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Tuesday, July 31
An overview of what's in store as Jeff Long officially moves into AD office at KU
Today is new KU athletic director Jeff Long’s first day on the job. And while that might sound exciting and worthy of some kind of official recognition, Day 1 figures to be pretty tame. Here's a look at his first day along with what might be on the agenda for the weeks and months ahead. By Matt Tait
Former KU thrower named to USATF roster
Kansas track and field alum Mason Finley was named to the USA Track & Field roster for the 2018 North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC) Senior Championships. The event will be held at Varsity Stadium in Toronto, Canada, August 10-12.
David Beaty prepared to 'welcome' Jeff Long behind the scenes of KU football program
As Jeff Long heads into his first official day on the job at the University of Kansas on Wednesday, one of his most visible new employees, David Beaty, looks forward to formally introducing the new athletic director to the ins and outs of the football program. By Benton Smith
KU volleyball promotes former setter to assistant coach
Kansas volleyball head coach Ray Bechard has promoted director of operations Maggie Bowen to assistant coach for the 2018 season. Bowen replaces former assistant coach Kelly Files, who resigned for personal reasons after coaching spring practices.
Monday, July 30
KU thrower claims gold at German U20 Championships
Kansas track and field thrower Lea Riedel won the women's shot put at the German U20 Championships, Sunday in Rostock, Germany.
Notebook: Key KU football players changing jersey numbers
When the Kansas football team makes its season debut on Sept. 1, a few Jayhawks the program’s followers got used to watching in certain uniform numbers will take the field sporting new digits. Plus: KU updated its 2018 roster for the first time since the spring semester earlier this month, unveiling the jersey numbers and measurements for its newest players, who arrived in the summer as either freshmen or transfers. By Benton Smith
2nd annual Ross Randall Shootout attracts 31 competitors
It’s now officially a tradition. For the second year in a row, more than two dozen former KU golfers, many of them teaching professionals today, got together for a one-day event to honor their late head coach, Ross Randall.
Uncertainty offers flexibility in KU's pursuit of Class of 2019 hoops prospects
After a furious month of live evaluation, Kansas basketball coach Bill Self and the rest of the college basketball world are set for a little break. By Matt Tait
Sunday, July 29
Air Raid alteration? KU football offense could shift toward ground attack
Through three seasons of the David Beaty era, the University of Kansas version of college football’s trendy Air Raid offense has failed to yield the type of results that would make the program competitive, let alone turn it around. It seems this fall the embattled head coach might be through trying to prove KU can produce an effective passing attack. By Benton Smith
KU PG Charlie Moore eager to 'learn and get better' during second trip to Italy
The last time Kansas point guard Charlie Moore hopped onto a plane bound for Italy, he carried a much different approach than the one he has today. By Matt Tait
Saturday, July 28
Jayhawks maintain Border War bragging rights with 109-101 alumni victory
Brandon Rush explodes for 46 points to lead Kansas
Of all the memorable moments and big games he had against the rival Missouri Tigers during his three-year KU career, former Kansas great Brandon Rush never did anything quite like this. By Matt Tait
Former Missouri players reflect on favorite moments of Border War
There have been a number of memorable moments during the historic rivalry between Kansas and Missouri. For former Tiger Keyon Dooling, though, one play still stands with him 18 years later. Moments before the scrimmage between alums from both schools — a game dubbed “Rivalry Renewed” — Dooling reflected on the greatest dunk that never happened. By Shane Jackson
Friday, July 27
KU football lands commitment from Class of 2019 running back
With temperatures in the 70s for its annual Friday Night Lights football camp, the Kansas football program’s recruiting for the 2019 class heated up when the Jayhawks landed an oral commitment from running back Cole Mueller.
Thursday, July 26
Jeff Withey enjoys KU's size amid evolution of basketball
It’s no secret that basketball has changed at both the collegiate and professional level.
KU tennis signs two players to add depth to veteran squad
The Kansas team added more foreign flavor to its experienced roster after announcing the signings of Plobrung Plipuech and Sofia Smagina for the 2018-19 campaign.
KU women's track lands on USTFCCCA All-Academic Team list; 17 Jayhawks honored
After posting a combined grade-point average of 3.35, the hard work in the classroom paid off for Kansas women's track and field team with being placed on the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association All-Academic Team list on Thursday.
KU linebacker nominated for 2018 Wuerffel Trophy
Kansas senior linebacker Joe Dineen Jr. was named one of 106 nominees for the 2018 Wuerfful Trophy Thursday.
Wednesday, July 25
KU tennis tandem selected as ITA Scholar Athletes
Kansas senior tennis player Nina Khmelnitckaia and KU alumna Despoina Vogasari were recipients of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Scholar Athlete Award on Tuesday.
Three KU men's golfers tabbed as All-America Scholars by Golf Coaches Association of America
Former Kansas men's golfers Daniel Sutton and Daniel Hudson and KU senior Charlie Hillier were recognized for their studies when they were selected as Cleveland Golf/Srixon All-America Scholars by the Golf Coaches Association of America on Wednesday.
Frank Mason hosts youth basketball camp in Lawrence
During his charity softball game in June, former Kansas guard Frank Mason decided to seek reinforcements for another event in late July. Mason asked Sherron Collins, a fellow former point guard, if he would be willing to help out with a youth basketball camp. Without hesitation, Collins agreed to serve as a special guest for Mason’s youth basketball camp at Sports Pavilion Lawrence on Wednesday.
Megan Smith leaves KU, named Marshall softball coach
Megan Smith, head coach of the Kansas softball program for the past nine years, was named to the same position at Marshall Wednesday afternoon. Rich Wieligman will serve as the interim head coach for the Jayhawks until they find a replacement.
David Beaty hopeful veteran KU football team can follow ISU's path to success
Two years ago, Iowa State’s football program endured its fourth consecutive season with three or fewer victories. Then the Cyclones took off in 2017. Eternal optimist David Beaty would like to see his Kansas football program mimic ISU’s escape from the doldrums this fall. By Benton Smith
Russian tennis duo enters final season at KU with determination
For Anastasia Rychagova and Nina Khmelnitckaia, who will be seniors this year, it seems like just yesterday that the two arrived in Lawrence from Moscow, Russia.
Tuesday, July 24
KU releases federal subpoenas in college basketball investigation
Text messages, emails, enrollment records, financial aid documents and other such information from the University of Kansas now may be in the hands of federal prosecutors investigating the college basketball recruiting scandal.
Wise named to Bronko Nagurski Trophy watchlist
Kansas senior defensive lineman Daniel Wise continues to rack up preseason recognition.
KU players selected for 2018 Outland Trophy watchlist
A pair of Kansas players were recognized on the preseason watchlist for the 2018 Outland Trophy, which was released by the Football Writers Association of America on Tuesday.
Koch dominates ITA Summer Circuit
Kansas Janet Koch, who will be a senior this year, had a successful showing at the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Summer Circuit final at the Jayhawk Tennis Center Monday.
Frank Mason to host youth camp in Lawrence
Former Kansas standout Frank Mason will return to Lawrence this week. Mason, who played for the Jayhawks from 2013-17, will host a youth basketball camp at Sports Pavilion Lawrence on Wednesday. The first session, which is for kids between the ages of 7-13, will start at 10 a.m. and finish at 1 p.m. The second season for 14-17 year-old players will start at 2 p.m. and finish at 5 p.m.
KU women to face LSU in 2018 SEC/Big 12 Challenge
The Big 12 and Southeastern Conference will continue its challenge again this winter. The Kansas women's basketball team will travel to LSU Thursday, Nov. 29 for its matchup in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge, the team announced Monday afternoon.
Expedited QB competition could benefit KU offense
'Just pick one and we'll ride with one'
If everything goes according to plan, members of the Kansas football team’s offense won’t have to wait all of preseason camp and the week leading up to the season opener — like they did last year — to learn the identity of the starting quarterback. Those intentions sounded appealing to at least one prominent Jayhawk who, like the starting quarterback to (hypothetically) be named sooner rather than later, will play a crucial role for the offense. By Benton Smith
Monday, July 23
Junior guard Sam Cunliffe leaving Kansas
The Kansas career of guard Sam Cunliffe, which really never got off the ground, has come to a close. By Matt Tait
KU teammates seeing new, improved version of Lagerald Vick
Despite having limited past interactions with the lone senior on this year’s roster, two current Kansas basketball players recently acknowledged recently that they had been thrilled by what they had seen so far from Lagerald Vick, who decided to return to KU after dabbling with the idea of leaving school a year early. By Matt Tait
Notebook: Daniel Wise knew of Jeff Long’s reputation before KU hired new AD
Most high-level student-athletes have enough going on as undergraduates that the hiring of an athletic director might not resonate until they interact with their head coach’s boss face to face. However, Kansas football senior Daniel Wise happened to know plenty about Jeff Long before KU chancellor Douglas Girod ever announced his hiring. By Benton Smith
Sunday, July 22
KU defensive lineman Isi Holani arrested on suspicion of DUI
Kansas defensive lineman Isi Holani early Sunday morning was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, according the Douglas County Sherrif’s online booking report.
KU volleyball coach Ray Bechard pleased with new AD
Kansas volleyball coach Ray Bechard did his homework on his new boss. As soon as Kansas hired Jeff Long as the university’s new athletic director, Bechard reached out to people that have worked with Long. Bechard heard nothing but positive things about his new athletic director, which he saw firsthand during Long’s introductory press conference in the Lied Center Pavilion Wednesday. By Shane Jackson
Saturday, July 21
Notebook: New KU TE Saunders on watch list; Beaty likes Long's 'vision'
The next catch Mavin Saunders makes in a college football game will be his first in a Kansas football uniform, as well as his first recorded reception since late in the 2016 season. Nevertheless, the former Florida State passing target enters the fall as one of more than 60 players on the John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List. By Benton Smith
Suddenly well-known Porter Moser in Lawrence recruiting
A year after Loyola-Chicago basketball coach Porter Moser recruited the Hardwood Classic in Lawrence, he returned this weekend for the 2018 event with a Final Four ring and a whole lot more recognition. By Matt Tait
Friday, July 20
Dunk contest, 3-point shootout highlight Day 2 of Hardwood Classic
4 current Jayhawks on hand to judge
The Hardwood Classic AAU event out at Sports Pavilion Lawrence capped off its second day on Friday with a spirited dunk and 3-point contest that wowed the crowd and got the adrenaline flowing in all four corners of the massive gym. By Matt Tait
New Kansas AD no stranger to working with big-time college basketball
During his introductory news conference last week, new Kansas athletic director Jeff Long made it crystal clear that the struggling Kansas football culture, coach and program would have his full attention when he officially takes over on Aug. 1. But don’t mistake that for Long jumping into his new job with tunnel vision. By Matt Tait
KU football veterans encouraged by addition of OL Alex Fontana
One of the freshest additions to the Kansas football program, offensive lineman Alex Fontana quickly impressed new teammates upon arriving in Lawrence earlier this summer. By Benton Smith
Thursday, July 19
Big 12 Commissioner on sports gambling: Still in wait-and-see mode
Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby kicked off the Big 12 Media Days with a lengthy discussion on a variety of topics Monday morning in Frisco, Texas. One of the first topics Bowlsby discussed was about a conference-wide discussion about legalized sports gambling. Bowlsby had prepared for a number of questions during the opening day, but sports gambling was not a topic he expected to talk about.
Kansas WR Steven Sims Jr. dashing into forefront as senior
KU's top pass-catcher on Biletnikoff watch list
Anyone who follows the University of Kansas football program knows how impactful Steven Sims Jr. can be as a receiver. Leading into his senior year with the Jayhawks, others are beginning to pay attention to Sims, too. By Benton Smith
Mykhailiuk shines among former Jayhawks in Summer League
Former KU sharpshooter Svi Mykhailiuk gave Jayhawk fans plenty of reason to care about the NBA Summer League this year.By Shane Jackson
Wednesday, July 18
Oklahoma defensive end Amani Bledsoe on opposite side as high school coach now
In his 19 seasons as head football coach of Lawrence High, Dirk Wedd did not coach many players as talented as Oklahoma defensive lineman Amani Bledsoe.
New Big 12 coordinator of officials discusses rule changes
Big 12’s new Coordinator of Officials made his debut at the Big 12 Media Days in Frisco, Texas. Greg Burks, who replaced Walt Anderson in June, spoke to reporters Tuesday about the new rule changes that were implemented over the offseason. Burks was a referee for the first CFP National Championship, while serving as an official for the Big 12 from 1996-2014.
Tuesday, July 17
Tom Keegan: David Beaty could leave scholarship situation roughly same as one he inherited
Dealing in reality, one must conclude that Beaty has made a scholarship situation that seemingly only had one way to go (up) neither better nor worse during his three-and-a-half years on the job.
Notebook: David Beaty's 'reality' includes 'urgency' to produce KU football wins
Over the past year, David Beaty often has asserted he deals in “reality” when it comes to the onerous business of reversing the University of Kansas football program’s fortunes. Currently, just ahead of his fourth season leading the Jayhawks, Beaty said his vantage point remains un-skewed. And he understands that because of the team’s 3-33 record under his watch and the arrival of new athletic director Jeff Long, his existence currently involves much outside speculation about his job security. By Benton Smith
After contemplating leaving KU, linebacker Joe Dineen optimistic about senior season
It only took a nondescript question for Joe Dineen to understand the task awaiting him. “Do you have your suit?” By Benton Smith
KU softball adds transfers to pitching staff
Kansas softball head coach Megan Smith on Tuesday announced the addition of pitching transfers Kirsten Pruett and Hannah Todd. Both Pruett and Todd will enter their sophomore seasons and will compete immediately for the Jayhawks during the 2019 season this spring.
Quarterbacks dominate 2nd day of Big 12 Media Days
Nearly every summer football conversation starts with the quarterback position. The second day of Big 12 Media Days was no different, as all five coaches were asked about their respective signal callers. Baylor, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Texas and West Virginia all fielded questions about their quarterbacks — among other things — during a press conference in Frisco, Texas.
Monday, July 16
David Beaty and Jayhawks maintain presence of new AD not accompanied by additional pressure
The man who hired David Beaty and placed him in charge of revitalizing a barren football program no longer works at the University of Kansas. Still, Beaty insisted Monday at Big 12 Football Media Days the presence of a new boss, athletic director Jeff Long, hasn’t made the Jayhawks’ fourth-year coach less comfortable about his standing. By Benton Smith
Tom Keegan: Khalil Herbert reflects on coach he lost in Parkland shooting
Frisco, Texas — Big 12 football players take being selected to represent their universities at Media Day as an honor. They dress like business executives and genuinely seem to enjoy the experience.
David Beaty: KU football was down to 39 scholarship players when he took over
As David Beaty’s breakout session with reporters drew to a close Monday afternoon at Big 12 Football Media Days, a question brought the fourth-year Kansas football coach back to the day he took over the program, in December of 2014. The straight-to-the-point inquiry led Beaty to close his day at Ford Center at The Star with a staggering reply. By Benton Smith
At Big 12 Media Days, coaches weigh in on upcoming seasons, starting QBs
The coaches of some of Kansas football's Big 12 competitors had a lot to say Monday about their own respective programs during the first day of the NCAA's College Football Big 12 Media Days event.
Tom Keegan: Can Jayhawks turn saving coach's job into motivational fuel?
It’s time to shelve all other building projects to put all efforts on an expansion that won’t take long and just might supply the motivation fuel the Kansas football team will need to overachieve in 2018.
Sunday, July 15
RB Taylor Martin 1 of 4 players to leave KU football
The Kansas football program published its 2018 media guide just in time for this week’s Big 12 Media Days, in Frisco, Texas. The unveil revealed the departure of some Jayhawks who were still with the program as recently as the spring semester.
KU's QB competition 'elevated' with 3 candidates in mix to start
A little less than seven weeks away from its season opener against Nicholls State, the identity of the Kansas football team’s starting quarterback remains up in the air. By Benton Smith
OL Alex Fontana joins KU football as grad transfer
When the Kansas football team opens preseason camp in a couple of weeks, a veteran with starting experience will join the fray along the offensive line. By Benton Smith
Notebook: Kansas RB Dom Williams packs on muscle for sophomore season
In his first season at the University of Kansas, Dom Williams didn’t look too small to play running back at the college level. But when Williams takes the field this fall for the Jayhawks he will look noticeably larger as a sophomore. By Benton Smith
Saturday, July 14
Tom Keegan: Resumption of rivalry with Missouri would help KU football
Playing Missouri in football is a no-lose proposition for Kansas.
Thursday, July 12
Jeff Long hire illustrates Chancellor Girod's comfort working in college athletics
While Wednesday’s news conference introducing KU Athletic Director Jeff Long offered insight into where he came from, where he’s going and how he plans to get there, it also provided a more complete look at the make-up of KU chancellor Douglas Girod, the man who hired Long. By Matt Tait
Jayhawks once again picked last in preseason Big 12 football poll
The Big 12 unveiled its preseason media football poll Thursday afternoon and the 2018 version closely resembles its predecessors from recent summers in that Kansas can be found at the very bottom of the list. By Benton Smith
Knee injury ends Devonte' Graham's summer with Hornets
Devonte’ Graham’s summer with Charlotte got cut short this week when the rookie point guard from the University of Kansas suffered a right knee injury.
Wednesday, July 11
Tom Keegan: Why landing high-profile AD important to Kansas chancellor
It was important to Kansas chancellor Doug Girod to land an athletic director who has a national profile.
New KU AD vows to 'break the cycle' of losing football
Jeff Long, the University of Kansas’ newly hired athletic director, made it clear at his formal introduction on Wednesday that he was determined to tackle two of the biggest challenges facing the department: rebuilding the ailing football program and dealing with an ongoing scandal in the college basketball world to which a current and former Jayhawk have been linked.
KU's Daniel Wise, Joe Dineen named to Preseason All-Big 12 team
For the first time since 2009 the Kansas football program has two players on a Preseason All-Big 12 first team. By Benton Smith
KU coach Bill Self on new AD: 'Our place got better today'
The historic account of his time at the University of Kansas forever will show that Jeff Long’s first comments as the KU athletic director were about basketball. But it was not praise for Kansas coach Bill Self, the 14 consecutive Big 12 titles or Long’s future plans or promises for the program that crossed his lips. Instead, the 58-year-old Long on Wednesday made it clear to Self that while he hopes to bring a lot to the KU athletic department athletic prowess is not on the list. By Matt Tait
New KU athletic director enjoys moment with his family
New Kansas athletic director Jeff Long understands the importance of family. Long, who has spent more than two decades in athletics, knows how hard it can be for those working in this field to spend time with their respective families. That’s why Long told Kansas coaches to not change any vacation plans in order to attend his introductory press conference Wednesday morning at the Lied Center Pavilion.
New AD Jeff Long in early stages of assessing long-struggling KU football program
When athletic director Jeff Long officially starts his job at the University of Kansas on Aug. 1, he will begin overseeing a football program that hasn’t produced a winning season since 2008 and has lost somewhere between nine and 12 games each of the past eight years. During his introductory press conference inside the Lied Center Pavilion on Wednesday, Long referenced the football team’s struggles in order to declare: “It’s time to break the cycle.” By Benton Smith
KU coach Bill Self, new AD Jeff Long discussed ongoing FBI investigation during interview process
Shortly after shaking hands with his new boss for the first time and watching a 45-minute news conference introducing Jeff Long as KU’s 11th athletic director, Kansas basketball coach Bill Self on Wednesday found himself in a hallway of the Lied Center answering questions about sophomore forward Silvio De Sousa. By Matt Tait
Tuesday, July 10
Tom Keegan: Youth no longer the issue for veteran Kansas football team
If you’re a college football coach fighting for your job, you have to take at least a little comfort in knowing that if all the players you have in camp qualify academically and stick around, you’ll have a roster stocked with 47 juniors and seniors recruited on scholarship, as compared to 25 freshmen and sophomores.
Two Jayhawks competing in Web.com tour event
Two University of Kansas golfers, instead of the usual one, will be playing in this week’s Web.com Tour event.
Safeties Jeremiah McCullough, Davon Ferguson follow Fish Smithson's path to KU
Long before Jeremiah McCullough ever gave any thought to playing football at the University of Kansas, he decided to follow the path of someone who did. By Benton Smith
KU acknowledges having received federal subpoena in ongoing FBI investigation into college basketball
Four days after a report surfaced stating that it had obtained a federal subpoena from the University of Maryland regarding the recruitment of Kansas forward Silvio De Sousa, Yahoo Sports on Tuesday released another report stating that its request for similar subpoenas from KU had been “tacitly acknowledged.” By Matt Tait
Monday, July 9
Tom Keegan: Eric Peterson follows baseball dream back home to Lawrence
Dreams take the sleeping mind to such strange places, so different from anywhere the waking mind wanders.
4 Jayhawks to join David Beaty at Big 12 Football Media Days
Those inquiring about what the upcoming season holds for Kansas football will direct their questions at head coach David Beaty and four of his players next week at Big 12 Football Media Days. By Benton Smith
Chris Harris Jr., Todd Reesing, Larry Brown to join KU football's Ring of Honor
Two of the most popular and impactful Kansas football players in recent history, as well as a crucial member of the program’s first Orange Bowl team a half-century ago, will see their names added to the Ring of Honor inside David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium this coming fall. By Benton Smith
Notebook: Hard-hitting Mike Lee plans to prove he can cover, too
Ever since the early weeks of his first college football season, when he became a full-time starter as a true freshman, University of Kansas safety Mike Lee began standing out with his cutthroat open-field hits. Those types of jolts made for thrilling video clips throughout each of his first two seasons, but Lee wants to become a more complete presence within KU’s secondary this coming fall. By Benton Smith
KU baseball tops Russia to finish pool play
The Kansas baseball team (USA team) erased an early deficit, scoring 12 unanswered runs in a 12-2 mercy-rule victory over Russia Monday at Chiayi City Baseball Field.
Sunday, July 8
Tom Keegan: How many more games for David Beaty?
Now that Sheahon Zenger is gone, the length of the Kansas football coach’s tenure will be based purely on what’s best for the university’s future, not what’s best for anybody else’s job security.
KU point guard Devon Dotson impressing early with serious speed
It’s only been a month, and he clearly still has a lot to learn about playing point guard at Kansas, in the Big 12 and for KU coach Bill Self. But the early feedback from summer pick-up games and team scrimmages thus far have pinpointed one area in which KU newcomer Devon Dotson already is well ahead of the curve for a true freshman — speed. By Matt Tait
Kansas falls to Japan in weather-shortened game
An early Japan rally was too much to overcome, as the Kansas baseball team (USA Team) lost its first contest of pool play action in the 2018 World University Baseball Championship, 5-1, Sunday morning in a seven-inning weather shortened game at Chiayi City Baseball Field.
Saturday, July 7
OU AD Joe Castiglione on new KU athletic director Jeff Long: 'He really understands the role of the leader'
The news had been out only a couple of hours when the first text messages began flooding his phone. Late Thursday afternoon, Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione, who once hired newly named Kansas AD Jeff Long for a senior associate role at OU in 2001, had started to hear from his friends in Kansas. By Matt Tait
Friday, July 6
Tom Keegan: A report card on Jeff Long's past football hires
Fundraising, facilities upgrades, running a department in a cost-efficient, classy manner, compliance, hiring coaches in non-revenue sports, those all are important aspects of any athletic director’s job.
Report: Feds seeking more information regarding KU forward Silvio De Sousa
Despite continued confidence from both him and Kansas coach Bill Self about his status for the 2018-19 college basketball season, KU sophomore Silvio De Sousa was back in the news again Friday.
KU baseball claims 1st win in Taiwan
Ryan Zeferjahn and the Kansas baseball team got off to a good start during the 2018 World University Baseball Championship at Chiayi City Baseball Field Friday morning.
Thursday, July 5
Former KU AD Lew Perkins gives school thumbs-up for hiring Jeff Long
Former Kansas athletic director Lew Perkins gave a ringing endorsement Thursday to new athletic director Jeff Long.
Tom Keegan: Next football hire will determine new AD Jeff Long's KU legacy
Kudos to the Kansas athletic department for not pretending David Beaty is anything but a lame-duck football coach who at the longest will last through the 2018 season.
Matt Tait: KU maximizes reach in hiring Jeff Long as new athletic director
The punchy, popular and somewhat impatient question floating around following Thursday’s announcement of the hiring of Jeff Long as the new athletic director at the University of Kansas was short and sweet. Was this a good hire? By Matt Tait
Athletic directors, other prominent figures in college athletics weigh in on new KU A.D. Jeff Long
When chancellor Douglas A. Girod named Jeff Long the new athletic director at the University of Kansas on Thursday, the announcement came accompanied by comments from many prominent figures throughout college athletics who have crossed paths with the former Arkansas A.D.
Jeff Long hired as KU's new athletic director
New AD agrees to 5-year contract, worth $1.5 million per year
The search for the next athletic director at the University of Kansas is over. KU chancellor Douglas A. Girod named former Arkansas athletic director Jeff Long to the position on Thursday afternoon.
Former KU players slated to compete in NBA Summer League
Several former Kansas basketball players will be in action at the MGM Resorts NBA Summer League 2018, in Las Vegas. The Summer League tips off Friday, and will run through July 17 at the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion. All 30 NBA teams will compete for the first time ever during the 11-day event. By Shane Jackson
KU's Steven Sims Jr. sets sights on improving as punt returner
During his second consecutive year as the Kansas football team’s leading pass-catcher, Steven Sims Jr. absorbed no lack of lessons to carry with him into off-season preparations for his upcoming senior year. When the 5-foot-10 receiver from Houston chews over the meatiest matters on his agenda, though, Sims’ mind turns to one area that felt more like a deficiency to him than a strength. By Benton Smith
Wednesday, July 4
KU transfers Dedric and K.J. Lawson, Charlie Moore learned from redshirt seasons
Traveling to the Final Four in the final week of March, Kansas transfer Dedric Lawson experienced nearly everything that he teammates did. Except he never had to a chance to suit up for a game. By Bobby Nightengale
Daniel Wise determined to complete KU career at his strongest and fastest
As he contemplated leaving early for the NFL, Daniel Wise leaned heavily on his father, 1988 draftee Deatrich Wise Sr., and brother, 2017 draftee Deatrich Jr., for advice. Those conversations included plenty of back-and-forths on various pros and cons. But as Daniel and the other Wise men mulled over his decision, the KU defensive tackle kept circling back to his desire to be NFL-ready as a rookie. By Benton Smith
Tuesday, July 3
Tom Keegan: Crowded battles for many roles on Kansas pitching staff start in Taiwan
Kansas had an elite Friday-Saturday starting pitching combination during the 2018 college baseball season, but it takes more than two terrific prospects to make a pitching staff.
Monday, July 2
Tom Keegan: Facing Japan in Taiwan next step in Kansas ace's baseball education
Never let it be said that right-hander Ryan Zeferjahn isn’t willing to go the extra 10,000 miles to advance his baseball education.
KU receivers expecting more out of Kerr 'The Blur' Johnson this fall
At the conclusion of spring football, University of Kansas standout receiver Steven Sims Jr., asked to identify teammates who impressed during the team’s 15 practices, did not hesitate with his answer. “Kerr, for sure,” Sims replied, referencing Kerr Johnson Jr. By Benton Smith
Sunday, July 1
KU football defensive players encouraged by offseason strides
None of the Kansas football team’s defensive leaders entered the offseason feeling anything in the neighborhood of content, what with the Jayhawks allowing 43.4 points and 468.3 yards per game in 2017. And while none are about to assume the whole scheme and unit are completely mended now, either, because of the practices, workouts and study they’ve put in since then, they at least are encouraged by what they deem noticeable advancements in the right direction. By Benton Smith
Tom Keegan: LeBron to Lakers great news for Svi Mykhailiuk
Svi Mykhailiuk’s prospects for success as an NBA rookie just took a gigantic leap forward with Sunday night’s news that LeBron James decided to sign a four-year, $154-million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, who drafted Svi in the second round last month.
Chris Thompson ties for 16th for second consecutive week
Chris Thompson birdied eight holes, including the first four of the back nine, en route to a 65 that enabled him to finish tied for 16th in the Lincoln Land Championship at Panther Creek Country Club in Springfield, Ill.
