstadt

KU's Rychagova ranked No. 1 in singles

After posting a 10-2 singles record in the fall, Kansas junior Anastasia Rychagova was ranked the No. 1 singles player in the country by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association on Wednesday.

KU volleyball swept at Texas

Madison Rigdon returned to the court for the first time in three games, but the Kansas volleyball team was swept by second-ranked Texas (25-23, 25-22, 25-16) on Wednesday at Gregory Gymnasium.

Five-star guard Quentin Grimes calls feeling of signing with KU indescribable

Quentin Grimes, a five-star guard ranked No. 11 by Rivals.com in the Class of 2018, announced his commitment to Kansas at a ceremony at College Park High in The Woodlands, Texas on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017. Shortly thereafter, he sent his national letter of intent to the KU basketball offices to make his commitment official. By Matt Tait

Tom Keegan: Duke, led by Grayson Allen, justifies No. 1 ranking at Champions Classic

Chicago — Legendary Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski talked about his team after it defeat Michigan State, but some of his words applied just as well to Kansas after its attractively flawed grinder of a close triumph over ridiculously young, talented Kentucky.

Free State's Claire Campbell signs to swim under her dad at KU

When Free State senior Claire Campbell was ready to commit to the Kansas swimming team in late September, she made a phone call to tell her future coach. Sometimes good news can’t wait. Her dad, KU coach Clark Campbell, was out of town, so they celebrated over the phone.

Regents OK $26 million indoor practice facility for KU football

The facility is planned as just one part of an overall $300 million renovation of Memorial Stadium. KU is the only school in the Big 12 conference that does not have a dedicated indoor football facility, according to Chancellor Doug Girod.

KMCI-TV reaches deal with Spectrum Sports to simulcast early-season KU basketball games

There's good news for Kansas City-area Kansas basketball fans who in recent years have struggled to see a handful of early-season KU games televised on The Jayhawk Network. By Matt Tait

OU coach Lincoln Riley not biggest fan of competing against brother Garrett, of KU

When first-year Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley leads his Sooners, currently No. 4 in the College Football Playoff rankings, into Memorial Stadium Saturday to face faltering Kansas, he will do his best to overlook the fact that his younger brother, Garrett, will be part of the opposition. By Benton Smith

Jayhawks want to get sophomore center Udoka Azubuike more shots

On a night when the Kansas men's basketball team shot 35 percent from the floor and won, the one Jayhawk who finished with a field goal percentage above 50 percent had just five attempts. By Matt Tait

KU says benched basketball player hit curb on 19th Street, damaged tires; university still mum on 'financial picture'

Local law enforcement agencies did not take any reports over the weekend of a vehicle accident involving University of Kansas basketball player Billy Preston.

‘Big-boy play’: KU dominates offensive boards in ‘great, grind-it-out win’

Sometime in the hours before his 2:30 a.m. snack of popcorn ended up on his beard — and Devonte’ Graham’s Snapchat story — Malik Newman was hitting a crucial shot in KU’s 65-61 win over Kentucky. Yet it was the play before that encapsulated the difference in the game. By Scott Chasen

KU coach Bill Self confident freshman forward Billy Preston will be back but unsure of when

Shortly after his team survived a scare from seventh-ranked Kentucky despite playing basically just six guys, Kansas coach Bill Self offered a little more information into the traffic incident that kept freshman forward Billy Preston in street clothes. By Matt Tait

Clutch plays key Kansas victory over Kentucky at Champions Classic

Just about everything visual about Tuesday's Champions Classic clash between No. 4 Kansas and No. 7 Kentucky at United Center showed that the Wildcats had won. That is, unless you were looking at the scoreboard. While John Calipari's latest crop of young Kentucky Wildcats made the bigger, brighter and louder plays throughout the game's first 30 minutes, it was the Kansas experience that closed and led the Jayhawks to a 65-61 victory. By Matt Tait

Tom Keegan: Udoka Azubuike lifts up the Jayhawks in win over Kentucky

Udoka Azubuike and Mitch Lightfoot. That’s it as far as front-court players go for Kansas unless and until athletic department administrators are satisfied that a “clearer financial picture specific to the vehicle,” freshman Billy Preston was driving in a one-car accident Saturday morning does not impair the talented freshman forward’s eligibility. By Tom Keegan

No. 4 Jayhawks top No. 5 Wildcats in blue blood battle

College basketball’s two winningest programs squared off Tuesday night at Chicago’s United Center, and though the game footage won’t be headed to the hall of fame, blue bloods Kansas and Kentucky provided some early season drama in the nightcap of the Champions Classic. Coach Bill Self’s Jayhawks prevailed, 65-61, against John Calipari’s Wildcats in a battle of top-five teams that wasn’t decided until the final minute.

Notebook: Preston sits again due to off-the-court incident; Newman earns first start

For the second consecutive game, Kansas freshman Billy Preston did not suit up for the Jayhawks during Tuesday's Champions Classic clash with Kentucky at United Center. By Matt Tait

Another off-the-court incident sidelines KU's Billy Preston vs. Kentucky

Chicago — For the second consecutive game, Kansas freshman Billy Preston did not suit up for the Jayhawks during Tuesday's Champions Classic clash with Kentucky at United Center.

Four Jayhawks out for final two KU football games

With two games left, the Kansas football team will have to conclude its schedule without four regular contributors. Head coach David Beaty announced Tuesday junior receivers Tyler Patrick and Jeremiah Booker, as well as freshman receiver Quan Hampton and junior cornerback Shakial Taylor have suffered season-ending injuries. By Benton Smith

Appreciative of chancellor's endorsement, Beaty says KU football in 'middle' of his plan

According to David Beaty, he didn’t expect Monday to have University of Kansas chancellor Douglas Girod declare support for him as the football coach, while doing the same for athletic director Sheahon Zenger and the current direction of the program. Beaty unsurprisingly said at his weekly press conference Tuesday Girod’s endorsement “means a ton” to the him, his staff and the players. By Benton Smith

Tom Keegan: Beaty and Zenger prove Leo Durocher still right

The day after David Booth’s $50 million donation was announced at a dinner at the Jayhawk Club attended by most of the coaches in the University of Kansas athletic department, I chatted with him for 20 minutes before KU’s 56-34 loss to West Virginia.

Tom Keegan: Does winning in football mean as much as it once did to Kansas Athletics?

Of all the conversations between new University of Kansas chancellor Douglas Girod and seventh-year athletic director Sheahon Zenger, the one I most would have liked to hear: The chancellor asking the AD some form of the question on the minds of many: You fired Turner Gill with a 5-19 record and Charlie Weis at 6-22. What makes 3-31 better than 5-19 and 6-22?

KU chancellor states confidence in AD Zenger, football coach Beaty

'A competitive football program is important to our university'

In a message he sent to University of Kansas students and faculty members Monday afternoon and posted on the university’s website, chancellor Douglas Girod stated his confidence in both athletic director Sheahon Zenger and KU football coach David Beaty. By Benton Smith

Game day Breakdown: No. 4 KU basketball vs. No. 7 Kentucky

A look at some of the keys for fourth-ranked Kansas in Tuesday night's Champions Classic clash with No. 7 Kentucky in Chicago. By Matt Tait

Five-star KU recruit Silvio De Sousa's letter of intent arrives in Lawrence

It remains to be seen if he will be eligible to play for the Kansas basketball program this season. But there's no mistaking that 6-foot-9, 245-pound forward Silvio De Sousa, of IMG Academy by way of Angola, is a Jayhawk. By Matt Tait

'Can't stop me there': Kylee Kopatich, Jayhawks dominate Campbell in opener

The icy look on Kylee Kopatich's face held up until the game was out of reach. Even then, a song that blared over the PA system in Allen Fieldhouse might have had something to do with it. By Scott Chasen

KU offense laments first-down duds in second half at Texas

In a rare road game that took on a competitive feel after halftime, KU’s most costly transgression at Texas may have been backfiring first downs in the third quarter which left the offense unable to pounce. By Benton Smith

Notebook: Tyler Patrick exits with injury; KU's defense without three starters

The third quarter of the Kansas football team’s 42-27 loss at Texas Saturday night got off to a somber start. On the offense’s first series after halftime, junior receiver Steven Sims Jr. converted a third-and-10 by making a wicked cut in the open field for a 26-yard gain. However, his teammate, receiver Tyler Patrick, suffered a severe left-leg injury on the same play. By Benton Smith

Tom Keegan: Jayhawks' road futility reaches record length

A revolving door of quarterbacks is the face of the longest road losing streak in the history of college football’s highest division. By Tom Keegan

Missed Chances: Longhorns capitalize on KU's mistakes; Jayhawks fall at Texas

The Texas football team made a point to exploit Kansas for its most glaring flaws Saturday night. When the Jayhawks failed to do the same, the Longhorns had little trouble avenging their storied program’s infamous 2016 loss to forlorn KU. By Benton Smith

Five-star big man David McCormack inks with Kansas

A few hours after the Kansas basketball program announced the signing of Class of 2018 point guard Devon Dotson on Saturday, a second letter of intent arrived in the KU basketball offices. By Matt Tait

Turnovers cost Jayhawks in 42-27 loss to Texas

The Kansas football team committed four turnovers in the first half Saturday and lost its 45th consecutive road game against Texas, 42-27, at Darrell K. Royal Stadium. By Bobby Nightengale

Tennessee State coach Ford on KU's Graham: 'You really can't guard him'

After putting up stellar statistics that did not officially count during KU’s three exhibition games, Kansas point guard Devonté Graham finally got his senior season off and running on Friday night and nearly recorded a triple-double in the process. By Matt Tait

Class of 2018 point guard Devon Dotson officially a Jayhawk

The Kansas men’s basketball team officially has its point guard of the near future. With Frank Mason III now playing in the NBA and Devonté Graham playing his final season as a Jayhawk, KU coach Bill Self knew he needed a lead guard to replace them and zeroed in on Devon Dotson, a five-star point guard from Charlotte. By Matt Tait

‘Wake up’: KU volleyball swept by Baylor, ‘ripped’ in locker room

It's possible no one on the KU volleyball team took care of business on Saturday with more urgency than a member of the KU Athletics staff. That left coach Ray Bechard with a bitter taste in his mouth after the match against Baylor. By Scott Chasen

Lokedi takes 2nd at Midwest Regional

Kansas junior runner Sharon Lokedi placed second at the Midwest Regional at Iowa State on Friday, qualifying for the NCAA cross country championships next week.

Tom Keegan: Freshman Marcus Garrett makes most of surprise start

Malik Newman, who had been starting in the exhibition games, didn’t hear his name called with the KU basketball starters, replaced by the stealth newcomer, the one who was not a hamburger All-American and didn’t play on the national AAU circuit, freshman swingman Marcus Garrett from Dallas. Garrett handled the nerves that went with the promotion and his debut well enough to record a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. He also had two steals and had just one of his team’s 20 turnovers. By Tom Keegan

Magnificent seven: Shortened rotation no issue for KU in season-opening rout

So much of the talk about the 2017-18 Kansas basketball team centered on whether the Jayhawks had enough depth, particularly in the front court, to be the kind of team they want to be and one the fans expect. Friday night, in a 92-56, season-opening whipping of Tennessee State at Allen Fieldhouse, the fourth-ranked Jayhawks played a man down and proved even that was not a problem. By Matt Tait

Notebook: Jayhawks can finally shift focus toward Kentucky

Now that the fourth-ranked Kansas basketball team has done what head coach Bill Self asked by focusing solely on Friday night’s home opener — a 92-56 pasting of Tennessee State at Allen Fieldhouse — all of the Jayhawks’ attention can turn to Kentucky. By Matt Tait

Jayhawks ride blistering start in win over Tennessee State

Think the Jayhawks were ready to play in a real game? The way they started Friday's regular-season opener, it certainly looked that way. By Scott Chasen

Jayhawks hopeful last year's win vs. Texas good for their psyche

The most successful veterans on the Kansas football roster, such as junior receiver Steven Sims Jr., will rightfully tell you a nearly year-old result won’t determine the outcome of Saturday’s rematch against Texas. Still, a notion exists that the familiarity and favorable associations with the Longhorns could prove beneficial for the Jayhawks. By Benton Smith

Game day Breakdown: KU football at Texas

No offense to Kansas kicker Gabriel Rui, who is enjoying a successful senior season, with 13 made field goals on 15 attempts, with a long of 43. But the Jayhawks will be much better off if Rui doesn’t attempt any field goals. They only want to see Rui running on and off the field for extra points, a category in which he has made 18 and attempted 18 — both lows for a Big 12 team. By Benton Smith

A hoops heritage: As KU men’s basketball tips off its 120th season, a Naismith recalls the man who started it all

One of six consecutive James Naismiths in the family’s lineage, including his own son, grandson and great-grandson, Jim Naismith has spent a large portion of his life seeking to learn more about his grandfather. As Kansas basketball tips off its 120th season at 8 p.m. tonight against Tennessee State at Allen Fieldhouse — KU’s first game was played Feb. 3, 1899, with Naismith himself coaching on the sideline — he'll be watching from his home in Texas.

Gameday Breakdown: No. 4 KU basketball vs. Tennessee State

A look at some of the keys for No. 4 Kansas in tonight's regular-season opener at Allen Fieldhouse against Tennessee State. By Matt Tait

Devonte' Graham's turn to take the keys for Kansas has arrived

It did not take Kansas senior Devonte’ Graham long to get excited about tonight’s regular season opener. Just minutes after Tuesday’s exhibition victory over Fort Hays State, Graham told teammates in the locker room, ‘It’s finally here,’ and now it really is, as the fourth-ranked Jayhawks will kick off the 2017-18 campaign at 8 p.m. tonight against Tennessee State at Allen Fieldhouse. By Matt Tait

Class of 2018 big man Silvio De Sousa seeking NCAA approval to join Jayhawks early

A handful of Twitter messages that surfaced Thursday suggesting that Class of 2018 power forward Silvio De Sousa had been authorized to join the Kansas basketball program in time for the second semester of the current season were not quite accurate. But the Tweets, which came from what appears to be some kind of KU fan account and have since been deleted, were not completely unfounded. By Matt Tait

'Kings of just almost': Numerous issues compromising KU football offense

With only 289 total yards and 163 passing yards to show for a 38-9 home loss to previously winless Baylor, the only games in which the Jayhawks produced fewer total and passing yards this fall came in shutout road blowouts at Iowa State and TCU. Upon reviewing the latest unsatisfactory performance, KU offensive coordinator Doug Meacham wished there was only a single issue to address. Instead he observed plays breaking down because of a specific player one snap and an entirely different offender the next. By Benton Smith

Little by little: KU volleyball shuffles rotation, defeats K-State in four sets

Addison Barry and Allie Nelson started to laugh as they looked back at each other outside the KU locker room. After surviving a hard-fought match against K-State, the two had plenty of reasons to smile. By Scott Chasen

Tom Keegan: Jayhawks not the same without master of all volleyball trades Madison Rigdon

For the second match in a row, Kansas senior outside hitter Madison Rigdon from Pflugerville, Texas, was sidelined because of an undisclosed medical condition Wednesday night at Horejsi Center with rival Kansas State in town.

Texas has 'a little extra motivation' for this week's football matchup with KU

Nearly a year has passed since the Kansas football team, in its 2016 home finale, gave David Beaty his first Big 12 victory as a head coach, simultaneously providing a beleaguered fan base with a sense of better days down the road. In the 10 games since an overtime win against Texas at Memorial Stadium, the Jayhawks have defeated just one other team, Southeast Missouri State — a fact that can’t sit well with the Longhorns, the only opponent in KU’s previous 27 Big 12 games to go down in defeat. By Benton Smith

Self seeking better days from KU defense as regular season draws near

While the lack of energy and intensity made KU's latest exhibition victory more of a sloppy affair, KU coach Bill Self came away most disappointed with the way his team played defense on Tuesday night against Fort Hays State. By Matt Tait

Bill Self, Jayhawks OK with imperfect dress rehearsal in 86-57 win over Fort Hays State

On Broadway, the goal of a final dress rehearsal is to run through the material as smoothly and flawlessly as possible. At Allen Fieldhouse, it’s a bit of a different story. By Matt Tait

Tom Keegan: Devonté Graham relieves stress whenever he's on the court

Devonte’ Graham takes a seat and the possessions become ragged, questions surface about this Kansas basketball team. Stress enters the viewing experience. By Tom Keegan

Notebook: KU's shallow bench leads to unique lineups in final minutes of exhibition wins

For the second time in a seven-day span, Kansas rode out the final few minutes of an exhibition victory — 86-57 over Fort Hays State on Tuesday night at Allen Fieldhouse — with regular rotation players on the floor. By Matt Tait

Jayhawks put away Fort Hays State late in final exhibition

After playing the first half as if they were over the idea of exhibition basketball, No. 4-ranked Kansas finished the second half appearing more regular-season ready Tuesday night at Allen Fieldhouse. The visiting Fort Hays State Tigers kept it close before halftime, often beating the Jayhawks to loose balls and out-working them on the glass. But KU quickly returned to its expected form late, running away with a 86-57 win to conclude exhibition play. By Benton Smith

Kansas extends scholarship offer to dual-threat, junior college quarterback

Kansas has extended a scholarship offer to Victor Viramontes, a 6-foot-2, 230-pound quarterback, according to Rivals.com.

Notebook: Injury to Stanley could mean change at QB; Beaty's message to fans losing patience

As a reeling Kansas football team aims to recover from its eighth consecutive defeat, it could enter this weekend’s game at Texas down a starting quarterback. By Benton Smith

KU freshman Marcus Garrett happy to play wherever he's needed

Praised for his versatility, KU freshman Marcus Garrett already is proving to be a valuable player in a number of positions. By Matt Tait

Gameday Breakdown: KU basketball vs. Fort Hays State

A look at some of the keys for No. 4 Kansas in Tuesday night's exhibition finale against Fort Hays State at Allen Fieldhouse. By Matt Tait

Tom Keegan: Facts contradict Sheahon Zenger's faith in David Beaty

If only third-year Kansas head football coach David Beaty had followed his own advice, he might have more fodder with which to state his case for keeping his job beyond this season.

Beaty prefers not to reveal how many KU football players on scholarship

Nearing the conclusion of his third year, head coach David Beaty said following the Jayhawks’ home loss to Baylor the Bears were in “nowhere near” as bad a situation in the first year under coach Matt Rhule as KU was two seasons earlier, when he took over. According to Beaty, the team he coached in 2015 season was down “30-plus scholarships.” So how many scholarship players is Kansas up to right now? The Jayhawks’ head coach declined to answer that question Monday. By Benton Smith

KU football coach David Beaty 'not at all' concerned about contract or future with program

Two days after his team dropped a home game to previously winless Baylor, extending the current Kansas football losing streak to eight games, head coach David Beaty wasn’t feeling concerned about the status of his contract. “I’m not at all. I feel great,” Beaty said Monday morning on the Big 12 coaches media teleconference, when asked about his future moving forward, now close to 11 months after signing a contract extension with KU that runs through the 2021 season and includes a $3.2 million buyout. By Benton Smith

'Really, really soft': KU women's basketball 'out-hustled,' 'out-toughed' in win over Pittsburg State

The toughest part of the KU women’s basketball team on Sunday may very well have been the look of its best player. By Scott Chasen

LB Joe Dineen: KU football fans 'deserve so much better'

Reality this weekend didn’t live up to the expectations Kansas football players and coaches had going into a matchup with previously winless Baylor. In the wake of a 38-9 home loss to the Bears, junior KU linebacker Joe Dineen explained why such a result was indefensible. By Benton Smith

For KU newcomers, certain steps must be taken before impact can be made

Whether you're a five-star freshman or a highly-touted transfer, finding your footing in the Kansas basketball program often takes time.By Matt Tait

Gary Woodland tied for fourth in Shriners Hospitals for Children Open

Gary Woodland fired a 3-under 68 Saturday in the Shriners Hopsitals for Children Open to move into a four-way tie for fourth-place, four strokes behind the lead at 5-under heading into the final round.

KU volleyball tops TCU in four sets

Playing without All-American outside hitter Madison Rigdon, the Kansas volleyball team rolled past TCU in four sets Saturday (25-23, 25-17, 18-25, 25-17) at University Recreation Center.

Tom Keegan: Clear need emerges on cloudy day; time for change

The flyover before kickoff Saturday morning at Memorial Stadium could be heard but not seen. The cloud that has hovered over Kansas football for nearly a decade blocked it from view, a harbinger of what was to come on a day in which little went according to plan. By Tom Keegan

Notebook: KU's Shakial Taylor, Mike Lee exit with injuries against Baylor

In a game the Kansas football team needed desperately to win, the Jayhawks’ defense spent the majority of what proved to be a 38-9 victory for previously winless Baylor without a key member of its secondary. By Benton Smith

Bounced by Baylor: Jayhawks frustrated by 'unacceptable' 38-9 loss

On a gray Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium the Kansas football season sunk to new levels of dreariness. By Benton Smith

Gilbert Brown has the last laugh, joins KU's Ring of Honor

It’s not often that former Kansas football defensive lineman Gilbert Brown makes it back to Lawrence, but the one-time Super Bowl champion with the Green Bay Packers, who splits his time between Michigan and Wisconsin these days, didn’t think twice about making the journey this weekend. By Benton Smith

New attack-first mentality paying off for KU backcourt

It’s still early, and the sample size is small, but there already exists enough evidence to suggest that the work Kansas senior Devonte’ Graham put in this offseason in one key area might be paying off. By Matt Tait

Jayhawks crushed by Baylor, remain in last place in Big 12

In a game between the bottom two teams in the Big 12 Conference, the Kansas football team stumbled into some of the same problems that have plagued the team all season. A multiple touchdown deficit at halftime. The offense never found the end zone. By Bobby Nightengale

Tom Keegan: Winning more expensive than ever

If you want to be remembered in sports, generate a buzz, become the center of attention, you have to win. Sometimes, especially in desperate times, that means you must keep on spending money until you get it right.

'Tough' Kansas QB Carter Stanley enters second start of year with long leash

The Kansas football staff proved a week ago it doesn’t mind switching things up at quarterback in search of a spark. But that doesn’t mean the coaches will have new starting QB Carter Stanley on a short leash versus Baylor. By Benton Smith

Gameday Breakdown: KU football vs. Baylor

While Kansas head coach David Beaty typically downplays the ramifications of a single game on the entire rebuilding process, the third-year head coach pivoted this week when asked whether the BU game carries with it added significance, because the winner moves out of last place in the league standings. By Benton Smith

Tom Keegan: Chuck Woodling, a bona fide original

One of my first days on the job in August of 2005. Chuck Woodling had recently stepped down as Journal-World sports editor and into his new role as the most productive, famous part-time sportswriter in Kansas. We were walking up Mass Street to grab lunch.

KU football uniforms to pay homage to Civil War regiment with complicated legacy

When the KU football team pays tribute to the Sunflower State’s Civil War heritage in this weekend’s game against Baylor, they’ll also be honoring a Kansas abolitionist fighter with a murky past.

Mike Lee aims to rectify on-field mistakes that cost him starting job

Because typical starting safety Mike Lee understood the missed assignments and tackles that inspired defensive coordinator Clint Bowen to take away his starting job weren’t acceptable, the demotion began having its intended effect on him as soon as the ensuing practice. By Benton Smith

'You take it for granted': KU soccer's season ended by TCU in Big 12 tournament

Lois Heuchan, a senior, buried her head into the shoulder of a coach. The tears were already streaming down her face. It was all beginning to set in. By Scott Chasen

Tom Keegan: Baylor game arrives at perfect time for Kansas

Baylor, the best shot for Kansas to win a Big 12 game, arrives at the perfect time on the schedule for the Jayhawks.

Former Journal-World sports editor Chuck Woodling dies at 76

Chuck Woodling, sports editor of the Journal-World for 37 years and a resident of Lawrence for 49 years died Wednesday after battling the effects of acute myeloid leukemia for nearly four years.

Emphasis on glass vs. Pitt State proves Jayhawks were listening

If you’re looking for something meaningful to take away from Tuesday’s 100-54, exhibition victory by Kansas over Pittsburg State at Allen Fieldhouse, don’t look too closely at the stat sheet. By Matt Tait

Modest Mesa Ribordy praised by KU football teammates

Offense rebounds with center's return

Redshirt sophomore center Mesa Ribordy isn’t the type of football player to tout his own performance or boast about how much he means to the Kansas offense. Don’t worry. His teammates and coaches will. By Benton Smith

KU basketball opens season 4th in Associated Press poll

The Kansas men’s basketball team cracked the Top 5 in The Associated Press’ preseason college basketball poll, released on Wednesday. By Matt Tait

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