The Jayhawker Podcast: Recent Episodes
Sport & Story
The official podcast of the Kansas Jayhawks. There are a lot of great stories that go untold. The Jayhawker changes that by featuring the best KU stories from past and present, packaged and told in a way fans haven't heard before. We take you inside the stories of current and former student-athletes, coaches, staff members and fans in a way that's equal parts entertaining and interesting.
In this episode of The Jayhawker podcast, hosted by Nate Bukaty, we celebrate the legendary Kansas sports broadcaster Bob Davis. Joined by fellow Kansas broadcaster David Lawrence and Bob’s son, Steven Davis, we reflect on the remarkable career and lasting legacy Bob left behind. Through heartfelt stories and cherished memories, we explore what made Bob an iconic voice in sports, a great father, and an amazing person.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com. By Black & Veatch. Take ownership of your career, your future and your success. Learn more at www.bv.com/careers. By Xfinity, the next generation 10G Network. Only from Xfinity. The future starts now! And by Easton Roofing, your trusted experts in commercial and residential roofing and gutters. Check them out at www.eastonroofing.com. Easton Roofing, where integrity matters!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join host Nate Bukaty on The Jayhawker Podcast as he sits down with Kansas men’s basketball forward KJ Adams. KJ reflects on the 2022 National Championship game and the surreal experience of stepping in as a freshman for the final three minutes. He also shares a special memory of his first unofficial visit to KU with his father and the moment he knew Lawrence was home. Beyond basketball, KJ opens up about the personal challenges he’s faced, including the heartbreaking loss of his mother to cancer and how that situation has changed his perception of life and how he continues to move forward.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com. By Black & Veatch. Take ownership of your career, your future and your success. Learn more at www.bv.com/careers. And by Xfinity, the next generation 10G Network. Only from Xfinity. The future starts now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of The Jayhawker podcast, host Nate Bukaty sits down with Kansas Jayhawks co-offensive coordinator and tight ends coach, Matt Lubick.
Coach Lubick opens up about his battle with cancer and how the experience gave him a new perspective on life. He and Nate also go back and forth on why they believe running is the best therapy not just for the body, but for the mind. They both also go into the different marathons they got to participant in.
Then, they dive into this year’s Kansas football team, breaking down the offensive side of the ball. Coach Lubick shares his philosophy on how he would run an offense and what makes a unit successful.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com. By Black & Veatch. Take ownership of your career, your future and your success. Learn more at www.bv.com/careers. And by Xfinity, the next generation 10G Network. Only from Xfinity. The future starts now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of The Jayhawker Podcast, host Nate Bukaty sits down with Kansas baseball head coach Dan Fitzgerald to talk about all things Jayhawk baseball. Coach Fitzgerald shares stories about growing up playing hockey and how those experiences shaped his approach to coaching. They dive into building a winning college baseball culture, developing players for the next level, and constructing a competitive lineup and bullpen. The conversation also covers the exciting renovations at Hoglund Park and what they mean for the program's future. Plus, they highlight the dominance of Dominic Voegele and the impact he's making for the Jayhawks.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com. By Black & Veatch. Take ownership of your career, your future and your success. Learn more at www.bv.com/careers. And by Xfinity, the next generation 10G Network. Only from Xfinity. The future starts now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In today's episode of The Jayhawker podcast, hosted by Nate Bukaty, we sit down with Kansas Jayhawks Senior Guard David Coit. He shares his journey from growing up in New Jersey to playing JUCO basketball, then making his mark at Northern Illinois before becoming a Jayhawk. David also gives advice to young players, talking about the work it took to get to this level. Plus, he opens up about how fellow New Jersey native Myles Powell influenced his game and career.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com. By Black & Veatch. Take ownership of your career, your future and your success. Learn more at www.bv.com/careers. And by Xfinity, the next generation 10G Network. Only from Xfinity. The future starts now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join host Nate Bukaty on The Jayhawker as he sits down with new Kansas Volleyball head coach, Matt Ulmer. Coach Ulmer shares what led him to Kansas and his excitement to lead the Jayhawks to new heights. They dive into his strategies for navigating today’s evolving recruiting landscape and how he plans to build a winning program. Ulmer also opens up about how this move aligns with his goals of becoming a better husband and father for his family. Coach Ulmer hopes to carry his success from where he was previously and have a great 2025-2026 season for KU.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com. By Black & Veatch. Take ownership of your career, your future and your success. Learn more at www.bv.com/careers. And by Xfinity, the next generation 10G Network. Only from Xfinity. The future starts now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of The Jayhawker hosted by Nate Bukaty, former Kansas basketball star Elijah Johnson joins the show to share his journey on and off the court. Elijah opens up about life as a father and husband, as well as his work at Just4215, the gym where he trains kids to become pro basketball players. He talks about the techniques he uses with his players and how lessons from Bill Self have influenced his own coaching style. Elijah also reflects on how the game of basketball has evolved over the years, comparing it to the way it was played during his time, and looks ahead to the upcoming game against Iowa State. Along the way, he revisits his unforgettable 39-point performance against the Cyclones in 2013.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com. By Black & Veatch. Take ownership of your career, your future and your success. Learn more at www.bv.com/careers. And by Xfinity, the next generation 10G Network. Only from Xfinity. The future starts now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of The Jayhawker, Nate Bukaty sits down with Kansas basketball star Zeke Mayo. Growing up in Lawrence, Zeke shares how his hometown inspired his dream of becoming a KU basketball player. He reflects on his journey from middle school to high school, the strategies that continue to shape his development, and his goals as a player. Zeke also discusses the team’s focus on building momentum as they head into conference play this season.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com. By Black & Veatch. Take ownership of your career, your future and your success. Learn more at www.bv.com/careers. And by Xfinity, the next generation 10G Network. Only from Xfinity. The future starts now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join Nate Bukaty on The Jayhawker as he sits down with the voice of the Kansas Jayhawks, Brian Hanni. They take a trip down memory lane to their days as KU students and discuss Brian’s day-to-day life calling games for the Jayhawks. Hear about Brian’s incredible charity, the “Rock Chalk Roundball Classic,” which supports people battling cancer. Plus, Nate and Brian share their favorite Jayhawk players from over the years in this heartfelt and nostalgic episode.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com. By Black & Veatch. Take ownership of your career, your future and your success. Learn more at www.bv.com/careers. And by Xfinity, the next generation 10G Network. Only from Xfinity. The future starts now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join Nate Bukaty on The Jayhawker as he chats with Kansas women’s basketball star S’mya Nichols. From an unforgettable trip to the Virgin Islands to leading her team with a career-high 28 points in the championship game against Auburn, S’mya shares her inspiring journey. Hear how her mother and LeBron James have shaped her as a player and leader, and how she’s stepping into a leadership role for KU’s squad. Discover how team bonding off the court, from grocery shopping to seeing movies, strengthens their connection on the hardwood.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com. By Black & Veatch. Take ownership of your career, your future and your success. Learn more at www.bv.com/careers. And by Xfinity, the next generation 10G Network. Only from Xfinity. The future starts now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of The Jayhawker Podcast, we’re joined by Kansas football star Cornerbacks Cobee Bryant and Mello Dotson. They talk about the challenges and triumphs of this season while sharing how their close bond has carried them through it all. As they prepare for their senior night showdown against Colorado at Arrowhead Stadium, they reflect on the honor of competing against NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders’ Buffalos. Tune in as they reflect on their journey, their brotherhood, and their determination to end the season on a high note.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com. By Black & Veatch. Take ownership of your career, your future and your success. Learn more at www.bv.com/careers. And by Xfinity, the next generation 10G Network. Only from Xfinity. The future starts now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On today’s episode of the Jayhawker podcast, Nate Bukaty sits down with KU Head Football Coach Lance Leipold, for an insightful conversation on the season's highs, lows, and the team's resilient mindset. Coach Leipold shares his approach to keeping a positive outlook while guiding the Jayhawks through challenges of this season. Coach also opens up about the key words and principles that drive the Jayhawks' mission on and off the field. They discuss exciting plans for the future, including the construction of KU's new stadium and its impact on the program.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com. By Black & Veatch. Take ownership of your career, your future and your success. Learn more at www.bv.com/careers. And by Xfinity, the next generation 10G Network. Only from Xfinity. The future starts now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On today’s episode of the Jayhawker podcast, Nate Bukaty sits down with KU Men's Basketball Coach Bill Self. They discuss the highly anticipated North Carolina showdown at Allen Fieldhouse. Coach Self shares insights on his returning players and the new players he hopes will strengthen the team this season. Plus, they delve into the new world of NIL and how it benefits student-athletes.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com. By Black & Veatch. Take ownership of your career, your future and your success. Learn more at www.bv.com/careers. And by Xfinity, the next generation 10G Network. Only from Xfinity. The future starts now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On today’s episode of the Jayhawker podcast, Nate Bukaty sits down with KU Women's Basketball Head Coach Brandon Schneider. Together, they dive into the excitement of the upcoming season, highlighting standout playmakers and the incredible talents on the team, especially their hometown star, S’mya Nichols. Coach Schneider shares his high expectations for the season and calls on fans to join the journey and show their support. Don’t miss this insider look at the team’s promising future!
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com. By Black & Veatch. Take ownership of your career, your future and your success. Learn more at www.bv.com/careers. And by Xfinity, the next generation 10G Network. Only from Xfinity. The future starts now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker Podcast, we’re talking to Devin Neal about his chances of becoming the leading rusher in Kansas Jayhawk history, as the team prepares to face K-State. Then we’re catching up with Head Volleyball Coach Ray Bechard to discuss his team’s hot start, and his son’s $10,000 half court shot at Late Night.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com. By Black & Veatch. Take ownership of your career, your future and your success. Learn more at www.bv.com/careers. And by Xfinity, the next generation 10G Network. Only from Xfinity. The future starts now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker Podcast we’re talking about the talent development for Lance Leipold and the Jayhawks with the University of Kansas Director of Scouting, Scott Aligo. Then, we’ll hear from two of the Jayhawks top prospects for the 2024 NFL Draft, Austin Booker and Dominick Puni.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com. By Black & Veatch. Take ownership of your career, your future and your success. Learn more at www.bv.com/careers. And by Xfinity, the next generation 10G Network. Only from Xfinity. The future starts now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today we’re jumping into this weekend’s Kansas Relays with Jayhawk High Jumper Devin Loudermilk. We’ll talk to Devin about growing up in a small town in Kansas and dreaming to one day wear the crimson and blue.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com. By Black & Veatch. Take ownership of your career, your future and your success. Learn more at www.bv.com/careers. And by Xfinity, the next generation 10G Network. Only from Xfinity. The future starts now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker Podcast, we’re taking a look at the College Basketball Coaching Carousel. We’re breaking down the Final Four, previewing the spring showcase and looking ahead to the transfer portal.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com. By Black & Veatch. Take ownership of your career, your future and your success. Learn more at www.bv.com/careers. And by Xfinity, the next generation 10G Network. Only from Xfinity. The future starts now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker Podcast, we’re looking to the future… We’ll talk about what’s next for Kansas Men’s and Women’s basketball, we’ll update you on construction and get ready for spring the spring showcase.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com. By Black & Veatch. Take ownership of your career, your future and your success. Learn more at www.bv.com/careers. And by Xfinity, the next generation 10G Network. Only from Xfinity. The future starts now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker Podcast, we’re previewing the NCAA Tournament! Wayne and Greg will recap the Big XII Tournament and talk about both the men's and women's matchups coming up this week.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com. By Black & Veatch. Take ownership of your career, your future and your success. Learn more at www.bv.com/careers. And by Xfinity, the next generation 10G Network. Only from Xfinity. The future starts now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker Podcast, we’re breaking down the big Senior Night win over Kansas State. Wayne and Greg will preview the Big XII Tournament and tell you about a chance for you to join them for a round of golf. Today’s episode was recorded at PXG Parson’s Xtreme Golf in Overland Park off 119th and Metcalf. www.pxg.com
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com. By Black & Veatch. Take ownership of your career, your future and your success. Learn more at www.bv.com/careers. And by Xfinity, the next generation 10G Network. Only from Xfinity. The future starts now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker Podcast, we’re talking about the exciting new deal to keep Lance Leipold in Lawrence. We’re catching up with the amazing S’Mya Nichols before the Jayhawks begin their tournament run. We will recap Men’s Basketball’s week and preview Kansas / Baylor. And we will talk about an incredible win for the Kansas Women’s Golf team.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com. By Black & Veatch. Take ownership of your career, your future and your success. Learn more at www.bv.com/careers. And by Xfinity, the next generation 10G Network. Only from Xfinity. The future starts now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker Podcast, Wayne Simien and Greg Gurley are previewing what could be the Texas Longhorn’s final trip to Allen Fieldhouse. We’re talking about a great performance by the Kansas golf team. And we’re getting you ready for an exciting March Madness run.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com. By Black & Veatch. Take ownership of your career, your future and your success. Learn more at www.bv.com/careers. And by Xfinity, the next generation 10G Network. Only from Xfinity. The future starts now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker Podcast, Wayne Simien and Greg Gurley are recapping a big week for Kansas Basketball including a win over 4th ranked Houston, an overtime loss in Manhattan, and we’ll preview College Gameday coming to Lawrence for Saturday’s game against Baylor. Then we’’ talk with our new Kansas Women’s Soccer Head Coach Nate Lie.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com. By Black & Veatch. Take ownership of your career, your future and your success. Learn more at www.bv.com/careers. And by Xfinity, the next generation 10G Network. Only from Xfinity. The future starts now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker Podcast, we’re talking about the state of the Big XII with ESPN’s Fran Fraschilla. We’ll talk about the league’s new additions, and find out what expects from the Jayhawks as March draws near.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com. By Black & Veatch. Take ownership of your career, your future and your success. Learn more at www.bv.com/careers. And by Xfinity, the next generation 10G Network. Only from Xfinity. The future starts now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker Podcast, Wayne Simien and Greg Gurley are giving you their early impressions of Big XII conference play. We’ll talk about the women’s team and their signature win over the Baylor Bears. You’ll hear who we think should be on the everyone’s all Big XII lists, and we’ll discuss the college football coaching carousel, and what that means for the Jayhawks and Lance Leipold.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com. By Black & Veatch. Take ownership of your career, your future and your success. Learn more at www.bv.com/careers. And by Xfinity, the next generation 10G Network. Only from Xfinity. The future starts now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker Podcast, Wayne Simien and Greg Gurley are joined by Southsider and 14 year NBA player Drew Gooden. We’ll hear what it was like to play for Roy Williams, what he thinks about the NIL era of college basketball, and what drove him to come back and finish his degree at the University of Kansas.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com. By Black & Veatch. Take ownership of your career, your future and your success. Learn more at www.bv.com/careers. And by Xfinity, the next generation 10G Network. Only from Xfinity. The future starts now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker Podcast, Wayne Simien and Greg Gurley are recapping their trips to Phoenix to watch the Jayhawks big win over UNLV. Then we’re talking to College Basketball Royalty, Assistant to the Head Coach for the Kansas Jayhawks Doc Sadler. We’ll hear his stories from his early years with Eddie Sutton at Arkansas to his current role advising Bill Self and the Jayhawks.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com And by Black & Veatch. Take ownership of your career, your future and your success. Learn more at www.bv.com/careers
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker Podcast we’re talking to Kansas Head Coach Lance Leipold. Greg Gurley, Wayne Simien and the Coach will talk about the demolition going on just outside his office window as the Gateway Project gets underway. You’ll hear what’s been keeping him busy, from traveling the country on recruiting trips to prepping the team for their showdown with UNLV in the Guaranteed Rates Bowl and much more. You can follow the renovations of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium at https://kugatewaydistrict.com/
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com
And by Black & Veatch. Take ownership of your career, your future and your success. Learn more at www.bv.com/careers
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker Podcast we have a lot to cover. Wayne and Greg will tell you about their plans for the holidays. We’ll talk about the gift that came early, men’s basketball’s big win over Mizzou. Plus, we have NIL, the Guaranteed Rate Bowl in Phoenix, gateway project construction updates and so much more.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com
And by Black & Veatch. Take ownership of your career, your future and your success. Learn more at www.bv.com/careers
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker Podcast we’re recapping the big win over UConn. Wayne and Greg will give you their thoughts on heading to Phoenix for the Guaranteed Rate Bowl game against UNLV. We’ll talk about the new hire for Women’s Soccer. And of course, we’ll get you ready for Kansas and Missouri, as they meet again at Allen Fieldhouse.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com
And by Black & Veatch. Take ownership of your career, your future and your success. Learn more at www.bv.com/careers
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker Podcast, we’re talking to Reagan Cooper as Kansas Volleyball gets set to host NCAA Tournament Matches for the first time since 2016! The Jayhawks will face Omaha on Thursday in the opening round of the 2023 NCAA DI women's volleyball championship at 7 p.m. inside of Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena. Then we’ll recap MBB’s trip to Honolulu for the Maui Invitational, and talk about Jason Bean’s return in the Hawk’s big win over Cincinnati.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com And by Black & Veatch. Take ownership of your career, your future and your success. Learn more at www.bv.com/careers
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker Podcast, we’re recapping the Dillon’s Sunflower Showdown. Greg Gurley updates us on the scene in Honolulu as he is with the team at the Maui Invitational. Then, Wayne Simien talks about big wins for Kansas Women’s Volleyball against Baylor and BYU, and for Kansas Women’s Basketball against Virginia Tech and UConn in the inaugural Caymen Islands Classic.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com And by Black & Veatch. Take ownership of your career, your future and your success. Learn more at www.bv.com/careers
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker, we’re talking about the big win over Kentucky in the Champions Classic. We’re getting ready for the Dillon’s Sunflower Showdown, and we’re breaking down the impressive field for the Maui Invitational in Honolulu.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com And by Black & Veatch. Take ownership of your career, your future and your success. Learn more at www.bv.com/careers
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker Podcast, we’re talking to Kansas Quarterback Jason Bean. He entered the season as the backup to Jalon Daniels, but as they say you’re only one snap away. We’ll talk with Jayhawk’s signal caller about bowl eligibility, the teams goals for the rest of the season, and his meteoric rise.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com And by Black & Veatch. Take ownership of your career, your future and your success. Learn more at www.bv.com/careers
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker Podcast, we’re getting the inside story of the Jayhawk’s 38-33 win over 5th ranked Oklahoma. We’ll talk to Kansas Defensive Coordinator Brian Borland, about his defense’s big day, hear how he feels about getting bowl eligible, and get a preview of this weekend’s opponent Iowa State. Then we’ll get a view from the cockpit of an epic flyover of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium from two Kansas grads that made it happen, Mission Coordinator “Sticky” James Elliot and Pilot “Mojo” Jared Anderson.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com And by Black & Veatch. Take ownership of your career, your future and your success. Learn more at www.bv.com/careers
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker Podcast Wayne Simien and Greg Gurley are previewing Kansas’ homecoming matchup with fifth ranked Oklahoma. Plus we’ll talk with KU Endowment President Dan Martin about fundraising efforts for the https://kugatewaydistrict.com/ as well as the EVER ONWARD campaign—an ambitious effort to raise funds for numerous programs, projects and initiatives designed to transform education, spur discovery and create a healthier world. Learn more at www.kueveronward.org
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker Podcast, we’re talking with Kansas Offensive Coordinator Andy Kotelnicki. We’ll hear the story of how he met Lance Leipold, and why he decided to team up with him for the past eleven years. We’ll hear about their journey from Milwaukee Wisconsin, to Buffalo and now to Kansas Football. Then, Wayne Simien and Greg Gurley will talk to the Kansas Senior who broke Jim Ryun’s 5K record. We’re sitting down with the captain of the Kansas Men’s Cross Country team Chandler Gibbens
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com And by the Hilton President Hotel, the only hotel in the Power and Light District. Just steps from T-Mobile Center. Over 200 rooms and suites to choose from! Call 816-221-9490, or go to www.hilton.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker Podcast, we’re talking to one of the leaders of the Kansas Defense, Linebacker Rich Miller. From growing up in Detroit, to his golf game, we’ll cover it all! And Wayne Simien and Greg Gurley will give their impressions of Late Nate at the Phog, and preview Kansas and Oklahoma State.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com And by the Hilton President Hotel, the only hotel in the Power and Light District. Just steps from T-Mobile Center. Over 200 rooms and suites to choose from! Call 816-221-9490, or go to www.hilton.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker Podcast, we’re reliving the glory days before Tony Sands and Nick Reid enter the Kansas Ring of Honor Saturday at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. From Tony Sand’s 396 yard 4 touchdown performance against Missouri, to Nick Reid’s Big XII Defensive Player of the Year title we’ll cover it all.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com And by the Hilton President Hotel, the only hotel in the Power and Light District. Just steps from T-Mobile Center. Over 200 rooms and suites to choose from! Call 816-221-9490, or go to www.hilton.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker Podcast, Greg Gurley and Wayne Simien talk to Kansas Football star Luke Grimm. We’ll talk about the 4-0 start and preview their big showdown in Austin with the 5th ranked Texas Longhorns.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com And by the Hilton President Hotel, the only hotel in the Power and Light District. Just steps from T-Mobile Center. Over 200 rooms and suites to choose from! Call 816-221-9490, or go to www.hilton.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker Podcast, we’re talking with the winningest coach in Kansas Volleyball History, Head Coach Ray Bechard. We’ll talk about his 26 years at the helm for the Jayhawks, and his plans for the future. Then it’s on to BYU, for the 3-0 Kansas Football team, Wayne Simien and Greg Gurley discuss the latest news and give you their thoughts on the games. And as Boot Camp fires up for Kansas Basketball ,you’ll hear the guy’s stories from their playing days at Kansas.
The Jayhawker is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com By Black & Veatch, Creating the framework for tomorrow's cities, industries and humanity's potential. If you have a dream, come talk with us. We seek partners in innovation. www.bv.com. And by the Hilton President Hotel, the only hotel in the Power and Light District. Just steps from T-Mobile Center. Over 200 rooms and suites to choose from! Call 816-221-9490, or go to www.hilton.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker Podcast, Greg Gurley and Wayne Simien talk to Kwinton Lassiter about the legacy of the Lassiter family and Kansas Football. You’ll hear the inside story of giving his interception ball to his brother Kwamie Lassiter Jr., and we’ll talk to him about the Jayhawks 2-0 start to the 2023 football season.
The Jayhawker Podcast is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com And by the Hilton President Hotel, the only hotel in the Power and Light District. Just steps from T-Mobile Center. Over 200 rooms and suites to choose from! Call 816-221-9490, or go to www.hilton.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker Podcast, we’re previewing Kansas and Illinois. We’ll talk about Coach Leipold’s big win over Missouri State and Wayne Simien and Greg Gurley will get you ready for Friday night’s matchup with Illinois at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.
Then we’ll catch up with Kansas Head Golf Coach Jamie Bermel to hear about Cecil Belisle’s first victory as a Jayhawk on Wednesday at the Folds of Honor Collegiate, shooting one-under par at American Dunes Golf Club. And we’ll talk with the Head Coach of Kansas Women’s Soccer Mark Francis about their undefeated start to the season.
The Jayhawker is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com And by the Hilton President Hotel, the only hotel in the Power and Light District. Just steps from T-Mobile Center. Over 200 rooms and suites to choose from! Call 816-221-9490, or go to www.hilton.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker, we’re joined by Kansas Director of Athletics Travis Goff. Greg Gurley and Wayne Simien will find out everything you need to know before the 2024 football season kicksoff on Friday night, plus a preview of the timeline for the new Gateway District at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. To learn more about the exciting plans, visit www.kugatewaydistrict.com The Jayhawker is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com By Black & Veatch, Creating the framework for tomorrow's cities, industries and humanity's potential. If you have a dream, come talk with us. We seek partners in innovation. www.bv.com. And by the Hilton President Hotel, the only hotel in the Power and Light District. Just steps from T-Mobile Center. Over 200 rooms and suites to choose from! Call 816-221-9490, or go to www.hilton.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today we’re catching you up on an exciting summer filled with construction projects, conference realignment and transfer portal news. Greg Gurley and Wayne Simien will catch Jayhawk fans up on all the latest, before Kansas Football kicksoff the new season on Friday September 1st. To learn more about the gateway project plans for David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium visit www.kugatewaydistrict.com
The Jayhawker is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com By Black & Veatch, Creating the framework for tomorrow's cities, industries and humanity's potential. If you have a dream, come talk with us. We seek partners in innovation. www.bv.com. And by the Hilton President Hotel, the only hotel in the Power and Light District. Just steps from T-Mobile Center. Over 200 rooms and suites to choose from! Call 816-221-9490, or go to www.hilton.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When the Jayhawks signed Hunter Dickinson, they landed the most coveted player available in the transfer portal. Today on the Jayhawker we’re sitting down with the 7-foot-1 Center to talk about what brought him to Lawrence and what to expect when he suits up this season for Bill Self and the Kansas Jayhawks.
The Jayhawker is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com By Black & Veatch, Creating the framework for tomorrow's cities, industries and humanity's potential. If you have a dream, come talk with us. We seek partners in innovation. www.bv.com. And by the Hilton President Hotel, the only hotel in the Power and Light District. Just steps from T-Mobile Center. Over 200 rooms and suites to choose from! Call 816-221-9490, or go to www.hilton.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker Podcast, we have Brian Hanni on to talk about new leaders in Kansas basketball, the highly anticipated Kansas football season and the annual Rock Chalk Roundball Classic happening June 8th.
Below is a link to get involved and donate. Whatever you can donate goes directly to families facing a medical diagnosis like cancer. The money covers medical bills and travel expenses to see specialists. It helps to ease the financial burden places on families, and helps them focus on what matters: getting better.
https://rockchalkroundballclassic.com/get-involved/#donate
The Jayhawker is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com By the Hilton President Hotel, the only hotel in the Power and Light District. Just steps from T-Mobile Center. Over 200 rooms and suites to choose from! Call 816-221-9490, or go to www.hilton.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For the 7th straight time, your Jayhawks are NCAA Regionals bound! Norman, Oklahoma, here we come! Today on the Jayhawker Podcast, we're talking with Kansas Golf Head Coaches Jamie Bermel and Lindsay Kuhle about their successful seasons, new facilities, and building a culture of winning.
Continue to follow Kansas Golf as each team heads to the NCAA Regional tournament. The Jayhawker is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com By the Hilton President Hotel, the only hotel in the Power and Light District. Just steps from T-Mobile Center. Over 200 rooms and suites to choose from! Call 816-221-9490, or go to www.hilton.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker we’re talking to Philadelphia Phillies Manager Rob Thomson. The former Jayhawk and Detroit Tigers catcher and third basement took the Phillies all the way to the National League Pennant in his first season at the helm. As baseball season heats up we’re taking a look back at our conversation recorded in January when Rob was back in town to help
The Jayhawker is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com And by the Hilton President Hotel, the only hotel in the Power and Light District. Just steps from T-Mobile Center. Over 200 rooms and suites to choose from! Call 816-221-9490, or go to www.hilton.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker we’re talking to Kansas Relays Meet Director Tim Byers. For the first time since 2019, the Kansas track and field program will host the Kansas Relays at Rock Chalk Park on April 13-15. For tickets go to https://kuathletics.com/kansasrelays/
The Jayhawker is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com By the Hilton President Hotel, the only hotel in the Power and Light District. Just steps from T-Mobile Center. Over 200 rooms and suites to choose from! Call 816-221-9490, or go to www.hilton.com And the by Joe’s Kansas City, and the Kansas City BBQ Store. Jayhawk fans, wherever you live get Joe’s shipped right to your door. Order today at www.joeskc.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker, we’re talking to Jalon Daniels before the Kansas Football Spring Showcase. We’ll talk about his goals for the upcoming season, and what Kansas fans can expect from their first look at the 2023 Jayhawks.
The Jayhawker is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com By the Hilton President Hotel, the only hotel in the Power and Light District. Just steps from T-Mobile Center. Over 200 rooms and suites to choose from! Call 816-221-9490, or go to www.hilton.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker we’re taking at look at the exciting changes in store for Kansas Athletics. We’ll take a look at the new plans to renovate Allen Fieldhouse, the Anderson Complex, and the Wagnon Student Athlete Center.
The Jayhawker is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healtcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com By the Hilton President Hotel, the only hotel in the Power and Light District. Just steps from T-Mobile Center. Over 200 rooms and suites to choose from! Call 816-221-9490, or go to www.hilton.com And the by Joe’s Kansas City, and the Kansas City BBQ Store. Jayhawk fans, wherever you live get Joe’s shipped right to your door. Order today at www.joeskc.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Kansas Women’s Basketball team is marching on, after a 75-47 win against the Missouri Tigers. We’re sitting down today with Coach Brandon Schneider to talk about their NIT victory. Plus, Greg Gurley and Wayne Simien break down Kansas’ loss to Arkansas in the Round of 32.
The Jayhawker is presented by the University of Kansas Health System, the official healthcare provider of KU Athletics, www.kansashealthsystem.com By the Hilton President Hotel, the only hotel in the Power and Light District. Just steps from T-Mobile Center. Over 200 rooms and suites to choose from! Call 816-221-9490, or go to www.hilton.com And the by the Kansas City BBQ Store. Stop by today to check out the Gozney Pizza Ovens. www.thekansascitybbqstore.com. And by our newest sponsor Black & Veatch. Join us and take ownership of your career, your future and your success. www.bv.com/careers
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker, we’ll look back at the Big XII Tournament, the strength of the conference, and hear Greg and Wayne go over their NCAA Tournament brackets. The Jayhawker Podcast is brought to you by the University of Kansas Health System, the official health care provider of KU Athletics, the Hilton President Hotel, and the Kansas City BBQ store.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the Jayhawker, we’re talking with Big XII Player of the Year and first team All American Jalen Wilson. We’ll compare notes about Senior Night speeches, talk about his incredible season, and look ahead to what will come after his Jayhawk career. The Jayhawker Podcast is brought to you by the University of Kansas Health System, the official health care provider of KU Athletics, the Hilton President Hotel, and the Kansas City BBQ store.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Big 12 This Week 11-30-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Hawk Talk with Bill Self 11-29-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Big 12 This Week 11-23-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Hawk Talk with Lance Leipold 11-22-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The KU/Texas Scene Setter with Brian Hanni!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Hawk Talk with Brandon Schneider 11-17-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Big 12 This Week 11-16-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Hawk Talk with Lance Leipold 11-16-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The KU/Texas Tech Scene Setter with Brian Hanni!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Big 12 This Week 11-09-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Hawk Talk with Bill Self 11-08-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Big 12 This Week 11-02-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Hawk Talk with Lance Leipold 11-02-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Hawk Talk with Bill Self 10-01-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Big 12 This Week 10-26-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Hawk Talk with Lance Leipold 10-26-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Big 12 This Week 10-19-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Hawk Talk with Lance Leipold 10-19-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Big 12 This Week 10-12-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Hawk Talk with Lance Leipold 10-12-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Big 12 This Week 10-05-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Hawk Talk with Lance Leipold 10-05-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Big 12 This Week 09-28-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Hawk Talk with Lance Leipold 09-28-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
"Tuxedo" Tony Sands joins Brian Hanni and David Lawrence on the Jayhawk Sports Network during halftime of the Kansas / Duke game. Sands relives his record setting Senior Day vs. Missouri while also talking about the current state of the program under Lance Leipold.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The starting quarterback from KU's 1992 Aloha Bowl team joined Brian Hanni and David Lawrence to relive those memories from 30 years ago and compare that team's ascension under Glen Mason to what Lance Leipold is building three decades later.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Kansas Athletics Director Travis Goff joined Brian Hanni and David Lawrence during the hour-long lightning delay during KU's 48-30 road win at Houston. Goff talks about the emerging Kansas Football program, the job Lance Leipold is doing and importance of Jayhawk fans getting behind this ascending team.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Big 12 This Week 09-21-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Hawk Talk w/ Lance Leipold 09-21-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Big 12 This Week 09-14-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Hawk Talk w/ Lance Leipold 09-14-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Hawk Talk w/ Ray Bechard 09-13-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Big 12 This Week 09-07-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Hawk Talk w/ Lance Leipold 09-07-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Big 12 This Week 08-31-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Big 12 This Week 08-31-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Hawk Talk w/ Lance Leipold 08-29-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Hawk Talk w/ Lance Leipold 08-29-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Big 12 This Week 08-24-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Big 12 This Week 08-17-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Big 12 This Week 08-10-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Big 12 This Week 08-03-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Big 12 This Week 07-27-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Big 12 This Week 07-20-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Big 12 This Week 07-13-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Big 12 This Week 07-06-22
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Dan Fitzgerald has never tried to be something other than himself at each stop in his college baseball career. A solid coach at Dallas Baptist, earning the fifth most wins in the country since 2015. A great recruiter at LSU, resulting in the number one class in 2022. But most important to him, he’s always been an outstanding teammate. It’s always been about the team. That’s what builds an authentic culture.
This is the Jayhawker Podcast with new Jayhawks baseball coach, Dan Fitzgerald.
There’s a lot of history when it comes to KU basketball. It’s something we’ve dove into a few times here on the podcast. Another chapter in the Jayhawks book of basketball is reserved for those who take their game to the next level. The realization of a childhood dream. The countless hours in a gym and all the hard work paying off as they walk across the stage to greet the NBA Commissioner.
This is the Jayhawker Podcast and this is our look at the NBA Draft experience.
How does a player convey swag? Is it hitting a fadeaway jumper over a defender? A running back bowling over a defensive back for a score? Maybe launching a 400 foot bomb over the fence. Sometimes, it just comes down to the jersey on your back. Before that jersey made it to the court or field, it was meticulously planned, from the first stitch to the final fold before being put into game action.
This is a special How It Works edition of the Jayhawker Podcast featuring the gear of KU.
Getting to Lawrence just felt right for Rylee Anderson. And things seem to feel right often for the back-to-back defending Big 12 Indoor champion at the high jump. Anderson continues to add to long list of winners that come from the Jayhawks.
This is the Jayhawker Podcast with Kansas high jumper, Rylee Anderson.
To say Caleb Sampson’s college journey has been a full of adversity would be an understatement. Originally signed and playing for Missouri coming out of high school, Sampson would eventually land at a junior college in Mississippi, a challenge that would leave him in tears
That path has led him to Lawrence as a valuable member of the Jayhawks football team. And not just for his play, but the leadership he brings as well
This is the Jayhawker Podcast with KU football defensive tackle and captain, Caleb Sampson
The Crimson and Blue run deep in Daniel Hegarty’s family. Jayhawks are littered through his family tree. It helped make choosing a college easy for the man they call Mr. Jayhawk and helped him develop into the team leader he is today for the Kansas baseball team.
Now a starter and flourishing, Hegarty is enjoying his final trip around the bases for the Jayhawks as he prepares to earn his Masters degree.
This is the Jayhawker Podcast with KU baseball pitcher, Daniel Hegarty.
Rowing probably isn’t the first sport you think of when you thin KU athletics. And Lawrence probably isn’t the place you’d think of as the ideal spot to coach a water based sport. But none of that has stopped Carrie Cook-Callen and her drive to make the women’s rowing team the best that it can be. Wearing the red and blue is a dream come true.
This is the Jayhawker Podcast with women’s rowing head coach, Carrie Cook-Callen.
College is supposed to be the most fun in a young persons life. Four years unlike anything they’ll experience. That last sentence certainly held true for Shelby Gayre, just not in the way you’re thinking.
A freshman season derailed by a devastating injury. A cancer diagnosis for her mother just a couple months later. Her sophomore season cut short by COVID. It’s all lead to incredible will and determination for the quarterback of the Jayhawk softball team.
This is the Jayhawker Podcast with KU softball’s anchor behind the plate, Shelby Gayre.
Billy Mills has mixed emotions when it comes to Lawrence and returning to KU. In his words, it’s where he never had a great race as a long-distance runner. And like most campuses across America at the time, he would experience racism for his Native American heritage.
Despite all the obstacles in Mills path, he never let it deter him. Leaning on his faith and those close to him, Mills would overcome to achieve the ultimate prize.
This is the Jayhawker Podcast with 1964 Olympic gold medalist, Billy Mills.
When you come to Kansas as a student athlete, you get very familiar being in front of a camera. Interviews and nationally televised games are the norm. It kind of comes with the territory.
Micah Brown’s story has always been different though. A two sport athlete who walked on to the KU football team, Brown has always been fascinated by a life behind the camera…not in the spotlight.
This is the Jayhawker Podcast with the Jayhawks Emmy award winning producer, Micah Brown.
Wayne and Greg Gurley are back with their first hand recap of the national title game. The guys chat about the ups and downs of the game, Bill Self's legacy and how awesome it was to see as many former players as there were in New Orleans. Rock Chalk!
Your Jayhawks are in the National Title game! Listen to how we got to this moment followed by a conversation between Wayne & KU's Greg Gurley recapping the Villanova game and what's in store tonight vs UNC.
Members of the 1971 Final Four team recently came back to Lawrence to celebrate their team. Wayne sits down with key members of the squad to chat about their chemistry, the Final Four run and their place in KU history.
There’s a lot of pressure when it comes to being a division one athlete. Preforming at a high-level day in and day out. Keeping up with your classes. Hearing the cheers…and occasional boo…from the fans. Taiyanna Jackson has endured all that and more as she was sought after to help change the culture on the KU women’s basketball team.
This is the Jayhawker Podcast with the Jayhawks queen of blocks, Taiyanna Jackson.
It's the first ever LIVE edition of the Jayhawker Podcast as Wayne is joined by KU color commentator Greg Gurley to breakdown Selection Sunday and Kansas grabbing the #1 seed in the Midwest Region. Wayne and Greg are also joined by Christian Braun, Chris Teahan & coach Bill Self to chat about the Jayhawks 32nd consecutive NCAA tourney appearance.
Ochai Agbaji wasn’t ready for his time to be up in Lawrence. He had more to prove. To scouts. To coaches. But most importantly, to himself. Coming back to KU has worked out in more ways than one for the man they call Och. He’s developed into a 1st round pick in the NBA, won Big 12 Player of the Year and also helped bring the Jayhawks yet another Big 12 title. But there's more work to be done. Just let Och tell that to you himself.
This is the Jayhawker Podcast with Big 12 Player of the Year, chai Agbaji.
College is where most go to find out about themselves. Their major. Their career. What path they want to go down in life. KU’s senior big man David McCormack found the road he wanted to travel early and has never taken a detour. Even if that meant taking an unfamiliar route.
This is the Jayhawker Podcast featuring Kansas big man, Dave McCormack
Chris Teahan is a local legend. He’s a home-grown talent. Went to Allen Fieldhouse as a kid. His brother played for Bill Self and KU. Kansas always had his heart.
This is the Jayhawker Podcast featuring the man with more than the mullet, Chris Teahan.
It's the 100th episode of the Jayhawker Podcast and we're celebrating with the man who scored 100 points! Wilt Chamberlain has gone down as one of the best basketball players in the history of the game. Recruited out of high school by nearly 200 colleges, the Big Dipper chose KU and immediately made his mark in Lawrence, leading the team to 1957 NCAA Championship game. Join us as we look at Chamberlain's time as a Jayhawk and developed into an all-time great!
Jay Bilas has stepped foot in a lot of college basketball arenas throughout the years. He’s called Cameron Indoor home. Felt the intensity from rival fans at the Dean Smith Center. Called games at Rupp Arena, the Carrier Dome and Assembly Hall. But none of those historic sites can match the feeling and aura one gets walking into Allen Fieldhouse.
This is the Jayhawker Podcast featuring our conversation with ESPN’s Jay Bilas
Over the course of the last 150 years, Kansas and Kentucky have firmly established themselves as the cream of the crop in college basketball. And the reason for that is because they have both won…A LOT. Blowouts and buzzer beaters. Close calls and conference championships. National titles and number one picks. This is the Jayhawker Podcast and this is our look at Kansas vs Kentucky...Battle of the Blue Bloods.
We all love Kansas. If you’re listening to this podcast, chances are you’re either an alumni, have a family connection to Lawrence or your feet are currently on the grounds at KU. Clark Campbell can check all three of those boxes as he is about to enter his 20th season as the Kansas swim coach. It all started in Lawrence with a dream.
This is the Jayhawker Podcast featuring KU’s aquaman, coach Clark Campbell.
Aqib Talib’s list of career accomplishments are a mile long. MVP. All-Pro. Pro Bowls. Super Bowl Champion. But celebrating his time in Lawrence is one that will always have a special place in his heart. This is the Jayhawker Podcast featuring former Kansas playmaker Aqib Talib.
College basketball has a rich tradition at Kansas. A true blue blood that attracts the best of the best from the time they can dribble a ball. For Svi Mykhailiuk, basketball looked different in his native Ukraine. No signing days. No pro days. No Ball is Life cameras. Just a kid and a dream that brought Mykhailiuk halfway across the world. This is the Jayhawker Podcast featuring former Kansas sharpshooter Svi Mykhailiuk.
Jalen Coleman-Lands has had a long and winding road to get to Lawrence. Stops at Illinois, DePaul and Iowa State all came before he ever put on the Kansas blue. Those experiences are just added value he’s brings to the Jayhawks as the team looks to make another run at a National Title. This is the Jayhawker Podcast featuring Kansas basketball’s super senior Jalen Coleman-Lands.
Happy Holidays from the Jayhawker! Enjoy this special best of edition of the show looking back at some of the most unique interviews from the past year.
A lot of basketball players that have come through Lawrence have gone on to play pro ball. Jamari Traylor is no different in that regard, having played all over the globe. It’s everything that Traylor went through before his time at KU that sets him apart. Growing up in a rough area of Chicago. Homelessness. His father going to jail. But Traylor was determined to not let that be the end of his story.
This is the Jayhawker Podcast featuring former Kansas big man Jamari Traylor.
Kansas track and field coach Stanley Redwine's feet have taken his a lot of places. They took him to college. They took him to his career. And after a few stumbles along the way, they took him to a dream in Tokyo over the summer.
There are a lot of rivalries in college sports. But aside from Army-Navy, few, if any, have the history on and off the field that Kansas and Missouri have. It’s a rivalry that dates back to the Civil War. Before internet. Before TV. Before cars. It was Kansas vs Missouri. And this is Bordering On: A Deep Dive into KU vs MU.
Being a leader isn’t easy. Important things rarely are. Holly Kersgieter has taken that step for the Jayhawks. Becoming a leader on and off the court. This is the Jayhawker Podcast featuring Kansas women’s basketball junior guard Holly Kersgieter.
Devin Neal has been a Jayhawk as long as he can remember. He celebrated KU’s 2008 national title in basketball on Mass Street as an 8-year-old. It’s a dream come true for the freshman from Lawrence to be playing on Memorial Field.
This is the Jayhawker Podcast featuring Kansas freshman running back Devin Neal.
Part two on Coach Self's conversation with Wayne tackles his new lifetime contract, the transfer portal and the NIL.
Roy Williams never had one. Larry Brown didn’t either. Heck, even the inventor of the game could never say he got what Bill Self earned this past summer. Self is preparing for his 18th season as coach of the Jayhawks. And this season, much like last year, will be different than any of his previous on the sideline. This is the Jayhawker Podcast featuring Kansas basketball head coach Bill Self’s preview of the 2021-2022 season.
About one out of every 250 college athlete goes on to play professionally. The dedication to the craft is something that requires hard work, determination and laser focus. Now amplify that by two and that’s what it took for Isaac Byrd to be drafted in the Major Leagues and the NFL. That desire is what helped fuel Byrd. And that desire allowed him to be on the field for some of the most iconic moments in NFL history.
Nakia Sanford wasn't drafted coming of out Kansas. So that's where her basketball journey ends, right? Of course not! Sanford discusses her time in Lawrence and how she went from open try outs and waiting tables to playing professional basketball for over a decade.
Remy Martin’s path to Lawrence started with him on the opposite sideline. But the super senior is now looking to have a super season for the Jayhawks. Accolades have followed the point guard with him across the country. From Arizona State…to Kansas. All of which have the California native excited to show the Jayhawk fans what he can do this season.
Many know actor Rob Riggle as the guy who played a correspondent on The Daily Show. Or maybe him talking about the Catalina Wine Mixer with Will Ferrell in Step Brothers. But Riggle is a Jayhawk. He’s a 1992 graduate with a degree in theater and film and comes back to Lawrence, a place that shaped him into the person he is today, as often as he can. Riggle’s career path is one of perseverance and patience. He served in the Marines for 23 years and served in Afghanistan. He sorted through rubble at Ground Zero after 9/11. And while he was in the Marines reserve in New York City, he toiled in the comedy clubs, perfecting a craft and a dream that sometimes seemed out of reach. In a lesson that all of us can take to heart, his drive to fulfill his dream outweighed his thoughts of not even trying because his goal was too hard to reach.
Sophomore golfer Luke Kluver and the Jayhawk men’s golf team have been on a hot streak. As a team, the Jayhawks recently won back-to-back tournaments for the first time since 2016, and Kluver won his first individual title earlier this fall. Kluver, who comes from an athletic family, has never looked back since he arrived in Lawrence, helping the Jayhawks to two NCAA Regional appearances and learning some valuable lessons from head coach Jamie Bermel along the way. With an experienced lineup on the course this year, the Jayhawks are aiming for big things. And individually for Kluver, he believes he’s at his best on the brightest stage, which he hopes will lead to more titles for the Jayhawks and a future career on the PGA Tour.
Junior Jason Bean quietly emerged as the starting quarterback this fall in year one of the Lance Leipold era. Jayhawk fans quickly realized that the North Texas transfer belonged on the Big 12 stage. A contributor for the Mean Green for two seasons, Bean decided to transfer to Kansas in the spring of 2021, before Leipold was even hired. The one thing Jayhawk fans noticed right away with their new quarterback is speed. In high school, Bean was the third-fastest man in Texas in Class 5A, and this year, he may be the fastest quarterback in college football. Bean has always wanted to play power-five conference football and now that he’s here, he is ready to help instill a new culture and raise the Jayhawk program to new heights.
Super senior Mitch Lightfoot dreamed to get a call from Jayhawk Coach Bill Self when he was growing up. He spent most of his life in Arizona, but his family’s KU roots have always played a big part in who he is. Dreams have turned into reality for Lightfoot, and he has been a part of three Big 12 Jayhawk championship teams and a Final Four appearance in 2018. Lightfoot has treasured the big games and everything that has happened on the floor. He knows he has experienced some special things. Now that he is in his sixth year on campus, Lightfoot’s wisdom about Kansas and how Jayhawk basketball can shape the rest of his life is starting to come into focus.
Jayhawk senior soccer player Rylan Childers’ path to collegiate soccer and Kansas could have possibly been predicted early in her life. Rylan, one of seven children, has always been around the soccer pitch. Her father, Brad, also coached her throughout her youth career. Family has always taken precedence in her college career. Before she arrived in Lawrence, she played with her older sister Reagan at UMKC, where she was the WAC Freshman of the Year in 2018 and an All-WAC first-team selection in 2018 and 2019. After transferring to Kansas, she played in all 13 games for the Jayhawks in 2020 and in 2021, shares the field with another sibling, freshman Raena Childers. And from the very beginning, she has always been around the pitch.
There are not too many people who can claim to have played for a Hall of Fame coach and then have the opportunity to work with that same Hall of Fame coach. Jeremy Case, the Jayhawks’ new assistant coach and member of the 2008 national championship team, has that interesting perspective and is ready for the challenge after spending five years waiting patiently in an administrative role. Case’s roots with the game of basketball and Coach Bill Self run deep. His father, Win, played basketball with Self at Oklahoma State, and he met the Kansas head coach when he was a baby, and his father has gone on to be a longtime assistant coach at the Division I level and currently works at Ole Miss with head coach Kermit Davis. How does Case’s unique perspective on the Jayhawk program impact the players that currently wear the uniform that he cares so much about?
Former Jayhawk football player, coach, and current radio analyst David Lawrence grew up in the shadows of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium and has now been around the program for over 40 years. As the Jayhawks’ 2021 football season begins, Lawrence takes us back to the beginnings of the stadium that will welcome the 100th year of Kansas football this fall and some of his favorite moments throughout his time with Jayhawk football. With new head coach Lance Leipold now at the helm, there’s a new excitement around Kansas football. And there’s no better setting than David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.
Former Jayhawk fullback Brandon McAnderson is a fan favorite for many Kansas football fans. Not highly recruited out of high school, he became an essential piece in the 2008 Orange Bowl-winning team. McAnderson is Lawrence-born and Lawrence-made and has had football in his veins from the very beginning. McAnderson’s path to Kansas was always a dream for him. And when his dream came to a reality, he made the most of his opportunity. However, he never forgets the foundation for his football success. It’s rooted in a place that he still calls home.
Kansas volleyball star Caroline Crawford is a generational Jayhawk and has had love in her heart for the University of Kansas for as long as she can remember. Crawford carved her path with the sport of volleyball and began getting noticed by schools for her play on the court. To her, it was always a no-brainer. Crawford was an All-Big 12 first-team selection as a freshman last season, and recently returned from Belgium and Netherlands where she competed with the Team USA Under-20 team. Now her focus returns to Kansas Volleyball, where she hopes to bring back the Jayhawks to the level of a team she idolized growing up – the 2016 squad that made the Final Four.
Kansas forward Jalen Wilson is a veteran in the Jayhawk locker room as he enters his third season with the program. Personally, he’s also a veteran of the game of basketball. Both his father and mother played collegiately, and he’s thankful they have been able to guide him through his playing journey.
Perspective on college basketball came early for Wilson. In his first game as a Jayhawk, injury struck and wiped out his freshman season. As hard as the injury was to accept and overcome, Wilson came away from the experience with the attitude and approach of a veteran. After testing the NBA waters, Wilson is back to take care of some unfinished business in Lawrence.
New Jayhawk women’s golf coach Lindsay Kuhle is ready to hit the ground running in Lawrence after being hired this summer to take over the Kansas program and she feels that this is the perfect place to achieve some lofty goals. Kuhle comes from a golf background in Colorado, where her father and brother taught her the game she loves, a love that has spurred her passion to coach and to lead women to success, both on and off the course. Lindsay, her husband A.J., a former Division I basketball player at Air Force, and their two children have always been a sports family. Now they are a part of the Jayhawk family.
If you know former football player Keon Stowers, it’s hard to fathom how difficult his upbringing was in Rock Hill, South Carolina. There was not much to look forward to in his environment, and it was even harder for him to trust others who wanted to help him. Stowers escaped a challenging family situation at home through football, where he found a family who cared, mentors who challenged him, and a place where he felt like he could make a difference.
He found success on the gridiron, and after two years at Georgia Military College, he found his way to Kansas, where he played two seasons for the Jayhawks and graduated with a degree in Sociology. Stowers has now found a home in Lawrence and is the Development Director for the KU Endowment, where he shares his story with others in the community and on campus.
Learning. Growing. Maturing. That 400 meters, that one lap around the track, caused Olympic gold medalist and world record holder Kyle Clemons to do some deep thinking about his athletic career and his life. His rise to the top of the track and field world did not come easy. However, to a young Clemons, this whole thing was supposed to be a breeze. Highly rated out of high school, he’d spend a year or two in college and then go pro, and then the medals and money would come. But his times at Kansas failed to reflect that and he struggled. Suddenly, a mental switch flipped for Clemons, and with the help of Kansas track coach Stanley Redwine, he dropped the expectations. And found beauty in the grind.
Jayhawk women’s basketball great Danielle McCray has enjoyed a fruitful career on the basketball court. But for McCray, who concluded her time at KU ranked in the top 10 in nine different categories, her basketball journey almost ended before it got started. How did she persevere In Lawrence and earn second-team All-America honors and become the highest WNBA draft pick in Jayhawks history in 2010, when she was selected 7th overall by the Connecticut Sun? We’ll also explore her international basketball career, which has taken her to over nine different countries, and how she has established herself as a successful businesswoman and developed an urge to help others with their careers when the ball stops bouncing.
Junior Christian Braun was born for the Border Showdown, which returns this winter on the basketball court. Although he claims Burlington, Kansas, as his hometown, his mom’s side of the family is so well-known in Missouri that they are in the state’s athletic Hall of Fame. The whole family.
But that didn’t stop Braun from rocking the Crimson and Blue growing up. A late bloomer, Braun turned his family’s competitive nature into a successful high school career and a basketball scholarship to play for his dream school. Now in his third season with the team, Braun still pinches himself when he takes the Allen Fieldhouse floor on gamedays. It’s not a dream, and when he looks into the crowd, he sees himself in those fans in the stands.
Coaching women’s basketball is in Jayhawk coach Brandon Schneider’s veins. His father, Bob, spent 43 years coaching women’s basketball in Texas and the Schneider name is very well known. Although it seemed like a natural fit for Brandon to follow in his Dad’s footsteps, going into coaching was not always a sure thing. However, like his father, Brandon took to the profession and excelled in stops at Division II Emporia State, where he won a national championship, and then at Stephen F. Austin, before he arrived in Lawrence in 2015. Throughout his career, Brandon has emulated his father with his desire to develop young women into quality human beings, and in the end, he learned that it’s the simple things that matter the most.
Dr. Ramsey Nijem has loved the game of basketball his entire life, and at the age of 23, Nijem became the NBA’s youngest head strength coach with the Sacramento Kings. After working what he thought was his dream job in the NBA, Kansas came calling, and he felt he had to live up to one of the principles he had been teaching to his players throughout his career. Being comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Football Director of Sports Performance Matt Gildersleeve is at the forefront of the changes new coach Lance Leipold wants to implement with the Jayhawks. But even he knows that he is just a piece of a bigger puzzle. On paper, Gildersleeve and Leipold are an odd couple. Gildersleeve played at Division III powerhouse Mount Union, where he was 57 and 3 in his career. Those three losses: To Leipold and Wisconsin Whitewater. One thing is for certain. Gildersleeve is on a mission to impact and influence the Jayhawk football roster, one day and one workout at a time. And there’s no place he’d rather be.
Jayhawk Zach Bradford is one of the top collegiate pole vaulters, and in 2021, he has the best mark in the nation for a collegiate at over 19 feet. Bradford’s background is unique – he grew up with a family of pole vaulters. His father was a pole vaulter. His brother was a pole vaulter. But Zach, being the competitive person he is, wanted to be the best Bradford. He is now gearing up for his most intense time of the year with the NCAA Championships and the Olympic Trials for the Tokyo games. He has big aspirations, especially after a successful spring season and a Big 12 championship under his belt.
Jayhawk volleyball coach Ray Bechard has always been a lifelong Jayhawk and has lived and worked in the state of Kansas his entire life. Interestingly, Bechard was never affiliated with volleyball until his principal made him take the job at Lewis High School in Lewis, Kansas, and he took to the sport. Bechard moved on to the community college level, and after extraordinary success, the Jayhawks came calling. His dream had come true. Bechard has taken the Jayhawks to new heights on the volleyball court, including a trip to the 2015 Final Four. His appreciation for his current post and the fact that he is coaching in Lawrence, and has for 23 years, is not lost on Bechard. He is one fortunate Jayhawk.
3,845 miles. From Kailua, Hawaii to Lawrence, Kansas. That’s how far former Jayhawk baseball player and current Director of Operations Wally Marciel traveled to play college baseball 10 years ago. He has never left. Marciel started a pipeline from the Aloha state to Lawrence, and the reason behind the move for him and other Hawaiaan players was pretty simple. It started with one person, coach Ritch Price. Price and Kansas baseball provide an atmosphere that Hawaiians value and cherish, and one that makes them travel across the globe to be a part of. Family.
Kansas head football coach Lance Leipold is a program builder, just look at his history. And although there’s no secret sauce to his successful career, there are some simple ingredients he believes helped lead to winning. That success has come at an unbelievable clip for Leipold, including winning six national championships at Division III Wisconsin-Whitewater. He also became the fastest coach in NCAA history to record 100 wins, no matter the level. Leipold then made the leap to Division I, where he turned a downtrodden Buffalo program into a consistent championship contender. His contagious, winning mindset is now in Lawrence, and he’s spreading his message throughout Jayhawk Nation: be relentless, have pride, and show commitment in all aspects of life.
Coming from Russia, former Kansas standout Sasha Kaun had no idea about sports in the United States, and his homeland, the idea of becoming a professional athlete was not one he ever thought about. Interestingly, Kaun came to the United States and a boarding school in Florida for academics, where basketball wasn’t even on his radar. Through hard work, Kaun figured out basketball enough to land a scholarship to the University of Kansas and a Jayhawk national championship in 2008. He then spent eight seasons in professional basketball, seven in Russia, and one NBA World Championship season with Cleveland. All along, he let his curiosity and hard work guide him, and it’s safe to say, he figured it out.
There’s a process to achieving greatness. And for Jayhawk women’s tennis coach Todd Chapman, he believes there are a few things that teams must have when it comes to winning. In his eight seasons in Lawrence, Chapman has transformed the women’s tennis program into a perennial Big 12 contender, and in 2019, he coached them to the Big 12 championship and Sweet 16. But championships don’t happen overnight and appear out of thin air. They take work. And process. And perseverance.
New Kansas Director of Athletics Travis Goff is a Jayhawk through and through. Raised in Dodge City, Kan., Goff got his start in college athletics as a KU student in the Williams Education Fund. After realizing he wanted to make a career in athletics, he built on his time with the Williams Education Fund and earned a full-time post at Tulane University in New Orleans. After Hurricane Katrina ravished the region, Goff and his colleagues were critical assets in rebuilding the athletic department. He used those rebuilding experiences in New Orleans in his next role at Northwestern, where he helped the Wildcats build sparkling new facilities and contend for Big 10 championships. But when Kansas called looking for a new athletic director, that was a call he was not going to miss. KU is home.
Jayhawk head coach Bill Self admits that this year was tough on everyone, especially the players. Self felt bad for his guys, especially the ones who had never experienced Allen Fieldhouse at its finest. Covid-19 had taken that away. In spite of all of those circumstances, the Jayhawks advanced to their 49th NCAA Tournament and their 31st consecutive appearance in 2021 with a 21-9 record, and was one of only two teams to beat eventual national champion Baylor in 2020-21. As Self puts the 2020-21 season in his rearview mirror, the pride in this year’s team in how they persevered through trying circumstances is hard to contain. It truly was a season like no other.
Roy Williams really needs no introduction—he’s a college coaching legend. He’s a Basketball Hall of Famer. He’s won three NCAA titles. And he’s been to more Final Fours than every coach in history not named Krzyzewski, Wooden or Smith. And his time at Kansas was equally legendary. Though his Jayhawk teams never won it all, they still won more games than any other program in the 90s. Four Final Fours. Nine Big 12 titles. And the only undefeated Big 12 season in conference history. Roy Williams made his mark in Lawrence. Success aside, not every story has a perfect ending in the moment. But time has a funny way of healing old wounds. And Roy Williams still cares so deeply about his time in Lawrence, his Jayhawk players, and the fans that filled Allen Fieldhouse. So, for the first time, the legendary coach is opening up to Kansas fans about his story, his time leading the Jayhawks, and all the great memories.
It’s interesting to look into the mind of an Olympian and see how they think. And when you talk with Jayhawk track legend Andrea Geubelle Norris, it’s not always what you expect. Her Jayhawk career vaulted her into the upper echelons of track and field, and after a heartbreaking result at the 2012 NCAA Outdoor Championships, she made the Rio Olympics in the long jump. Her experience in Rio was an eye-opening one, both on and off the track. To outsiders, it’s glitz, glamour, and the bright lights. But for Norris, she figured out what really mattered.
Interim head football coach Emmett Jones has been around some of the top names in college football, with time spent around former Texas Tech and current Arizona Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury making him ready for this moment. Jones, who cut his teeth in the Dallas metro area as a successful high school coach, wound up on a path that he did not expect, but when the right opportunity came calling, Jones left Dallas to coach at Texas Tech, where he mentored four wide receivers who landed on NFL rosters, along with NFL star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Jones sees a lot of potential with the Jayhawks, and he has an idea on how to bring that potential to light. Being genuine.
A regular guy. Terry Nooner was a crowd favorite at Allen Fieldhouse from 1997-2000 because he was one of them. Nooner, who walked on with the Jayhawks and played for Coach Roy Williams from 1997-2000, is currently an assistant with the Jayhawk women’s team. But in the beginning, he never wanted to get into coaching. However, after realizing he had a talent and calling for mentoring others, he has had a fruitful career in the women’s game, while also garnering some NBA experience, working with his childhood friend and current Los Angeles Clippers coach Tyronn Lue. And after all of those times waiting on a whistle in conditioning drills as a player, now he’s the one holding the whistle.
If you didn’t know Chris Harris and his story, his success in football and in life almost sounds like it is make believe. He wasn’t supposed to play at the University of Kansas and he wasn’t supposed to make an NFL team. But Harris grew up with a different mentality, one that he still relies on today. Harris took advantage of his opportunities after leaving Kansas in 2010, and a free agent deal led to an opportunity with the Denver Broncos, which has turned into into a fruitful NFL career that has now spanned 11 seasons. But Harris has made more of an impact off of the field than on, which says a lot after he was one of two cornerbacks named to the NFL All-Decade team in 2020. The winner of numerous off-the-field honors wants people in his community to find their own underdog mentality, just like the one that helped change his life.
Former Kansas track star Bryce Hoppel grew up in a sports family and he started his athletic career running the soccer fields in Midland, Texas. Ironically, staying in shape for soccer led him to things he could have never imagined in a different sport. At first, Hoppel didn’t really like the running. He just liked being one of the guys. Hoppel began turning heads with his teammates in high school, and then in college in Lawrence, where he was a five-time All-American, two-time National Champion and four-time Big 12 Champion. In 2019, Hoppel completed a sweep of both the indoor and outdoor 800 meter NCAA titles, becoming the first male from the University of Kansas to win a collegiate title in the event. And although those were great memories, his greatest memories revolve around his teammates. Now, Hoppel hopes his teammates will be cheering on for another adventure – a run to the Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
There are those can’t-miss prospects. Guys who are just “dudes.” The ones who you just know are going to be great immediately. But then there are players who develop a little more slowly, only to have an incredible impact when the time is right. And when you consider the All-American career of defensive standout Cole Aldrich, he’s one of those guys. It just took time. And during a three-year career with the Jayhawks, he never lost a game at Allen Fieldhouse. Not. One. Time. After leaving Lawrence, Cole lived the dream of playing in the NBA. But it wasn’t always easy, and it’s a grind that most people can’t believe or accept. Aldrich lived and worked that grind for eight seasons in the League. And his work ethic never wavered.
Sherron Collins had the deck stacked against him from the beginning. Small in stature. A violence-filled neighborhood. And a father that was in and out of jail and his life. Despite the challenges, Sherron found role models who would teach him right from wrong, and how to excel in life. That translated to the hardwood, as he became one of the top high school point guards in the country. And when Kansas calls, you listen, and after he arrived in Lawrence, he turned his Jayhawk career into an epic one. He was a consensus first-team All-American, a two-time All-Big 12 selection, and he helped Kansas bring home its first national title since 1988. With his jersey hanging in the rafters of Allen Fieldhouse, there’s no debating Collins’ legacy. He’s an all-timer. And considering how much he had to overcome early in life, it makes his story all the more inspirational.
Devonte' Graham's journey to breakout NBA player is rather remarkable. He learned from his mom to never quit and is always working to get better—and that work has paid off over and over again. His Kansas career started slow, but he showed early flashes of greatness. And then, he got to work. Devonte’ got better every year at KU, culminating with Big 12 Player of the Year and All-American honors as a senior on a team that made it to the Final Four. And if it seems like history is repeating itself with Graham, that’s because, in a way, it is. After a slow start to his NBA career with the Hornets, he emerged as one of the most improved players in the league, averaging 18 points and 7.5 assists last season. Devonte’ Graham’s story isn’t just about him. It’s about family banding together, and how hard work can make even the biggest dreams a reality.
Wooden. Wilt. Magic. Bird. Jordan. They’re some of the legends of basketball; names that define the sport. But there’s one name that means even more: Naismith. Without Dr. James Naismith—a teacher and chaplain by trade—none of those other names would mean anything. There’s a reason his name is on the Basketball Hall of Fame. Because without Naismith, there is no basketball. In December of 1891, under the guidance and rules of Naismith, the first game of basketball was played in Springfield, Massachusetts. And, a few years later in 1898, he brought the sport to Kansas and founded the Jayhawks’ storied program. From there, as Naismith’s invention became a phenomenon, so, too, did Kansas basketball. It was at Kansas where the father of basketball coached Phog Allen, the father of basketball coaching. The rest, as they say, is history. Springfield may be the birthplace of basketball, but Kansas is its home. And with the help of his only living grandson, Jim Naismith, this is how Dr. James Naismith created a sport and its most iconic program.
Sometimes, you have to make the choice to take a leap of faith and trust that you’re ready for whatever lies ahead. For Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, life has been full of those moments. He had to trust that he was ready to leave Stillwater—and a spot on the Oklahoma State golf team—to come to Kansas. He had to trust that he was ready to fly a fighter jet solo for the first time. And he had to trust that he was doing the right thing when he took the leap to start the Folds of Honor Foundation. But how did a childhood dream of a path less traveled lead to all these major moments? Rooney wanted to be a pro golfer and had to grind it out on the golf minitours to make enough money to follow his other dream: becoming a fighter pilot. And it was only after all that hard work—and multiple tours in Iraq—when a chance flight gave him a different calling. For Rooney, it was a chance to take that leap of faith, and go before he was ready. And based on the impact he and Folds of Honor have had, the timing couldn’t have been better.
For all he’s accomplished—a national championship, three Final Fours, 10 Elite Eights and 15 Big 12 titles—Bill Self is always quick to give others credit. It’s just the way he was raised—both as a kid, and as a coach. But when you consider all the success, it’s worth wondering how a kid from Oklahoma, who self-admittedly wasn’t the greatest basketball player, ended up becoming one of the best coaches in the country. So what made Bill Self such a successful coach? Or rather—who helped shape him into a Hall of Famer? The list of names is long, and includes some of the all-time greats. How did R.C. Buford inadvertently get him into coaching? What roles did Larry Brown, Eddie Sutton and Leonard Hamilton play? And what has he learned from all of them that’s enabled him to be so successful? Bill Self was built by legends. And now, he’s becoming one.
When you talk about Kansas basketball record holders, you’re talking about some of the very best to play the sport at the college level. That’s the company that Aaron Miles—the Jayhawks’ all-time assists leader and ninth in the history of college basketball—finds himself in. And Miles has made a knack of keeping himself in elite company. His high school teammate and best friend, Michael Lee, is another former Jayhawk. The talent he played with at Kansas speaks for itself. Names like Gooden, Collison, Hinrich, Boschee and Simien. The tendency to surround himself with the best has followed him into his coaching career. Now an assistant with the Golden State Warriors, Miles works with an NBA champion coach in Steve Kerr. It might be tempting to dismiss Aaron Miles as a guy who’s just been in the right place at the right time. But his work ethic and dedication to team over self make him a true Jayhawk great.
How does a guy commit to Kansas sight unseen and end up becoming a Jayhawk for life? For Julian Wright—who grew up in Chicago watching Michael Jordan and the Bulls win championships—he just wanted to play. And when opportunity literally knocked, it was too good to pass up. That drive to be a Jayhawk led to an All-Big 12 and All-American career that included some superstar-type performances. But all good things eventually come to an end. And when Wright decided to leave the Jayhawks after just two seasons to turn pro, there were questions. Wright’s decision would end up being the right one, after he was taken with the 13th pick of the 2007 NBA Draft by the New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans). And if you doubted how much it hurt him to leave Kansas, how did he prove it when the Jayhawks won the 2008 national title?
The life of a walk-on isn’t exactly glamorous. You’re not on scholarship. And you have to work harder than everyone else to prove yourself. But usually, that hard work pays off—which is exactly what happened for defensive lineman Sam Burt. A Kansas native, Burt was an All-State caliber player. But the major college offers never really materialized. So he walked on with the Jayhawks, knowing he’d have to fight for his place. Burt won that fight, and is getting to live out his dream of playing major college football. On top of that, he’s getting to influence the next generation of Jayhawks, leaving the program in better shape than he found it.
He was one of Les Miles’ first recruits, and he’s quickly becoming a defensive leader for the Jayhawks. Kenny Logan had offers from some of the biggest programs in the country—Auburn, Miami, Nebraska just to name a few. He’s a guy the coaches can count on to help shape the Jayhawk defense moving forward. But how’d he get here in the first place? His brother, Brandon James, played at Florida, and has played an even bigger role in Kenny’s life. He’s the one who Kenny looks up to, and who made him want to be great at football. And though it’s not easy to live up to the family standard, Kenny Logan is well on his way.
How does a kid from England—who played in the youth systems of Premier League clubs end up building one of the top college soccer programs in America? Mark Francis’ love of soccer—or football, depending on where you’re listening—has taken him halfway around the world to Lawrence, where he’s transformed the Jayhawk program into one of nation’s best. That rise, so far, has culminated in the program’s first Big 12 Championship in 2019. A star player in his own right, Francis has lived his life in the game he loves. From the intense and competitive youth systems of the Premier League to starring in the American college game and playing professionally in the States … those experiences have shaped him into the coach he is today. And despite the success, Francis isn’t satisfied. And it’s those grand visions that have led Francis and the Jayhawks to new heights.
With a nickname like the Gravedigger, you better be a nightmare for the opposing team. And Gilbert Brown was just that—an imposing figure who imposed his will on offensive lines throughout his college and NFL careers. He’s a guy who could’ve gone to some of the most historic programs in college football, so why’d he decide that Kansas was the right fit for him? Brown made an immediate impact in Lawrence, helping build a winning program that would make an Aloha Bowl appearance in 1992. But he was just getting started. Brown would go on to have a 10-year NFL career as part of a formidable Green Bay Packers defensive front, and would go on to win Super Bowl XXXI. He played through injuries throughout his career, and only three players in Packers history have appeared in more playoff games. Make no mistake: Brown was a difference-maker. And it all started at Kansas.
Kwamie Lassiter II was destined to play at Kansas. After all, his dad was an All-Big 8 performer and Aloha Bowl champion defensive back for the Jayhawks. Lassiter’s dad played an influential role in his son’s football life—coaching him up, going to games, and making him want to be a Jayhawk. But then, that bond was gone. Kwamie’s dad passed away from a heart attack in January 2019, and it changed everything. Gone were the postgame breakdowns, the workouts, and the father-son bonding. But Kwamie has found a way forward, leaning on his family—both at home, and at Kansas. He’s emerged as a playmaker and talented receiver and returner for the Jayhawks, and if he has his way, his story is just getting started.
There are many different ways to reach the top of a depth chart. Some grow up in a big football market, get noticed early and play right away. But for Andrew Parchment, the journey wasn’t quite so simple. A Florida native, Parchment started his collegiate career at Northern Illinois, before transferring to Iowa Central Community College after two seasons. He did well enough at the JUCO level to get a call from Les Miles to come play at Kansas, and his dream of playing at the major college football level finally became a reality. Beyond working hard, how’d it happen? There’s the close-knit family with Caribbean roots, and Parchment’s love of making music to keep him focused. It was a difficult road to get to this point for Parchment, but he now sits atop the depth chart as KU’s top option in the passing game.
He holds every major Kansas passing record, led the Jayhawks to the winningest season in school history, and became a larger than life figure on campus. In short, Todd Reesing is a Kansas football legend. But what made this legend? Small of stature, his size prevented him from getting offers from the best programs in his home state of Texas. So he ended up in Lawrence, playing for Mark Mangino. And when he got the chance to play, he took the reins and ran with it, determined to get his revenge on the Big 12 programs that passed on him. We know what motivated Reesing, but how did he turn that grudge into the best seasons by any quarterback in the history of Jayhawk football? And why was he the right guy in the right position at the right time to lead Kansas to Orange Bowl glory?
Since Big 12 play began in 1996, there’s only been one Jayhawk football player to win the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year award. There’s a reason Nick Reid was a big part of setting the foundation for the success of the Mark Mangino era at KU. Originally a quarterback in high school, Reid made the transition to defense as a college freshman. And he gave the position switch his all. His work ethic made him an easy fan favorite. But did you know that he also gained the admiration of opposing coaches? Reid may not be the winningest player in Kansas history—though he did go to two bowl games—but he set the table for teams that would go 26-12 in the three seasons following the end of his Jayhawk career.
Pooka Williams hardly needs an introduction to Jayhawk fans. The talented and electrifying running back has already established himself as one of the best in Kansas history, becoming just the second to ever rush for more than 2,000 yards in his first two seasons. And in his eyes, he’s just getting started. Originally from New Orleans, Pooka excelled as a four-star prospect who led his high school to the state championship game as a senior. He had his pick of major college football programs. So why Kansas? Pooka has repaid KU’s faith in him on the field, while continuing to make strides off it. And as he enters his junior season, he’s made his intent clear: He wants to help the Jayhawks build a winning program under Les Miles.
Darrell Stuckey’s story could easily be one of anger prevailing. It’d be hard to blame him. His parents got divorced at an early age, leaving his mom as a single parent. He suffered seizures as a child due to a medical condition. It was a struggle just to get by. But then, everything changed in an instant. How did this one moment impact his life forever? Stuckey instead adopted a work-hard mentality, and it led him to becoming one of the greatest defensive backs Kansas has ever seen. A starter for some of the best teams in school history, Stuckey would become an All-Big 12 performer, and eventually take his game to the NFL, where he would become a special teams captain and Pro Bowler for the Los Angeles Chargers. Now back in the Kansas community, Stuckey is using his life as an example, sharing his story and encouraging others to not let anger win.
For a guy who was born and raised in a small town with fewer than 300 people, Nolan Cromwell sure has lived large. A standout on the track and the football field, Cromwell came to KU as a defensive back. But after a successful two-year stint at safety, he changed positions…to quarterback. And that’s where he would make his mark as a Big Eight Offensive Player of the Year. Cromwell would lead the Jayhawks to one of the biggest wins in school history—a 23-3 drubbing of top-ranked Oklahoma in 1975. And while his senior season would be cut short due to injury, he was just getting started with his football life. Cromwell would become a Pro Bowl safety with the Los Angeles Rams, and eventually be named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 1980s. From there, he’d find success as a coach, winning Super Bowl 31 while serving as the special teams coordinator for the Green Bay Packers. From a small town to football’s biggest stage, Nolan Cromwell has lived it all.
Every football season, there’s a handful of new freshman Jayhawks for fans to get excited about. With their high school careers over, they’re ready for the bright lights of major college football. But how do they get discovered? And what goes into getting them to Lawrence? The world of major college football recruiting is a wild one, and there’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes to secure a commitment. It’s months and years of planning, travel, visits and watching film. In this episode, staff recruiting coordinator Josh Eargle takes you behind the scenes and inside the program, and explains how it all works.
Kerry Meier’s stellar career as a wide receiver almost never happened. Twice. He was a star high school quarterback out of Pittsburg, Kansas, who committed to play for Mark Mangino and help the Jayhawks build something special. But before he could even get on the field, there was an undiscovered medical issue that forced Meier to redshirt as a freshman. Meier would bounce back and claim the starting quarterback job as a redshirt freshman, and set a Kansas freshman record for touchdown passes. But heading into the 2007 season, Todd Reesing beat Meier out for the starting job. So how did a position switch change everything for Meier, and lead the Jayhawks to the Orange Bowl?
When you hear the name Dave Robisch, maybe you don’t think “superstar.” But maybe you should. After all, Robisch was a two-time All-American and a two-time Big Eight Player of the Year. His career scoring average ranks fourth in school history and he helped the Jayhawks to the 1971 Final Four. And he did it all while also performing as an all-conference pitcher for the baseball team. He would go on to have a 13-year career in the ABA and NBA, and his jersey was raised to the rafters of Allen Fieldhouse in 2005. While his accolades read like those of an all-time great, his career wasn’t without its trials. How does one moment from the 1971 Final Four still haunt him? And how was that Final Four team one of the most impactful in Kansas history?
From a career perspective, it’s hard to top winning an Olympic gold medal. For Kansas softball coach Jennifer McFalls, that dream came true in 2000, when she helped Team USA to Olympic glory. It was a long and winding road to get there, with plenty of successes—and disappointments—along the way. But once you win a gold medal, what do you do for an encore? What does life look like after reaching the pinnacle of your sport? For McFalls, she would turn to coaching, and after just one season at the high school level, she knew it’s what she wanted to do. After a decade as a full-time assistant at the college level, why was the time finally right for McFalls to be a head coach? And what does she envision success looking like at Kansas?
He’s a member of the Elite Eight—the only eight coaches in the more than 120-year history of Jayhawk basketball. And though his tenure didn’t end the way he would’ve liked, Ted Owens isn’t bitter about his experience at KU. If anything, Owens fondly remembers his time as the Kansas head coach, which includes trips to two Final Fours and some of the all-time KU greats. He coached five All-Americans, all of whom have jerseys hanging in Allen Fieldhouse, and won six Big Eight Conference titles. And despite the ending, the opportunity to lead the Kansas program and the love he felt from Jayhawk fans are things he won’t ever forget. What led to so many good days, moments and memories? In this episode, we go inside his story, and how he recruited some of the greatest Jayhawks in history.
He’s been to back-to-back Final Fours, and has seen his jersey retired at both the college and professional levels. He was a first-round draft pick, and a McDonald’s All-American. So what does it all come back to for Nick Collison? Consistency. Whether he was consistently great during his time at Kansas, or a consistent leader for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Collison brought the same passion, energy and work ethic every day. A standout from the beginning, Collison averaged double figures in all four seasons in Lawrence. He was the 2003 Big 12 Player of the Year, and closed his career as the conference’s all-time leading scorer. But he’s best remembered by Kansas fans as the guy who—along with Kirk Hinrich—led the Jayhawks to Final Four appearances in 2002 and 2003. How’d he have so much success at the college level? And how did a guy who averaged 6 points and 5 rebounds have a 14-year NBA career? For the guy known as Mr. Thunder, it all starts at the beginning.
Katie McClure was born to score goals. So it’s no surprise she was drafted by the Washington Spirit of the National Women’s Soccer League after a record-setting Kansas career. A Wichita native, McClure has always craved competition—it’s how she grew up as the daughter of a former pro baseball player with three older siblings. And that competitive fire has led to her coming up big when it matters most: Her 18 game-winning goals are the most in Jayhawk history. As a senior, she helped lead the Jayhawks to their first-ever Big 12 Tournament title, and a second-round hat trick in the NCAA Tournament propelled KU to the Sweet 16. What led to Katie McClure becoming one of the best players in Jayhawk program history? And how has her success in college put her in position to live out a life-long dream of playing at the highest level?
Danny Manning is considered by many to be the greatest Jayhawk of them all. It makes sense: He was a two-time All-American, a Wooden Award winner, a national champion, and his jersey hangs in the rafters at Allen Fieldhouse. And every part of Manning’s basketball life comes back to Kansas. His family moved to Lawrence when his father was hired as an assistant coach. He starred as a Jayhawk en route to becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft. And when he decided to transition into coaching, he started at Kansas with the help of Bill Self. But his journey hasn't always been easy. Manning and his teammates fell short in the 1986 Final Four and the following season’s Sweet 16. And despite being a two-time NBA All-Star, there were the multiple injuries that led to him becoming the first player to return from reconstructive surgeries on both knees. But he just keeps fighting. He keeps finding success. And he keeps remembering the role that Kansas has played through it all.
He’s the dean of Big 12 baseball coaches and the most successful coach in Kansas program history. And Ritch Price is just as fired up about Jayhawk Baseball as he was when he took the job in the summer of 2002. Price is responsible for the Jayhawks’ lone Big 12 Tournament championship and three of the school’s five all-time NCAA Regional appearances. But it hasn’t been easy. When Price took over the program, facilities and support were lacking. How was he able to convince fans to invest in Jayhawk baseball, and how did Roy Williams play a role in helping the program grow? Price has built KU baseball into a family. That shouldn’t be surprising, considering his dad played with Ted Williams and his three sons all played for him, with one eventually joining his staff. In many ways, Ritch Price is the patriarch of Kansas baseball.
She’s a two-time player of the year, a league’s founding member and a champion. This is how Tamecka Dixon helped guide the Kansas women to their first ever Sweet 16 appearance, and became one of the first players in the WNBA. A New Jersey native, Dixon came to Kansas in 1993. And after adjusting to the college game as a freshman, her career took off. She averaged double figures as a sophomore before leading Kansas to back-to-back conference titles in the Big Eight and Big 12. As luck would have it, the end of her time as a Jayhawk coincided with the birth of the WNBA, where she would become a three-time All-Star, winning two championships with the Los Angeles Sparks as part of a 13-year professional career.
DJ Eliot didn’t plan on being a coach. For a guy with his reputation and who’s learned from some the best in the business, that’s pretty eye-opening. So how did an injury lead to him beginning his coaching career? Once he got into coaching, Eliot would start on a coaching journey that would take him across the country. As a GA at Miami, he helped with a defense that played for a national title. At Florida State, he would work with Jimbo Fisher and Mark Stoops, who he then followed to Kentucky to help build a program. And after a two-year stint at Colorado under Mike MacIntyre, Eliot would get a phone call that brought him to Lawrence. Coaching is a road with many twists and turns, and Eliot is glad his journey has landed him at Kansas. It’s a place that’s embraced his family as he faces one of his toughest challenges yet: Coaching his daughter in her fight against pediatric cancer.
He’s regarded as one of the brightest up-and-coming offensive minds in football. But if it seems that Brent Dearmon was a bit of an unknown to college football fans prior to the 2019 season…well, he was. So how did the Kansas offensive coordinator end up here? The son of a football coach, Dearmon fell in love with the game at an early age. After a record-setting playing career at NAIA Bethel College, Dearmon went into coaching at the high school level in Alabama. It was there where Auburn coach Gus Malzahn took notice, and added Dearmon to his staff as an offensive analyst. Dearmon would then spend four years as the OC at Arkansas Tech before returning to his alma mater as the head coach. But after one season of producing the country’s highest-scoring offense, why did he decide to take a leap of faith and join the Jayhawks as an analyst? And how has that leap now paid off?
When Les Miles added Josh Eargle as an offensive assistant, the Jayhawk family didn’t just add a young, up-and-coming coach to its staff. It added a family that’s been through more than most can imagine, and one that brings hope and inspiration with them wherever they go. Kristen Eargle never expected to be where she is … instead envisioning a long and successful sportscasting career. And after marrying Josh—and adding the title of “coach’s wife” to sportscaster—life was pretty good. Everything changed, though, when Kristen gave birth to the couple’s second daughter, Landrey. Born six weeks premature, Landrey was diagnosed with what was later found to be a rare gene mutation. It’s been a challenge for the Eargles, but Kristen and family wouldn’t have it any other way. This is their story.
Sometimes, dreams change. For Mark Turgeon, the goal of making it to the NBA wasn’t going to become a reality. So, how did his coach at Kansas, Hall of Famer Larry Brown, help him develop a new dream? Turgeon was a solid player at KU, a team captain, and he became the first Jayhawk to play in four straight NCAA Tournaments. But his future in basketball wasn’t going to be playing at the next level. He would take his coach’s advice, joining the Kansas staff immediately after graduating. And he would stay on as an assistant to Roy Williams. Along the way, he’d spend time learning from guys like Bill Self, John Calipari and Gregg Popovich. Turgeon would eventually land a few assistant and head coaching jobs before settling in at Maryland, where’s he’s found success. So how did a kid from Topeka re-route his dream to end up becoming one of the nation’s top coaches? And how did Kansas play a starring role in shaping Mark Turgeon’s life and career?
Hakeem Adeniji had it all planned out. He was going to play college football at Air Force, following in his brother’s footsteps. It was a dream. And then, a harsh dose of reality: A food allergy popped up on his medical, and that discovery meant Hakeem was no longer eligible to attend the military academy. His scholarship offer was rescinded. All of a sudden, he had nowhere to go. So what led to him ending up at Kansas and emerging as an indispensable part of the team—someone who started every single game of his Jayhawk career? This is the story of how a kid who never planned to be in Lawrence would end up becoming one of the best linemen in KU history, and how has a chance of fulfilling a new dream: Playing in the NFL.
It hasn’t always been an easy road for Udoka Azubuike. And that might be an understatement for a guy who’s already been through as much as some deal with in a lifetime. Growing up in Nigeria, Azubuike lost his father when he was 10 years old. We talk about how his relationship with his mom would become a source of strength, especially after he moved to the U.S. to pursue a basketball career. He ends up committing to Kansas, but even then, it wasn’t always easy, as injuries wrecked havoc on his early career. And with injuries, of course, come doubters—those who wondered if he’d ever live up to his potential. So how did he do it? This is the story of how he overcame every obstacle to become the Big 12 Player of the Year, and silenced the critics in the process.
How did Mario Chalmers—a kid from Alaska who wanted to go to North Carolina—end up hitting the biggest shot in Jayhawk basketball history? Kansas would win that 2008 national championship in overtime, and Chalmers would be instantly immortalized for his role. But his story doesn’t end there. Chalmers was overlooked by NBA teams, falling into the second round of the draft before eventually ending up with the Miami Heat. And he would win back-to-back world championships with the Heat, playing a major role on both teams. So, how’d he do it? How did he go from Anchorage to Lawrence to Miami—winning titles at every stop—and showing up in a big way when it mattered most? This is one clutch story.
These are unprecedented times. Dealing with mass cancellations and a sports world on hiatus isn't exactly something you can anticipate. Yet college and university leaders—like Kansas athletic director Jeff Long—have been tasked with figuring it out. So where do you even start? There are a lot of details to work through, and everything is on the table. So how do you plan for the unplannable? What goes into guiding an entire athletic department through a historic shutdown? In this special episode of The Jayhawker, Long answers those questions and more, as we sit down with the KU AD.
Nobody wanted the season to end like this. The unprecedented decision to cancel the Big 12 and NCAA Tournaments stung Kansas players, coaches and fans more than most. After all, we’re talking about a team ranked No. 1 in the country at the time the season ended. But as disappointing as the end was for all involved, this was still one of the best Jayhawk teams in recent memory. And that is something worth celebrating. But what made them great? And how did this team help carry their head coach? With the help of Bill Self, we’re bringing you the story of the 2019-2020 Jayhawk basketball team.
Athletes can impact lives. They have a platform, and legions of fans—young and old alike—who they influence. But what happens when an athlete decides he wants to have a bigger impact, a larger purpose? In the case of Wayne Simien, he simply walked away. Simien was a Big 12 Player of the Year at Kansas who went to two Final Fours. But it wasn’t enough. Later, he got drafted and won an NBA title. And yet, after two seasons in the league and one overseas, he abruptly retired. So why’d he do it? And how is he having a bigger impact now than ever before?
Everything about where Ochai Agbaji is now is surprising. He grew up the son of two former college basketball players, but did you know he was a great soccer player growing up? He didn’t have a D1 basketball offer until his senior year of high school. And he was redshirting his freshman year…until some injuries and other circumstances called for his redshirt to be pulled two-thirds of the way into the season. That's something that rarely happens, especially at this level. We cover it all with Ochai, from his beginnings in basketball to making an impact with the Jayhawks.
Everybody deals with pressure at some point. It’s part of life. But for some, that pressure comes when you’re not necessarily ready for it. That’s what Perry Ellis had to learn how to deal with. How’d he do it? And how did that lead to him heading to Lawrence, where he’d have an All-Big 12 career? We sat down with the former KU standout to talk about that, as well as rehabbing from a knee injury and trying to resume his professional career. He made a unique choice about where to rehab and how to stay busy: In Lawrence while working with the KU basketball support staff. It’s a move with one eye toward the future. But Perry Ellis isn’t ready to close the chapter on his playing career quite yet.
Allen Fieldhouse is a hallowed ground of college basketball, and the site of more than 800 Kansas basketball victories. But what went in to building such an iconic venue? With the help of one of the original architects of The Phog, Warren Corman, we give you a look at how it happened. From securing the steel needed to start construction, to the Fieldhouse's lasting legacy, Corman tells us the story of how it was built.
One game at Allen Fieldhouse changed Gary Woodland's life forever, and set him on the path that would lead to a US Open title. We sit down with Gary to tell his story, and talk about growing up a KU hoops fan and taking a college basketball scholarship. Gary tells us how playing at Allen Fieldhouse against the Jayhawks changed the path of his career and turned him back to golf. We talk about his early struggles in pro golf and getting his first PGA Tour win, why 2017 was the most difficult year of his life, and emerging out of that to win the 2019 US Open at Pebble Beach.
Devon Dotson is one of the fastest players in the country, and he wants to bring a national championship back to Lawrence. We get to know the Jayhawk star in this conversation, including how Derrick Rose impacted the way he plays (3:40), as well as why he chose to come back to KU for another season and what he's learned about his game (9:00). We talk about being one of the fastest players in the game (14:19) and his hidden talent as a ping pong player (17:28).
Marian Washington is a trailblazer and a Kansas Jayhawks legend. We sit down to tell her story, starting with playing for the U.S. national team and how she got to Kansas (8:08). She tells us what it meant to be one of the first African-American women to coach in a major conference (19:19), and coaching Lynette Woodard (24:50). We talk about another one of her firsts — becoming the first African-American woman to coach in the Olympics (31:21). Finally, she tells us what her time at KU meant to her (43:23).
Jeff Boschee was told he wouldn't be good enough, but ended up becoming Kansas' all-time 3-point leader. This is his story. He tells us about learning to work hard on his game (4:24), and getting told he wasn't good enough to play at Kansas (11:50). We get into him being a standout sharpshooter (20:08), as well as being a part of the 2002 undefeated Big 12 team (29:40). Finally, he reflects on his time as a Jayhawk and what it meant to him (37:02).
Scot Pollard is nothing if not colorful. We sit down with the former Jayhawk and 11-year NBA veteran to tell his story, starting with growing up in a tall family (2:50). We get into the impact his father's death had on him (5:50) and how a 1997 NCAA Tournament loss still haunts him (19:34). We get into his style (27:03), his time on "Survivor" (31:22) and finally, what his legacy as a Jayhawk means to him (36:14).
Tyshawn Taylor is a guy who used hard work and determination to help lead Kansas to the 2012 national championship game. We start with his high school career playing for legendary coach Bob Hurley, and how he ended up at Kansas (3:50). Tyshawn tells us why his sophomore year was tough for him and how he benefited from it (18:10). We talk about how close the 2012 team came to winning the national title (28:17), and finally, making it to the NBA and playing for Jason Kidd (35:24).
Drew Gooden is a Jayhawk legend, helping lead Kansas to the only undefeated record in Big 12 play and the 2002 Final Four. We sit down with Drew to tell his story going back to the beginning of his basketball playing career and his journey to ending up at KU (7:55). We get into how he met and meshed with Kirk Hinrich and Nick Collison (18:16), and what he’s most proud of from his time as a Jayhawk (28:39). Drew gives his thoughts on how the ’02 team would match up against other great KU teams (34:04), and finally, he tells a great Roy Williams story (44:00).
There are a lot of great stories that go untold. The Jayhawker Podcast changes that by featuring the best KU stories from past and present, packaged and told in a way fans haven't heard before. We take you inside the stories of current and former student-athletes, coaches, staff members and fans in a way that's equal parts entertaining and interesting.