Stories for November 2018

Jayhawks post 9 wins at Bob Timmons Challenge

The University of Kansas track & field team opened the 2018-19 indoor season by hosting the Bob Timmons Challenge at Anschutz Sports Pavilion Friday, taking home nine event victories as a team.

Game day: No. 2 Kansas basketball vs. Stanford

A look at some of the keys for second-ranked Kansas in today's Allen Fieldhouse showdown with Stanford. By Matt Tait

Stanford coach and former KU great Jerod Haase ready for second 'emotional' trip to Allen Fieldhouse in past 3 seasons

Two years ago, almost to the day, former Kansas guard Jerod Haase, now in his seventh season as a college head coach, led the Stanford Cardinal into Allen Fieldhouse for a regular season clash with Haase’s alma mater. By Matt Tait

Dom Williams: KU's RBs excited about playing for Les Miles

When Kansas running back Dom Williams first learned, days before the season’s conclusion, that Les Miles had been named the football program’s new head coach it admittedly caught the sophomore off guard. But the more he let his mind soak in the idea of playing for Miles at KU, the more Williams liked it. And, Williams revealed, it’s a reality all of the program’s running backs are ready to experience. By Benton Smith

Hot-shooting seniors lead KU women past LSU

The double-figure scoring efforts of three seniors helped Kansas women's basketball maintain its perfect 6-0 record, as KU outlasted LSU during a 68-61 victory in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge Thursday night inside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

Benton Smith: Silvio De Sousa still helping KU while waiting on NCAA's ruling

Now five games into what may or may not be his sophomore season, Silvio De Sousa still doesn’t know when — or if — he will again suit up for the Jayhawks, currently ranked No. 2 in the nation. But his head coach and teammates say the uncertainty hasn't weighed down the hard-working forward. By Benton Smith

Second-ranked Jayhawks winning early despite sluggish practice habits

The Kansas basketball program’s annual boot camp routinely takes place in September, shortly after the players report to campus and a new school year officially begins. But earlier this week, thanks to a lackluster effort by the second-ranked Jayhawks during a regularly scheduled Tuesday practice, a mini-boot camp broke out during an evening session scheduled at the last minute by KU coach Bill Self. By Matt Tait

KU football has plenty of redshirt candidates from 2018 season

A number of Kansas football players appeared in four or fewer games this season, making them eligible to use 2018 as a redshirt year. By Benton Smith

Demolition of KU volleyball building expected to begin next week; construction of bigger facility to soon follow

The University of Kansas women’s volleyball team should be playing inside a new building by the start of their next season.

KU coach Bill Self says nothing new to report on Silvio De Sousa's status

Kansas basketball coach Bill Self said Thursday that he did not have “anything new to report on that at all,” when asked about the eligibility status of sophomore forward Silvio De Sousa. By Matt Tait

Williams Education Fund director leaving

The director of the Williams Education Fund for Kansas Athletics since Aug. 2016, Matt Baty, is leaving the department, KU announced on Thursday.

Matt Tait: History of developing NFL talent an added bonus of Les Miles hire

The list of former LSU Tigers who played for Les Miles and were drafted into the NFL is roughly as long as the number of junior college transfers the Kansas football program brought in during the past 10 years, hoping against hope that the juco route would be the elixir that cured KU’s woes. Can you imagine if Miles flips the script? By Matt Tait

KU's Pooka Williams, Daniel Wise and Joe Dineen named All-Big 12 first-teamers

Williams is league's Offensive Freshman of Year

With the help of yet another Pooka Williams feat, the Kansas football program, in spite of its 3-9 season, landed three players on the 2018 All-Big 12 First Team. By Benton Smith

Les Miles taking over KU football program that will continue to lag in scholarship numbers

On several occasions during his introductory press conference, new University of Kansas football coach Les Miles mentioned the number 85. It’s an important figure for FBS programs, because it represents the maximum total of scholarship players a team is allowed to carry in a season. And it is a number KU has been chasing since long before Miles even thought about joining the Jayhawks. By Benton Smith

Matt Tait: Kansas coach Les Miles doesn't have to win big right away to make good on recent claim

Last week, new Kansas football coach Les Miles caught people’s attention with one simple sentence — “I think we will win in the first year.” What does that mean? How might it look and where would it put him in relation to the 38 KU coaches who came before him?By Matt Tait

KU women's basketball receives votes in coaches poll

After jumping out to a 5-0 start, the University of Kansas women’s basketball team and it’s senior-heavy roster have garnered some national attention. For the third week in a row, the Jayhawks have been represented in the USA Today coaches poll.

KU coach Bill Self seeking more aggressive approach from freshman guard Quentin Grimes

After his 21-point, 6-of-10-from-3-point-range shooting performance against Michigan State in Kansas’ season-opening victory at the Champions Classic in Indianapolis a lot of the talk surrounding freshman Quentin Grimes’ delightful debut centered on the fact that the shooting guard played with a free mind and just let it fly. By Matt Tait

Notebook: UT's Herman seeks input from Beaty

Former Kansas football coach David Beaty hasn’t traded in his crimson and blue gear for burnt orange. But, according to Texas head coach Tom Herman, Beaty, who spent his final days with the Jayhawks preparing to try and defeat the Longhorns, now will at least play some small part in helping them out. By Benton Smith

Benton Smith: No need to panic about KU getting leapfrogged for No. 1 (again)

Udoka Azubuike, Lagerald Vick and Dedric Lawson won’t be losing any sleep with Monday’s news that Gonzaga vaulted past Kansas to the No. 1 spot in the new AP poll. Neither will their coach, Bill Self, whose list of things to worry about doesn’t include any mention of how many votes his team did or didn’t receive. By Benton Smith

Jayhawks land at No. 11 in NCAA's first NET rankings of 2018-19 season

The Kansas men's basketball team may have held on to the No. 2 spot in this week’s Associated Press poll, voted on by various media members who cover college basketball, but the Jayhawks could not crack the Top 10 in the first ever NET Rankings, released Monday by the NCAA. By Matt Tait

KU's Dedric Lawson earns second Big 12 player of the week honor of 2018-19 season

After posting a pair of double-doubles in New York last week, Kansas junior Dedric Lawson earned Big 12 player of the week honors for the second time this season, the Big 12 announced Monday. By Matt Tait

Les Miles thinks KU football can win in his first year on the job

As Les Miles looks ahead to Year 1 of the massive rebuilding project he agreed to take on when he signed a five-year contract to coach the Kansas football team, Miles doesn’t appear to be a man ready to temper his expectations. By Benton Smith

Jayhawks return home from Big Apple with increased confidence, lingering questions

After four days of basketball-centric time in New York City last week, the Kansas men’s basketball team celebrated its NIT Season Tip-Off title with a little fun in the Big Apple. By Matt Tait

Kansas defense stifles Iona in 75-44 win

Leading by 30 with less than a minute to go, the one thing the Kansas women’s basketball team was most excited about Sunday night was a late turnover on Iona to close out a 75-44 win.

Shane Jackson: Les Miles should prioritize in-state recruiting for KU football

Les Miles set the tone on the importance of recruiting during his introductory press conference one week ago. Miles, of course, will likely not be targeting the same type of recruits at Kansas that he was going after during his time at LSU. The Jayhawks, who have just one commit from the 2019 class, have a limited number of available scholarships to hand out.

'Just stick together': David Beaty, KU football leaders urge non-seniors to return

On Friday afternoon inside the Kansas football locker room, David Beaty had the floor one final time. Fired 19 days earlier, the outgoing head coach had plenty to tell his players after their final game together, a home loss to Texas. But Beaty also asked every assistant on his staff to speak, too. And while the messages from the head coach and his staffers included words of gratitude and love, they also urged the Jayhawks who have a chance to play for the next coaching staff to consider what could still be accomplished at KU. By Benton Smith

KU volleyball drops five-set thriller to Sooners on Senior Day

On a day celebrating the careers of two Kansas seniors, Kansas volleyball fell 3-2 in a five-set thriller to Oklahoma inside Horesji Family Athletics Center. With the loss, KU closed out the 2018 regular season with a 15-12 overall record, including 8-8 in Big 12 Conference play.

Big night on big stage leaves KU's Lawson brothers beaming

New York — Their pick-and-roll might not have been as vicious at 3 feet tall as it is today at 6-foot-9 and 6-foot-7. But Dedric and K.J. Lawson sure are glad to be back out on the court together making plays for their team. By Matt Tait

'Our time': KU football transitioning from old coaching regime to new

Even though the Jayhawks suffered three one-score defeats during their 3-9 season, the time for considering how close they may be to a breakthrough had not yet arrived on Friday. By Benton Smith

No. 2 Kansas outlasts No. 5 Tennessee to stay undefeated

Kansas freshman Devon Dotson may not quite be worthy of mention in the same breath as former KU stars Frank Mason III and Devonte’ Graham just yet. But he’s gaining on it. And he played a huge role in KU's hard-fought, 87-81 overtime win over No. 5 Tennessee on Friday in Brooklyn, N.Y. By Matt Tait

Notebook: Marcus Garrett misses game against No. 5 Tennessee

Brooklyn, N.Y. — Kansas basketball coach Bill Self revealed before Friday’s game with No. 5 Tennessee that sophomore forward Marcus Garrett would not play because of what KU officials called, “concussion-like symptoms.”

Notebook: Jayhawks honor 29 seniors in final game of 2018 season

The hope Friday for the Kansas football seniors, particularly the ones who experienced the Jayhawks’ previous home matchup with traditional powerhouse Texas, was to duplicate the thrill of their 2016 victory over the Longhorns.

KU football suffers 24-17 loss in David Beaty's last game

On the final day of David Beaty’s tenure as football coach at the University of Kansas, the Jayhawks would need a break or two to go their way on Black Friday in order to recover from a three-touchdown deficit and topple No. 11 Texas.

Quick recap: KU football falls to Texas in final game of 2018 season

Kansas was unable to get its storybook ending for head coach David Beaty and the senior class. The Jayhawks, who made a late push, struggled to get much going on the offensive end through the first three quarters in the final game of the 2018 regular season. Texas, meanwhile, made enough plays to pull off a 24-17 victory over KU Friday afternoon in David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

Texas flag flies over Fraser Hall during KU-UT football game

A Texas state flag flew over Fraser Hall on the University of Kansas campus Friday morning during the KU-Texas football game at Memorial Stadium.

Matt Tait: KU linebacker Joe Dineen Jr. ready for final act in classic career that rang familiar

The onslaught of campaign ads has dissipated and the elections are over. But there’s still one more order of business and a couple of key votes ahead for Kansas senior Joe Dineen Jr. By Matt Tait

Jayhawks, Vols ready for Top 5 showdown in Brooklyn

It’s a Top 5 showdown on Black Friday for the NIT Season Tip-Off title at Barclays Center. And Kansas coach Bill Self believes the game could be more important for his second-ranked Jayhawks than it is for No. 5 Tennessee. By Matt Tait

Game day Breakdown: KU football vs. No. 11 Texas

Some of the most important players on the Kansas football roster will be playing their final game for the Jayhawks this Black Friday. So why not let them take KU as far as they can one last time? By Benton Smith

Notebook: Defensive prowess earns Marcus Garrett second-half start vs. Marquette

Brooklyn, N.Y. — Kansas sophomore Marcus Garrett was on the floor to start the second half of KU’s come-from-behind, 77-68 victory over Marquette at Barclays Center Wednesday night. By Matt Tait

Kansas cruises past GMU with 77-56 victory

The senior duo of Jessica Washington and Kylee Kopatich lifted Kansas to a 77-56 victory over George Mason with hot shooting and a record-setting night in Allen Fieldhouse Wednesday night.

No. 2 Jayhawks erase early deficit to push past Golden Eagles

Brooklyn, N.Y. — With the cameras rolling and the college basketball world watching — not to mention his parents and KU administrators — Kansas junior Dedric Lawson chose not to use the actual word that KU coach Bill Self used at halftime of the Jayhawks’ 77-68 victory over Marquette that got things turned around Wednesday night at Barclays Center. By Matt Tait

Kansas volleyball drops match to Iowa State

Despite a productive first set by Ashley Smith, the University of Kansas volleyball team suffered a sweep at Iowa State Wednesday evening.

Strong second half lifts No. 2 Kansas to win over Marquette

Brooklyn, N.Y. — A new-look lineup and some added energy and aggression saved the second-ranked Kansas basketball team in a 77-68 victory over Marquette in the NIT Season Tip-Off semifinals Wednesday night at Barclays Center.

Game day: No. 2 Kansas basketball vs. Marquette

A look at some of the keys for second-ranked Kansas in tonight's NIT Season Tip-Off semifinal showdown with Marquette at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. By Matt Tait

'It's like a dream come true': Jayhawks excited for future under Les Miles

It’s safe to say the excitement and buzz that accompanied this past weekend’s news of Les Miles taking over the KU football program was prominent throughout Anderson Family Football Complex, as well. By Benton Smith

David Beaty wants new coach Les Miles to take KU football to 'next level'

As David Beaty closes out his final days as football coach at the University of Kansas, he couldn’t escape at least a few questions about the future of the program and his successor, Les Miles. "I hope and pray for Jayhawk nation that they will get behind him, that they will give him the things that he needs to be successful," Beaty said. By Benton Smith

Marquette coaches, players ready for big test in showdown with Kansas

New York — Raised in the tradition-rich Duke basketball program, Marquette coach Steve Wojciechowski is well aware of what life as a blue blood feels like. And this week, the man Duke fans lovingly called “Wojo” is on the other side of it. Before his Marquette Golden Eagles hit the road to face second-ranked Kansas in the semifinals of the NIT Season Tip-Off at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, Wojciechowski offered up his thoughts on the Jayhawks past and present. By Matt Tait

Vick earns Big 12 player of the week honor

Kansas senior Lagerald Vick earned Big 12 player of the week honors on Monday after recording recording career-highs of 32 and 33 points in KU victories over Vermont and Louisiana last week.

During time off, new KU football coach Les Miles thought about adapting offensively

As Les Miles officially made his return to college football Sunday, when Kansas named him its next head coach, Miles insisted during his introductory press conference his time away from the sidelines included plenty of reflection about how his old LSU offenses operated. By Benton Smith

Matt Tait: KU's lack of commitments in 2019 class actually an advantage for Les Miles

A funny thing happened on the way to hiring Les Miles. The outgoing Kansas football staff left him just one committed player in the 2019 class. And it might have been the best thing that ever could have happened. By Matt Tait

New Adidas lawsuit emerges as KU reviews its options with apparel company; civil suit alleges KU coaches knew of payments

Adidas, the apparel partner that the University of Kansas is trying to decide whether to extend a multimillion dollar scholarship agreement with, now is facing a civil lawsuit alleging racketeering.

Bill Self: Les Miles a 'home-run hire' with credentials 'off the charts'

“I’m excited. I think everybody who supports us should be excited,” Bill Self said of Les Miles signing a five-year contract to take over the KU football program. By Benton Smith

'Spectacular' KU football fans greet Les Miles for first 'Hawk Talk'

Miles expects KU to have 15 players in 2019 signing class

When new University of Kansas football coach Les Miles emerged from the kitchen inside Johnny’s Tavern West on Sunday night, approximately 350 fans welcomed him to Lawrence with 30 seconds worth of cheers and applause.

New KU football coach Les Miles wants to finish career with 'championships'

Two weeks after Jeff Long first stood in Hadl Auditorium and detailed what he hoped to accomplish in his Kansas football coaching search, the first-year athletic director returned Sunday night with an old colleague in tow. Just as the buzz throughout the past several days indicated he would, Long introduced Les Miles as KU’s 39th football coach, presenting his new high-profile employee with one of Miles’ signature white baseball caps — except this one came with a KU logo instead of LSU. By Benton Smith

Smacker Miles believes KU football is 'perfect place' for Les Miles' next stop

There was something different about the way Les Miles approached this college football season. Kathryn Miles (nickname “Smacker”), a former swimmer at Texas and currently a TV sports personality, had become accustomed to seeing the version of her dad when he wasn’t coaching football. Les Miles had been linked to multiple coaching positions since getting fired by LSU midway through the 2016, though none eventually panned out.

Matt Tait: Strong bond between Les Miles, Jeff Long could benefit Kansas football in ways never before seen

The fake flights were real, there actually was a little deception and it all led to Sunday evening, when KU Athletic Director Jeff Long stood at a podium inside Hadl Auditorium and introduced his good friend, Les Miles, as his newest co-worker. Kansas football coach Les Miles, to be exact. By Matt Tait

What people are saying about Les Miles

The University of Kansas football team has found its new head coach. Les Miles was introduced as the program's 40th head coach in team history Sunday afternoon. Miles brings to Lawrence 142 victories, a BCS national championship and two SEC titles in 15-plus seasons as a head coach, the most career wins of anyone who has coached football at Kansas in the modern era.

Jessica Washington returns as KU takes down Alabama A&M

Jessica Washington waited patiently to be checked in along with Briana Osorio and Michaela Wilson. It’s the first time she’s played in a game in over a year.

Matt Tait: Forget the rest, Les Miles hire is KU's biggest victory in years

Les Miles is the new head football coach and Kansas and all anyone wants to talk about is if the partnership between the national champion known as “The Mad Hatter” and one of the longest suffering college programs in NCAA history is going to work. By Matt Tait

It's official: Les Miles becomes KU's next head football coach

A Kansas football program mired in a decade-long spiral that led to national irrelevance and growing local indifference now has a head coach charged with, as the man hiring him would say, breaking that cycle. So long, Louisiana. Les Miles is headed to Lawrence. By Benton Smith

Notebook: KU coaching search was hot topic on national stage

Norman, Okla. — Before Saturday night’s nationally televised matchup between Kansas and No. 6 Oklahoma on FOX, analyst Dave Wannstedt discussed all the buzz surrounding KU’s coaching search.

Pooka Williams' prolific night not enough in KU's loss to No. 6 Oklahoma

Norman, Okla. — One freshman’s transcendent night on a national stage only went so far for the Kansas football team Saturday night, what with No. 6 Oklahoma and one of the nation’s top players, quarterback Kyler Murray, lining up across from the Jayhawks.

Matt Tait: Kansas football covers; was Les Miles watching?

Imagine, for a minute, that you were Les Miles on Saturday night and found yourself in front of a television set around 6:30 p.m. Wouldn’t you have flipped the tube to FOX to check out the Kansas football team’s second-to-last game of the season at Oklahoma? By Matt Tait

Quick recap: KU unable to slow down OU in 55-40 loss

Kansas made enough plays to keep things interesting against No. 6 Oklahoma. In the end, though, the Sooners’ high-octane offense proved to be too much for the Jayhawks to overcome. OU scored on all but two of its drives to claim a 55-40 win over KU (3-8, 1-7 Big 12) Saturday night at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

Lokedi finishes 45th at NCAA Cross Country Championships

Sharon Lokedi's Kansas cross country career officially came to a close with a 45th place finish at the 2018 NCAA Championships Saturday morning at Zimmer Championship Course in Madison, Wisconsin.

KU volleyball falls to TCU in Texas

Despite a competitive first set, Kansas volleyball suffered a 3-0 loss to TCU at the TCU Recreation Center Saturday afternoon.

Circus shot from KU's Dedric Lawson helps snap mini-slump

A circus shot from Kansas forward Dedric Lawson on Friday night helped pave the way for a 19-point outing, but the KU junior is still in the process of working through a week-long slump that included a scoreless effort in Monday's win over Vermont. By Matt Tait

Benton Smith: David McCormack makes case for more playing time

After watching the entirety of the previous game from the bench, Kansas big man David McCormack didn’t know for certain if Friday night’s matchup with Louisiana at Allen Fieldhouse would play out any differently for him.

Notebook: Bill Self handed technical during Jayhawks' win over Ragin’ Cajuns

With 9:18 to play in the first half and his team trailing Louisiana by 10, Kansas coach Bill Self walked onto the floor during a timeout and quickly was whistled for a technical foul.

Electric encore: Vick drops career-high 33 points in KU's 89-76 win over Louisiana

It was not quite the same red-hot, lightning-fast start that he had on Monday night against Vermont, but Lagerald Vick sure ended up in the same place. Good thing, too. On a night when 22-point favorite Kansas trailed visiting Louisiana by a dozen in the first half, the Jayhawks needed everything Vick could give them to hold off a scrappy Ragin’ Cajuns team, 89-76, at Allen Fieldhouse. By Matt Tait

KU soccer falls to No. 1 seed North Carolina

A strong first half by the third-ranked team in the nation proved to be too much for the University of Kansas women's soccer team to overcome, as No. 1-seed North Carolina claimed a 4-1 win in the second round of the NCAA tournament Friday night at WakeMed Soccer Park.

Quick recap: Vick leads KU past Louisiana with another strong showing

After a flawless effort from deep on Monday, Kansas senior wing Lagerald Vick put together an impressive encore.

Game day Breakdown: KU football at No. 6 Oklahoma

As difficult as this past week’s defeat at Kansas State was, the Jayhawks should enter a much greater challenge with their minds at ease. By Benton Smith

LHS senior Chisom Ajekwu signs with KU women's basketball

Not long before the start of her final preps season, Lawrence High senior Chisom Ajekwu made her collegiate plans official. After announcing her verbal commitment in March, Ajekwu signed her national letter of intent to play collegiate basketball for the University of Kansas.

Report: KU and Les Miles negotiating contract

According to a Friday report from Sports Illustrated, the University of Kansas and former LSU head coach Les Miles are in the final stages of negotiating a deal that would bring Miles to KU as its next football coach.

A month after KU coach caught on wiretapped phone call discussing recruit and money, chancellor has not talked to coach

On Oct. 16 federal court proceedings revealed a University of Kansas basketball coach discussed on a wiretapped phone conversation a high-profile recruit and potential cash payments that could get him to come to KU.

Matt Tait: Beaty staying positive to the bitter end

Some coaches in their final year on the job enjoy farewell tours that come with gifts and adoration from longtime foes in once-hostile venues. By Matt Tait

Game day: No. 2 Kansas basketball vs. Louisiana

A look at some of the keys for second-ranked Kansas in tonight's home clash with Louisiana at Allen Fieldhouse. By Matt Tait

Jayhawks look to take advantage of primetime matchup with Sooners

Kansas senior linebacker Joe Dineen has experience his fair share of early kickoffs in his career. That’s why Dineen is looking forward to playing one of his last games as a Jayhawk in front of a national audience. KU (3-7, 1-6 Big 12) is slated to take on No. 6 Oklahoma (9-1, 6-1) at 6:30 p.m. Saturday in a road conference clash that will be broadcasted on Fox.

KU soccer set to take on UNC in Round of 32

After a thrilling double overtime win over Saint Louis, the University of Kansas women’s soccer team will look to keep things rolling in the NCAA tournament.

Shane Jackson: With nothing to lose, Beaty should take more chances against OU

During a weekend in Vegas this past summer, I placed a $5 bet on an electronic horse racing game and somehow — much to the chagrin of the rest of the bachelor party — managed to win $150 from that short race. For the rest of the weekend, I took more chances at the roulette table, or at least as risky as a recent college grad with a pile of student debt could be. After all, I was playing with money that I didn’t deserve to have.

Jeff Long's current football coaching search different from his previous ones

This isn’t Jeff Long’s first search for a head football coach, but the University of Kansas athletic director is dealing with a different set of circumstances this time around. By Benton Smith

LSU announces settlement with former football coach Les Miles

LSU announced Thursday afternoon via a press release a settlement between the university and former head football coach Les Miles.

KU volleyball surrenders 2-set lead in loss to Kansas State

Kansas coach Ray Bechard didn’t even need radio play-by-play broadcaster Jackson Schneider to finish his postgame question. “After a match like this, when you started off so well, you kind of faded towards the end,” he began. “How do you ...” “Faded?” Bechard interrupted. “Dropped of the cliff? Yeah. Faded? Yeah. Heavy faded. Yep. Sorry.”

Matt Tait: Kansas dabbling with stronger crop of coaching candidates this time around

Let’s assume for a minute that Les Miles is not going to be the next football coach at the University of Kansas. I know, I know; radical thought, right? By Matt Tait

Logging big minutes opens up a world of possibilities for KU center Udoka Azubuike

Give Kansas junior Udoka Azubuike all the credit in the world for improving his conditioning to the point where he can play 34 minutes in a game the way he did during Monday night’s 84-68 victory over Vermont at Allen Fieldhouse. But give Vermont an assist for part of it. By Matt Tait

After flight to Colorado, KU AD Jeff Long remains in search of football coach

For the second time in a week a flight plan connecting Lawrence and Baton Rouge, La., sparked the interest of those following the ongoing Kansas football coaching search.

Strong start lifts Kansas to 70-58 win over Oral Roberts

Usually boasting a booming tone that can be heard throughout Allen Fieldhouse, head coach Brandon Schneider sat comfortably and quiet on the Kansas bench as the Jayhawks jumped out to an early 18-point lead at the end of the first quarter. He wasn’t alone – the short pause of respect before any player takes a free throw loomed 49 times in Allen Fieldhouse on Tuesday night in the Jayhawks’ 70-58 win over Oral Roberts.

Mark Mangino: 'I won't be returning to Kansas'

Any Kansas fan feeling nostalgic for the days of bowl victories and winning football under former coach Mark Mangino will have to keep on cherishing those memories.

Big 12 commissioner confident in Jeff Long during KU's latest coaching search

When Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby got off the plane in Lawrence, he was greeted by a group of local reporters. Bowlsby, of course, knew he was not the reason for this welcoming party at the Lawrence Municipal Airport. It marked the second time that reporters were at the airport regarding the coaching search since Kansas Athletic Director Jeff Long announced that David Beaty would not be the head football coach following the conclusion of the 2018 season.

Jayhawks don't want to focus on future with program until next football coach is named

As the university’s athletic director, Jeff Long, continued Tuesday in his search to find Kansas football’s next head coach, the program’s players entered their second week of trying to prepare for a Big 12 game under the guidance of short-term head coach David Beaty. By Benton Smith

KU coach Bill Self confident junior Dedric Lawson will bounce back from 'rough' home opener

The lights were on well past midnight in the gymnasium at McCarthy Hall, where the Kansas men’s basketball players reside. And would anyone be surprised if KU junior Dedric Lawson was the one in there using that electricity? By Matt Tait

Benton Smith: Grimes displays passing prowess against Vermont

No, Quentin Grimes didn’t go through an out-of-body experience behind the 3-point line or manhandle would-be defenders on his way to powerful slams inside the way two other Jayhawks did Monday night at Allen Fieldhouse. But the 6-foot-5 freshman guard proved to be the perfect catalyst for Kansas teammates Lagerald Vick and Udoka Azubuike in an 84-68 victory against Vermont.

Vick's career night leads veteran-heavy KU attack in 84-68 win over Vermont

If it’s an identity the second-ranked Kansas men’s basketball team is seeking, the Jayhawks may have found it Monday night. Their veterans will lead them. Six days after watching an all-freshman backcourt lead the team to victory on the bright lights, big city stage at the Champions Classic in Indianapolis, a couple of old heads helped Kansas survive a legitimate scare from a good Vermont team, 84-68, at Allen Fieldhouse. By Matt Tait

Notebook: After falling to No. 2, KU handles Vermont in home opener

A five-point win over the No. 10 team in the country on one of the nation’s biggest college basketball stages was not enough for the Kansas men’s basketball team to hold on to its No. 1 ranking in the Associated Press Top 25. But don’t blame the Jayhawks.

Quick recap: Vick pours in 32 points to lift KU past Vermont

After a slow start, No. 2 Kansas did enough in the second half to finish off a 84-68 win over Vermont in the home opener.

Report: KU interested in former Arizona State football coach Todd Graham

Les Miles isn’t the only currently unaffiliated former head football coach on the radar of Jeff Long, athletic director at the University of Kansas.

KU's Joe Dineen named Co-Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week

A solid outing from the Kansas football defense this past Saturday in Manhattan didn’t propel the Jayhawks to a victory. The efforts of KU redshirt senior linebacker Joe Dineen in the loss at Kansas State, though, put him in position to be named the Big 12’s Co-Defensive Player of the Week.

Undefeated Jayhawks drop to No. 2 spot in AP poll

Despite knocking off a top-10 team in the season opener, Kansas was unable to keep its No. 1 spot in the latest AP poll, which was released Monday morning.

Game day: Kansas basketball vs. Vermont

A look at some of the keys for top-ranked Kansas in tonight's regular season, home opener against Vermont at Allen Fieldhouse. By Matt Tait

Tom Keegan: Coaching search thoughts and a farewell to Lawrence

You know you can’t run or jump or withstand contact the way the athletes you cover do, which brings us to why coaching searches are such a blast to follow: You very often are convinced that you can do a better job with those than the people conducting them. Too often, you are right.

KU volleyball falls to No. 5 Texas

After upsetting then-No. 4 Texas earlier this season, Kansas volleyball (15-8, 8-4 Big 12) was not able to duplicate the feat when it faced the No. 5 Longhorns (17-4, 12-1) Saturday in Gregory Gymnasium. Texas claimed a 3-1 win over KU to split the season series.

Notebook: KU football speculation shot down by Jeff Long

Manhattan — Rumors of University of Kansas Athletic Director Jeff Long speaking with recently fired Maryland football coach D.J. Durkin were shot down quickly Saturday afternoon.

KU surrenders late lead in 21-17 loss to Kansas State

Manhattan — A victory in the first stage of David Beaty’s last stand as football coach at the University of Kansas remained in play as late as the final minute of an in-state rivalry game Saturday afternoon at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.

Matt Tait: Jayhawks fall short of feel-good ending

The dream ending was there for the taking. And Kansas couldn’t grab it. By Matt Tait

Quick recap: Kansas drops narrow decision to Kansas State

Kansas State made enough plays down the stretch to hold off Kansas yet again. With 2:46 left in the game, K-State quarterback Alex Delton scored on a 21-yard touchdown run to give the hosts the final advantage in the 21-17 victory. The win extended the Wildcats’ (4-6, 2-5 Big 12) dominance in the Sunflower Showdown, as they have won 10 consecutive meetings over the Jayhawks.

Kansas soccer edges Saint Louis in double overtime

With all hands on deck by both the Jayhawks on the field and their support staff, Kansas advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament with a 2-1 double overtime win over Saint Louis Friday night at Rock Chalk Park.

Game day breakdown: KU football at K-State

Kansas State’s offense only averages 337.8 yards per game (114th nationally) this season, and 102.0 of those — a little more than 30 percent — have come as the direct result of handing the ball off to junior running back Alex Barnes. By Benton Smith

Added depth paid off vs. Michigan State, but KU's rotation remains a work in progress

As he predicted he might, Kansas coach Bill Self went 10 deep during Tuesday’s victory over No. 10 Michigan State in Indianapolis. And the luxury of KU’s added depth played a huge role in determining the outcome of the top-ranked Jayhawks’ season opener. By Matt Tait

Bill Self: David Beaty 'a pro' in how he's handled news of firing

Since University of Kansas athletic director Jeff Long announced his decision to move on from David Beaty as KU’s football coach, basketball coach Bill Self has not spoken with the soon-departing football coach in person.

Matt Tait: Best advice for KU AD Jeff Long: Go with your guy

I ran into Kansas Athletic Director Jeff Long on Tuesday night in Indianapolis, and while chatting with him before KU’s basketball victory over Michigan State we talked a little football, too. By Matt Tait

As coaching search continues, Jeff Long returns to Lawrence on flight from Dallas

University of Kansas athletic director Jeff Long returned to Lawrence Thursday evening on a flight from Dallas’ Love Field, with no potential football head coach in tow.

Jayhawks closing gap on Wildcats ahead of latest Sunflower Showdown

The Sunflower Showdown has featured its fair share of lopsided affairs, particularly this decade.

Tom Keegan: Kansas primed to upset Kansas State

Three weeks ago, when Kansas State was enjoying its bye week, coming off of a 31-12 blasting of Oklahoma State and Kansas was getting torched by Texas Tech, 48-16, it didn’t occur to me that the dully named Sunflower Showdown could amount to much this season.

Report: Les Miles and KU have spoken about football job

More smoke emerged Thursday from the Les Miles to Kansas hype train. By Benton Smith

Board of Regents member wants KU explanation on issues related to college basketball corruption case

A top official with the Kansas Board of Regents said he expects to receive an explanation about what a KU basketball coach meant when he was recorded on a phone call discussing a recruit and money.

Kansas pushes past UMKC in season opener

After swatting five blocks in the paint, senior guard Kylee Kopatich had something to add on a question for Bailey Helgren about how her mentality was after “exploding on the defensive end” in Kansas’ 67-55 win over UMKC on Wednesday night.

Tom Keegan: How old is Les Miles? Who cares?

Free agent football coach Les Miles’ age seems to be a concern for some who wonder if it’s a reason for Kansas to pass on hiring him.

Report: FBI gives NCAA clearance to begin investigating some basketball programs in corruption scandal

The FBI has given the NCAA clearance to begin investigating possible code violations at universities related to the recent college basketball corruption trial, according to a Yahoo Sports report published Tuesday night.

Notebook: Udoka Azubuike misses late free throws in win over MSU

Indianapolis — It took until a Big 12 Conference game after the first of the year last season for Kansas coach Bill Self to be faced with the kind of dilemma he saw in Game 1 of the 2018-19 season on Tuesday night.

Tom Keegan: Despite shooting struggles, Dedric Lawson thrives in debut

Indianapolis — In his much-anticipated Kansas debut Tuesday night in Bankers Life Fieldhouse, fourth-year junior Dedric Lawson forced a couple of bad shots, shot just 27.8 percent from the field, ran the floor with that borderline awkward gait of his and still showed why he easily represents his team’s best shot at making it back to the Final Four.

Rookie backcourt propels No. 1 KU past No. 10 Michigan State

Indianapolis – Kansas freshman Devon Dotson had a simple way of explaining how he and fellow freshman Quentin Grimes exploded onto the college basketball scene during Tuesday’s 92-87 victory by top-ranked Kansas over No. 10 Michigan State at the Champions Classic in Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

New-look Jayhawks hang on to knock off Spartans in Champions Classic

In the first official action of the new season, No. 1 Kansas demonstrated its talent on the national stage. Behind contributions from several new players, KU was nearly always in control during its 92-87 win over No. 10 Michigan State Tuesday night during the Champions Classic. It marked the third consecutive season that the Jayhawks have won their matchup in the Champions Classic, which was moved up a weak earlier this season.

KU football players 'professional' while dealing with news of coaching change

This past weekend proved to be the breaking point for the David Beaty era at the University of Kansas. It wasn’t the first time this season, though, that KU football players dealt with uncertainty regarding the coaching situation on a Saturday night or Sunday morning, in the wake of a defeat. By Benton Smith

Game day: No. 1 Kansas basketball vs. No. 10 Michigan State

A look at some of the keys for top-ranked Kansas in tonight's Champions Classic clash with No. 10 Michigan State at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. By Matt Tait

KU soccer set for rematch with Saint Louis in NCAA tournament

The Kansas women’s soccer team waited for a long time Monday afternoon. After failing to secure a Big 12 championship following a first-round loss to Texas in the conference tournament, Kansas (RPI No. 22) was a team in search of one of 33 at-large bids.

Tom Keegan: Pick your favorite next KU football coach from this list of 17 names

Jeff Long held a very candid press conference Sunday night in the wake of the announcement that David Beaty would coach the final three games of the season for Kansas and won’t be retained.

Jayhawks old, new eager for big stage of Champions Classic vs. Michigan State

It's Champions Classic time for the Kansas men's basketball team again and the top-ranked Jayhawks will take on No. 10 Michigan State at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Tuesday night in Indianapolis. For many Kansas players, competing on the big stage is comfortable and familiar. But several players on this year's roster will be experiencing the fun for the first time, which merely adds another story line to the early-season showcase. By Matt Tait

David Beaty: Decision to remain KU football coach for final 3 games 'very, very easy'

Soon departing Kansas football coach David Beaty first heard rumors that his days on the job were numbered Saturday evening. But it wasn’t until Sunday, when athletic director Jeff Long called him mid-morning and scheduled a noon meeting, that the speculation became reality. Beaty detailed that and other aspects of Long’s decision to not retain him past the end of the season while answering questions Monday morning on the Big 12 coaches media teleconference. By Benton Smith

Kansas AD Jeff Long wants to hire next football coach 'sooner rather than later'

University of Kansas athletic director Jeff Long wasn’t able to introduce the football program’s next head coach Sunday night, hours after informing acting coach David Beaty he won’t be retained for a fifth season. But during a 30-minute press conference inside Hadl Auditorium in the Wangon Athlete Center, Long shed more light on the search at hand and how he will handle his first significant hire since becoming KU’s AD a little more than three months ago. By Benton Smith

KU dominates Washburn in final exhibition contest

Things were a little different when the Kansas women’s basketball team took the court one week after going to overtime with Fort Hays State. No major starting five changes, no miraculous plays, just pure dominance over the opposition. Every single one of the Jayhawks’ 13 players that appeared in the game were able to score during the team’s 87-43 win over Washburn in the final exhibition game.

11 possible candidates to become KU football's next head coach

Once everyone officially learned Sunday afternoon that Kansas athletic director Jeff Long was searching for a new head football coach to replace David Beaty, Long used the power of social media to divulge some details about what he’s looking for in a candidate. By Benton Smith

KU-Michigan State a meeting of powerhouse programs, coaches

Jayhawks, Spartans wage Top 10 battle at Champions Classic Tuesday in Indianapolis

For the 14th time in the history of both storied programs, Kansas and Michigan State will square off, this time to open another college basketball season filled with hope and excitement for both sides. By Matt Tait

KU not retaining football coach David Beaty

Beaty will remain in place for final 3 games of season

Since the day of Jeff Long’s introductory press conference at the University of Kansas in July, the school’s athletic director made it clear his evaluation of the football program and fourth-year head coach David Beaty would truly begin once the season kicked off, on Sept. 1. After nine games, that assessment is now complete. Long announced Sunday, the day after KU’s touchdown-less, 27-3 home loss to Iowa State, Beaty will not be retained as head coach at the conclusion of the season. By Benton Smith

Tom Keegan: Beaty's failure to execute his own blueprint led to demise

So nervous at his introductory press conference that he twice said “Texas” when he meant “Kansas,” David Beaty still was able to articulate his plan for rescuing a football program flailing in quicksand. He could not execute his blueprint because he so quickly abandoned it. In three games shy of four seasons on the job, he didn’t move the program forward an inch and has a 6-39 record. By Tom Keegan

KU volleyball finishes off season sweep of Texas Tech

After falling in the third set to Texas Tech, Kansas (15-7, 8-3 Big 12) volleyball earned a victory (25-19, 25-15, 19-25, 25-21) in the fourth to complete a season sweep of the Red Raiders (16-9, 5-6 Big 12) at Horejsi Family Athletics Center Saturday night.

Tom Keegan: Coaching change would energize fanbase

The sun eventually popped out of the clouds Saturday at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, but the outlook for Kansas football remained the same: indefinitely gloomy. The final scoreboard read Iowa State 27, Kansas 3. The color scheme in the stands and the loudest roars from the crowd painted an even more damning view of the state of the program. By Tom Keegan

KU's response to report on Beaty's job: Evaluation of football program still 'ongoing'

The corner of Twitter that keeps up with the Kansas football program caught fire with speculation in the hours following the Jayhawks’ 27-3 home loss to Iowa State on Saturday, with a report of KU moving on from head coach David Beaty. By Benton Smith

Notebook: Dineen disappointed by Cyclone-heavy crowd

During his four-plus years as a member of the ever-struggling Kansas football program, redshirt senior Joe Dineen has experienced his share of low moments and played in more sparsely attended home games than he would care to remember.

KU unable to overcome missed opportunities in loss to ISU

A foray into a reality where the Kansas football team protects its home turf and wins Big 12 games proved unsustainable Saturday at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. A week after the Jayhawks upset TCU for their first conference win in close to two years, the Jayhawks didn’t come close to matching that level of success in a touchdownless 27-3 loss to Iowa State. By Benton Smith

Jayhawks struggle on offense in lopsided loss to Cyclones

After notching its first conference win of the year, the University of Kansas football team could not build on that momentum against Iowa State. ISU scored a pair of touchdowns in the first quarter, and KU never recovered during a 27-3 loss Saturday at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. The Jayhawks (3-6, 1-5 Big 12) have now lost their last four meetings to the Cyclones (5-3, 4-2) following the lopsided defeat.

Gameday Breakdown: KU football vs. Iowa State

If the Jayhawks want to put themselves in position to win a Big 12 game for the second week in a row — something the program hasn’t accomplished since 2008 — they will have to first prove they have a defensive solution for the conference’s leading rusher, Iowa State junior David Montgomery. By Benton Smith

Azubuike-Lawson pairing becoming a two-way street

Not long after the 2017-18 season ended, and Kansas fans, players and coaches began looking ahead to the season that would follow, one of the first visions that came to mind for many was Memphis transfer Dedric Lawson working his wizardry to get easy buckets for junior center Udoka Azubuike. By Matt Tait

Prentice named assistant athletics director at KU

Three months after his first day on the job, University of Kansas athletic director Jeff Long has announced another hire.

Tom Keegan: KU forward Dedric Lawson already looks like a pro

Dedric Lawson easily could have passed for an NBA veteran Tuesday night, stopping by his perennial powerhouse school, giving teenagers the thrill of running with them as he treats them as equals.

Azubuike bounces back to lift Jayhawks past Ichabods

Kansas center Udoka Azubuike gets dozens of text messages every day, but it was one that came late last week that had a major impact on his bounce-back performance during Thursday’s 79-52 Kansas victory over Washburn in the exhibition finale.

Notebook: Washburn coach Brett Ballard enjoys return to Allen Fieldhouse

Ahead of Thursday’s 79-52 loss to top-ranked Kansas at Allen Fieldhouse, Washburn coach and former KU walk-on Brett Ballard was asked a few dozen times how he felt about returning to his old stomping ground. But Ballard, who also worked on KU coach Bill Self’s staff for seven years after graduating in 2003, said his plan all along was to wait until after the game was over to decide how he felt.

Second-half surge allows Jayhawks to bury Washburn in exhibition finale

But once the Jayhawks started rolling in the second half of their final preseason exhibition, a feisty Washburn team finally buckled and KU cruised to a 79-52 victory. By Benton Smith

Wiretapped phone call of KU coach may become part of NCAA inquiry; AD confirms NCAA hasn't started on De Sousa review

University of Kansas Athletic Director Jeff Long said Thursday that a wiretapped phone conversation where a KU coach and an Adidas representative discussed the possibility of paying a recruit may be part of a future “inquiry” with the NCAA. But Long left unclear whether he has done anything to already ascertain what the intentions were of KU assistant basketball coach Kurtis Townsend when he was caught on tape with Adidas representative Merl Code discussing inducements that might have to be given to attract a top recruit.

No déjà vu?: Jayhawks halfway to exorcising 2 demons from disappointing 2017 season

In a 2017 season filled with low points, no stretch felt quite as cavernous for the Kansas football team as a pair of back-to-back shutout blowouts on the road, at Iowa State and TCU. Joe Dineen, even after Kansas exorcised some of those old demons by beating TCU in Lawrence, said some players don’t want the lowest moments of 2017 creeping into their minds as they prepare. By Benton Smith

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