Stories for August 2021

KU AD Travis Goff hires Wayne Simien Jr. to associate AD role

Former Kansas basketball All-American Wayne Simien Jr. has been hired as an associate athletic director for engagement and outreach, KU Athletic Director Travis Goff announced on Tuesday night.

Notebook: Goff lauds Leipold's reputation, attention to details

In the months University of Kansas Athletic Director Travis Goff has spent around the man he hired to rebuild KU’s football program, Lance Leipold’s attention to details and reputation have stood out to the AD.

Velton Gardner intrigued by new KU football staff's commitment to running game

Multiple RBs expected to play factor

In the months since the University of Kansas hired Lance Leipold to lead its football program, veteran Jayhawks running back Velton Gardner doesn’t mind revealing he has watched “almost all” of the video clips of former Buffalo rusher Jaret Patterson that he could get his hands on.

Kansas basketball coach Bill Self pleased with early effort being put in by transfer guard Remy Martin

Even though it's only been a couple of weeks, and there's still a long way to go, Kansas basketball coach Bill Self has been pleased by the work transfer point guard Remy Martin has put in to fit in with his new team. By Matt Tait

Notebook: KU football prepared to enter season with a lot of youth in secondary

When the Kansas football team opens the season on Friday versus South Dakota, head coach Lance Leipold and his staff will find out more about the Jayhawks’ young secondary. In the meantime, Leipold said the defensive backs — a group in which five of the eight players listed on KU’s first published depth chart are underclassmen — have impressed him this preseason with their athleticism and overall competitive nature.

Kansas hoops coach Bill Self enjoying veteran roster during early workouts for 2021-22 season

With roughly a month still to go before the first official practice of the 2021-22 Kansas basketball season, KU coach Bill Self is starting to take inventory of what this team has while not putting too much stock in anything just yet. By Matt Tait

KU football releases 1st depth chart for 2021 season

The first published Kansas football depth chart of the Lance Leipold era, as expected, didn’t reveal the Jayhawks’ starting quarterback for their Week 1 opener.

KU volleyball swept by No. 8 Purdue

The Kansas volleyball team was swept by No. 8 Purdue in its second match of the 2021 season, falling to the Boilermakers, 25-20, 25-22 and 25-15 on Sunday at the Reamer Club Xtra Special Preimer in West Lafayette, Ind.

Peters sets shutout record as Kansas soccer wins second consecutive game

The Unviersity of Kansas soccer program has a new shutout queen. Sarah Peters, a senior from Lee’s Summit, Mo., who has started in goal for the Jayhawks for the past three seasons, picked up her fourth shutout of the 2021 season on Sunday, moving her into first place on KU’s career list with 29.

Kansas volleyball drops season opener to Loyola Marymount

The Kansas volleyball program dropped its season opener in four sets on Saturday, falling to Loyola Marymount 17-25, 23-25, 25-23, 24-26 at the Reamer Club Xtra Special Premier at Purdue University.

True freshman S Jayson Gilliom joined KU football wanting 'to outwork everybody'

Few football players fresh out of high school possess the abilities necessary to show up on campus and grab the attention and respect of a program’s veteran leader right away. But as soon as the Kansas football team’s spring practices began this offseason, Kenny Logan Jr. started to think Jayson Gilliom had what it took to play a factor in the secondary as a true freshman.

Notebook: 'Gritty' veteran O-lineman Colin Grunhard fitting in at RG for KU football

After just a few weeks of observing veteran offensive lineman Colin Grunhard during preseason practices, Kansas football head coach Lance Leipold already is convinced the former Notre Dame walk-on will bring “toughness” and a “blue collar mentality” to the Jayhawks’ offense.

Kansas soccer picks up first win of 2021, 2-0 over Saint Louis

In addition to leading the Kansas soccer team to its first victory of the 2021 season — 2-0 over Saint Louis — KU goalkeeper Sarah Peters made a little history on Thursday night.

Unflinching true freshman RB Devin Neal impressing while learning this preseason with KU football

Lance Leipold has led enough preseason football practices in his 15 years as a college head coach that he’s come to expect true freshmen on his teams will hit a wall at some point in August. One of the many qualities Leipold appreciates about Devin Neal is the young Kansas running back is proving to be the exception to that rule.

Standing pat: Pac-12 decides it will not explore expansion

The Pac-12 said Thursday it will stand pat with its membership and not look to add schools to the 12-team conference, making it highly unlikely that the Big 12 schools being left behind by Texas and Oklahoma will find new Power Five homes.

Steven McBride expected to make much larger impact for KU football as sophomore

If you’re looking for a breakthrough performer for the Kansas football offense this season, you’ll have to scan last year’s statistics for a bit before you find the name of one of the top candidates, Steven McBride.

Notebook: As Week 1 approaches, KU football reviewing all the 'little things'

It’s nearly game week for the Kansas football team and head coach Lance Leipold. But before those final days of preparation for the opener get here, Leipold and his staff have a few things they want to get accomplished.

KU football D.C. Brian Borland and other new staffers feel prepared for 1st season in Big 12

In just a few weeks, Kansas football head coach Lance Leipold and the assistants he brought with him from Buffalo will lead the Jayhawks into a Big 12 Conference game for the first time. Defensive coordinator Brian Borland expects the new staff members will be abundantly prepared for their first taste of what the league has to offer.

ACC, Big Ten, Pac-12 ally to 'protect the collegiate model'

Facing a rapidly shifting landscape in college sports, the Atlantic Coast Conference, Big Ten and Pac-12 have agreed to work together to create stability during volatile times. By Ralph D. Russo, The Associated Press

Lance Leipold considers KU football 'in pretty good shape' injury wise

Injuries have impacted the Kansas football team’s preseason camp to varying degrees this month, but head coach Lance Leipold said Tuesday he considers the roster to be “in pretty good shape right now” in terms of available personnel.

Lance Leipold happy to keep evaluating 'competitive' KU football QB race

If Kansas football head coach Lance Leipold and his staff think there’s a definitive leader in the team’s preseason quarterback competition, he “probably wouldn’t share” that information publicly, Leipold told reporters during a Tuesday video press conference.

KU football defense's LB group remains 'work in progress' during preseason

In a group of Kansas football linebackers that doesn’t yet have a wealth of starting experience, their position coach, Chris Simpson, has been on the lookout during the preseason for players he can trust.

Kansas soccer falls to Wisconsin, 1-0 at Rock Chalk Park

The Kansas women's soccer team was shutout for the second game in a row to open the season, falling to Wisconsin 1-0 on Sunday at Rock Chalk Park.

Former walk-on LB Nick Channel now on scholarship, impressing new KU football staff

As Nick Channel’s third year in the University of Kansas football program began winding down this past spring, the walk-on linebacker from Wichita wanted to find out whether a scholarship opportunity might be in his future. But with the Jayhawks’ head coaching position up in the air at the time, Channel didn’t know what would come of his situation. Once Lance Leipold took over the program, it didn’t take the new coach long to determine Channel deserved a scholarship.

Kansas cracks final four for 5-star forward Mark Mitchell

It’s down to Kansas, Duke, UCLA and Missouri in the recruitment of five-star small forward Mark Mitchell, who trimmed his list down to four on Saturday. By Matt Tait

KU volleyball sweeps Washburn in exhibition tune-up

In its lone tune-up before the start of the regular season, the Kansas volleyball team swept an exhibition match with Washburn, 25-23, 25-20 and 25-19 on Friday night at Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena.

Assistant Scott Fuchs encouraged by progress of KU football O-line during preseason camp

Whatever gratifying — or agitating — signs offensive line coach Scott Fuchs saw out of his players during a Friday morning scrimmage, the Kansas football assistant kept those to himself during his first interview of preseason camp.

Kansas women's soccer opens 2021 season with 0-0 draw vs. Drake

Despite outshooting visiting Drake 19-3, including an edge of 10-2 in shots on goal, the Kansas women’s soccer team opened the 2021 season with a 0-0 tie.

Former KU guard Brady Morningstar officially added to Kansas basketball staff

After four years as an assistant coach at lower levels and several more as a playing professional, former Kansas guard Brady Morningstar is coming back to his alma mater. By Matt Tait

Notebook: Borland looking for communication from KU's safeties; O-line and D-line battling

Regardless of the type of practice the Kansas football safeties are having on any given day of preseason camp, defensive coordinator Brian Borland always wants them to do better. And sometimes Borland, the group’s position coach, simply wants them to talk more.

Veteran D-line newcomers Eddie Wilson, Ronald McGee appreciate Kwahn Drake's 'tough love' approach

When former Buffalo defensive linemen Eddie Wilson and Ronald McGee joined the Kansas football program this summer, one of their new teammates, defensive end Malcolm Lee, could tell both were physically impressive. And Lee also knew from experience that the most difficult adjustment for the veterans might be getting used to KU D-line coach Kwahn Drake.

Notebook: Lance Leipold favors more evaluating over naming KU football starters early

It won’t be long before head coach Lance Leipold and his Kansas football staff will have to settle on a depth chart for the Jayhawks’ Sept. 3 opener versus South Dakota. Not that Leipold is in any kind of hurry.

New KU football WR Trevor Wilson enters 1st season with Jayhawks motivated by his late father

Lance Leipold could tell you all about Trevor Wilson’s speed and potential as a playmaker, but when the Kansas football head coach gets to talking about the receiver he has gotten to know since their time together at Buffalo, Leipold’s train of thought soon takes him to how Wilson made an impression on a personal level.

IARP rule changes could alter timeline for ruling in KU basketball infractions case

Two full years into its existence, and still without making a ruling on any of its cases, the NCAA’s Independent Accountability Resolutions Process has tweaked its rules in an effort to speed things up. By Matt Tait

Lance Leipold, coordinators learning more about KU football players, looking for consistency

As much as head coach Lance Leipold and his staff had learned about their Kansas football team through the first week-plus of preseason practices, the coaches found out even more about the Jayhawks during a scrimmage on Sunday night.

KU football WRs share which young players in their group are showing improvement at camp

August is the time of year when college football veterans usually keep their eyes on younger teammates, to see which ones look like they might be capable of taking on larger roles in the fall. Kansas super-senior Kwamie Lassiter II said a couple of underclassmen in particular have impressed him so far this preseason.

Former Jayhawk Joel Embiid agrees to $196 million, 4-year deal with Philadelphia

A person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press that Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers have agreed on a four-year, $196 million contract extension that will take the All-Star center through the 2026-27 season. Dan Gelston, The Associated Press

Jeremy Case promoted to full-time Kansas basketball assistant coach

Kansas basketball coach Bill Self announced Monday night that Jeremy Case has been promoted into a full-time assistant coaching role with the Jayhawks. By Matt Tait

Assistant Chevis Jackson sees improvements from KU football's mostly young cornerback group

The Kansas football team’s coaches and players knew the moment that Karon Prunty left the program via the transfer portal earlier this summer that the cornerback position would look vastly different for the Jayhawks this fall. Now that the team is into its second week of preseason camp, cornerbacks coach Chevis Jackson is starting to get a clearer picture of what to expect from his group.

Lance Leipold still looking for separation in KU football's preseason QB competition

Though Lance Leipold didn’t seem especially worried about it on Saturday, following his Kansas football team’s ninth preseason practice, the head coach and his staff still have a quarterback conundrum on their hands.

Reserve LB Alsonso Person suspended from KU football indefinitely following arrest

Following a Thursday arrest for what was described in a booking report as suspicion of domestic battery and kidnapping, University of Kansas linebacker Alonso Person has been suspended from the football team indefinitely, according to head coach Lance Leipold.

Class of 2022 Texas prep O-lineman Joey Baker commits to KU football

While preseason camp and the fast approaching season currently have the full attention of the Kansas football staff, head coach Lance Leipold and his assistants received a brief and pleasant distraction Friday on the recruiting front.

Reshaped DE Malcolm Lee expected to be 'the hammer' for KU football's defense

When Kansas football assistant Jake Schoonover watches senior Malcolm Lee during practices this preseason, the defensive ends coach sees more than a veteran with something to prove. “Malcolm Lee’s kind of the hammer,” Schoonover began, “of not just our position, but really our defense.”

RB Velton Gardner finally able to practice, makes camp debut with Jayhawks

After seven Kansas football preseason practices without a blue No. 0 jersey anywhere to be seen, the man who wears that uniform, junior running back Velton Gardner, finally made his camp debut on Friday.

Notebook: Former Buffalo players weren't gifted starting roles on KU football defense

When the Kansas football program opened preseason camp this past week, defensive coordinator Brian Borland considered it a perk that he could look around and spot three former Buffalo players whom he coached at UB in the spring.

Former KU star Nick Collison taking on new role within Thunder front office

Three years removed from the end of his playing career, former Kansas basketball star Nick Collison is launching into a new line of work with the same organization that employed him throughout his 15 years in the NBA.

KU soccer opening 2021 schedule with exhibition vs. Kansas City

After an atypical calendar last year that included matches in February, March and April instead of playing all of the season in the fall, the University of Kansas soccer team is set to return to a more normal schedule, beginning with Friday’s home exhibition versus Kansas City.

KU assistant Jake Schoonever calls selfless special teams play a good indicator of a healthy culture

Jake Schoonover, KU football's first-year special teams coordinator, likes the correlation he has seen between players understanding the importance of the third phase of the game and buying into the new culture that head coach Lance Leipold has tried to build. By Matt Tait

Between his nickname and knowledge, former UB center Mike Novitsky quickly grabbed Jayhawks' attention

All former Buffalo starting center Mike Novitsky had to do to grab the attention of his new football teammates at the University of Kansas was introduce himself.

Lance Leipold: Jayhawks still have 'a lot' to work on a week into preseason camp

Coach looking for improvements up front

A week into his first preseason camp in charge of the Kansas football program, head coach Lance Leipold thinks there’s “a lot” his Jayhawks must shore up in order to be successful. In his mind, Leipold said following KU’s sixth practice of camp on Wednesday, “everything” needs to get better.

Despite offseason overhaul of KU hoops roster, point guard Dajuan Harris has a place

If Kansas point guard Dajuan Harris had it to do over again, he would start his first season as a Jayhawk the way he finished it.

Fan friendly weekend coming up for KU football and Lance Leipold

University of Kansas football fans will have a couple of chances this weekend to learn a little bit about where the program is headed now that Lance Leipold is the head coach.

5-star Class of 2022 wing M.J. Rice announces commitment to KU basketball

The Kansas men’s basketball program picked up its third commitment in the 2022 recruiting class on Tuesday morning, when five-star prospect M.J. Rice chose the Jayhawks.

Notebook: Freshman RB Devin Neal making good first impression with KU football

Lance Leipold didn’t recruit true freshman Devin Neal, but the first-year Kansas football head coach sure is glad to have the former Lawrence High star running back on board.

Former KU golf standout Chase Hanna cards third consecutive top-10 finish on PGA's European Tour

He’s still got a ways to go before he’s paired with major champion Gary Woodland at one of the world’s most famous golf courses, but Chase Hana, another former Jayhawk standout, has been tearing it up on the PGA’s European Tour of late.

Roles of specialists, returners well defined early in KU football preseason camp

The preseason practice schedule is still young, but Kansas football special teams coordinator Jake Schoonover already has a good idea which specialists and returners he’ll likely be trusting during games this fall.

Reserve center Garrett Jones leaves KU football

A fill-in starter for the Kansas football team’s offensive line a year ago, Garrett Jones announced Sunday he won’t be playing football “for awhile.”

Why OC Andy Kotelnicki views KU football offense as 6-headed dragon

New Kansas football offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki made sure during his first preseason press conference to keep an air of mystery surrounding the specifics of what the Jayhawks have been up to at camp so far.

DC Brian Borland looking for progress out of KU football defense early in camp

Three practices into the Kansas football team’s preseason camp, coordinator Brian Borland couldn’t complain Saturday about where his defense was at, given the circumstances.

Notebook: KU football assistant Zebrowski trying to learn about his QBs quickly

There’s only so much a quarterbacks coach can learn about his players after two practices with them, but Kansas assistant Jim Zebrowski is doing what he can.

New KU football QB Jason Bean hopes to 'help turn this program around'

Jason Bean didn’t gush about his own abilities or attempt to present himself as the answer to the Kansas football team’s offensive problems on Friday during his fist interview since joining the roster earlier this summer.

Former KU All-American Devonte' Graham vows to remain the same after 'life changing' contract and fresh start in New Orleans

Former Kansas point guard Devonte’ Graham has a simple plan for how he’ll handle life with a newly signed, multi-million-dollar contract. By Matt Tait

Former Kansas stars Markieff Morris, Devonte' Graham lead 3-point explosion at Rock Chalk Roundball Classic

On a night when some of the best shooters in recent Kansas basketball history lit up the nets and delighted the crowd at the Rock Chalk Roundball Classic, it was a player who made just 38 triples in his 3-year KU career that stole the show. By Matt Tait

Notebook: Lance Leipold not worried about timetable for finding KU football's No. 1 QB

Anyone eager to find out the identity of the Kansas football team’s staring quarterback this year may have some waiting to do.

Former KU basketball player Silvio De Sousa found not guilty of aggravated battery

Former University of Kansas basketball player Silvio De Sousa was found not guilty of aggravated battery on Thursday in a case where he was accused of striking a man in the face and causing him to lose sight in one of his eyes.

Let the evaluation begin: Lance Leipold opens 1st preseason with KU football looking for 'discipline' and 'strain'

After directing an entirely different college football program through spring practices earlier this year, first-year Kansas coach Lance Leipold finally led the Jayhawks onto the field on Thursday morning, as the team opened preseason camp.

4 key storylines to monitor as KU football opens preseason camp under Lance Leipold

The most crucial stretch of Lance Leipold’s first few months as Kansas football’s head coach has arrived.

Return of Rock Chalk Roundball Classic game set for Thursday night at Free State High

The Rock Chalk Roundball Classic returns on Thursday night, and four notable newcomers will be coming with it. By Matt Tait

Preseason camp opening for KU football with 3 QBs vying for starting job

The race to win the Kansas football team’s starting quarterback job is about to hit warp speed, with the Jayhawks’ preseason practices beginning Thursday morning — just 29 days before the team’s season opener.

Center Mike Novitsky joins KU football roster coming off standout season with Buffalo in 2020

A Kansas football team that had to rely on a flawed offensive line throughout the 2020 season is about to find out what adding one of the nation’s better centers can do to help remedy the problem.

Big 12 warns of losing 50% of TV value following UT/OU exit

The Big 12 Conference could see the value of its television deal cut in half once Texas and Oklahoma bolt for the Southeastern Conference, Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby said Monday at a hearing of Texas lawmakers. The Associated Press

'Coach, you've gotta smile more': Kenny Logan Jr. and Lance Leipold formed a bond after KU hired its new football coach

Back home in St. Augustine, Fla., over the Independence Day holiday weekend for a brief getaway from the grind of Kansas football’s summer workouts, veteran defensive back Kenny Logan Jr. made sure to stay in touch with someone whom he met only a couple of months earlier. Sure, Logan was on vacation. But that didn’t mean he was going to stop texting — or even FaceTiming — with head coach Lance Leipold.

Jayhawks Hoppel, Clemons, Dudarev all bow out on Sunday at Tokyo Olympics

Former Jayhawk star Bryce Hoppel and current KU assistant coach Christina Clemons both fell short of the finals in their track and field events at the Tokyo Olympics on Sunday.

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