1AA Top to bottom: Mitch FILL IN YOUR PICKS! BRACKET, PAGE 4AA Lightfoot, Christian Braun, Marcus Garrett, Jalen WIlson, Ochai Agbaji and Dajuan Harris LAWRENCE Journal- World FIle Photos ®

Journal-WorldPUBLISHED SINCE 1891 Monday • March 15 • 2021

2021 NCAA TOURNEY PREVIEW

#3 IN THE WEST Kansas’ tourney fate. 2AA

THE CONTENDERS Teams that could win it all. 7AA

TOURNEY REWIND 3 decades of March history at KU. 8AA 2AA M 2021arch 16, 2021 NCAA TOURNEY PREVIEW No further virus issues for 3rd-seeded Kansas Eastern Washington, which 15 other teams that can attest to By Matt Tait We’re going to Indy (this earned a spot in the field by win- this, is that Gonzaga is in our l l l week) with a healthy group; ning the Big Sky postseason tour- bracket,” Self said. “To get to a Fi- [email protected] it’s just a smaller group.” nament and is 16-7 overall. The nal Four, you’re going to have to game is scheduled for 12:15 p.m. eventually probably go through The Kansas men’s — Kansas coach Saturday on TBS. one of the better teams our sport team received a No. 3 seed in Kansas landed in the same has seen in recent memory. the West region in the NCAA region as No. 1 seed Gonzaga, “Since that’s the draw we got, Tournament on Sunday, and Big 12 tour- NCAA-record 31st consecutive which defeated KU in the sea- I might as well be comfortable KU coach Bill Self said that the nament. NCAA Tournament, Self said son opener on Thanksgiving. with it and like it,” Self added. COVID-19 issues that kept the Self said he expected both to re- the rest of the team had tested Iowa is the 2 seed in the West, “I certainly don’t dislike it.” Jayhawks from finishing the join the team at some this negative multiple times since and Virginia and Creighton Gonzaga ran through the Big 12 tournament had not cre- week in Indianapolis. Friday and that he was appre- round out the region’s top five. regular season and West Coast ated any further problems. The third player, who tested ciative that the Jayhawks’ first The winner of KU’s game with Conference tournament at 26-0 “Knock on wood, we think positive for COVID-19 on Friday game of this year’s tournament Eastern Washington will play and enters the NCAA Tourna- we’re in as good a shape as we morning, remains unnamed and was not until Saturday. the winner of the 6-11 matchup ment as the No. 1 overall seed. can be in,” Self said in a Zoom is expected to be out for KU’s “I’m actually glad that we have between USC and the winner of Despite that potential chal- call after the bracket came first two games of the NCAA an extra day,” Self said. “Not only the First Four matchup between lenge looming, which senior out. “We’re going to Indy (this Tournament, in accordance with for (the players who’ve been out), 11 seeds Wichita State and Drake. guard Marcus Garrett said was week) with a healthy group; it’s the tournament’s protocols. but for all our bodies and (so we Self said that while every team “definitely something we’d look just a smaller group. We’re mi- With the exception of those can) practice together closer to in the field deserved respect, forward to,” Self said his team’s nus three bodies right now.” players, the team was sched- game time. So I thought that the nearly all of the teams in the West focus was solely on Eastern Two of those three — junior uled to depart on Monday. draw we got was fair.” region had something in common. Washington, USC, Wichita State David McCormack and sopho- While the Jayhawks are When the full KU gang gets to- “The one thing that jumps out and Drake. more Tristan Enaruna — were shorthanded as they prepare to gether again, the Jayhawks (20-8) in our bracket that would be the ruled out before the start of the kick off a postseason run for an will prepare to face 14th-seeded hardest thing, and I think there’s > SEED, 6AA

KU can’t By Matt Tait l l l look too [email protected] Out of all the ways the COVID-19 pan- demic reshaped the far ahead 2020-21 college bas- ketball season, Kansas BENTON coach Bill Self says the changes made to SMITH the format of the 2021 NCAA Tournament [email protected] could be some of the ... & that’s fine with Bill Self most enjoyable. tournament’s 67 the teams in Indianapo- the country at more t a program with the With all 68 teams games will take place. lis. And while that will than a dozen host sites headed to Indiana Self said recently be decidedly different — Self said it could add pedigree of Kansas, one of the time-honored this week, the ma- that four Indianapolis from what any of them to the intensity of the traditionsA of Selection Sunday is jority of them will hotels were slated to are used to — with the competition. inspecting the rest of whatever be in Indianapolis, be team headquarters tournament typically region the Jayhawks ended up in. being spread across That flies most years, particu- where 55 of the for most, if not all, of > INDY, 10AA larly when KU is a top seed with a legitimate chance of making a run at the championship. But right now, mere days removed from withdrawing from the Big 12 tournament, KU has far too much else to worry about. Forget about Gonzaga, Iowa, Virginia and the rest of the teams in the West region. The Jayhawks don’t even know with Shutterstock Photo absolute certainty at this point how their shorthanded rotation LUCAS OIL STADIUM WILL will play in their NCAA Tour- HOST THIS YEAR’S FINAL nament debut Saturday against FOUR GAMES, AS WELL AS Eastern Washington. THE NATIONAL TITLE GAME.

> AHEAD, 6AA

Get to know Eastern Washington, KU’s first-round foe By Benton Smith basketball team first will Eastern Washington (16- the floor (17-for-52 on AP File Photo have to get past a hot 7) is ranked No. 110 in the 3-pointers). l l l Eastern Washington team nation by KenPom.com and Now in his fourth sea- EASTERN [email protected] in the first round of the is led by Tanner Groves, the son leading the Eagles, WASHINGTON FORWARD NCAA Tournament. Big Sky’s MVP this season. head coach Shantay Le- Before the Jayhawks gans has a .610 career win- TANNER GROVES, can start worrying about The Eagles, who are Groves, a 6-foot-9, LEFT, ning percentage entering shoots how they match up with the Big Sky Conference 235-pound junior forward, over Arizona USC, Wichita State or champions, enter the Big leads a balanced offense the NCAA Tournament. forward Ira Lee Drake — or even dream Dance on a four-game (78 points per game). He This is the program’s first on Dec. 5, 2020, about looking ahead in winning streak, and contributes 16.4 points, 8.1 berth since 2015. in Tucson, Ariz. the West region to Iowa they’ve won 13 of their rebounds, 55.7% shooting Arizona won or Gonzaga — the Kansas last 14 games. and the ability to stretch > FOE, 7AA 70-67.

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By Matt Tait Jayhawks’ most recent NCAA l l l Tournament game. Kansas’ vet- Don’t let the rough stretches fool you — erans have played in a bunch of [email protected] big games, and their confidence is at a season high entering this o one’s picking these Jayhawks are still a threat in March. year’s NCAA Tournament. Kansas as a lock Final Four team The bracket entering the 2021 Outside of Gonzaga and Baylor, NCAA Tourna- the top three or four seed lines ment,N but the Jayhawks them- in this year’s bracket include a selves still believe a memora- bunch of talented teams that can ble March is possible. beat nearly anybody on any giv- Despite a couple of rough en night, but also can lose to just stretches, during which the Jay- about anybody. Iowa lost twice to hawks lost three in a row and six Indiana. Ohio State lost to North- of 10 from Jan. 2 to Feb. 6, Kansas western. Illinois lost to Missouri. is banking on the fact that it start- Villanova dropped games to Prov- ed and ended the season playing idence and St. John’s. Alabama lost some of its best basketball. com’s defensive efficiency rat- Self has repeatedly pointed out rate and 3-point percentage. If KU ings, holding opponents well throughout the season that none consistently fares well in those to Western Kentucky. Houston’s KU’s defensive improvement three losses are to Tulsa, East throughout February played a under 1 point per possession and of KU’s losses was anything to be three areas this month, a run keeping foes’ scores in the 50s ashamed about. All of them came could be in the works. Carolina and Wichita State. The big role in that and helped give list goes on and on. Even though Bill Self’s squad the identity and 60s. Self has said that this at the hands of teams ranked in team needs to embrace playing KenPom’s top 40, and all of those The experience the Jayhawks do not have any bad that it had been missing. losses on their resume, their sea- What becomes of the Jay- games in the 60s, and, since the teams spent significant time in Let’s not forget that four Kan- start of February, the Jayhawks the Top 25 poll sas veterans — Garrett, Ochai son did include a handful of close hawks’ postseason fate this calls and forgettable moments, month remains to be seen, but have done just that. KU adjusted throughout the season, as well. Agbaji, Christian Braun and Da- its ball-screen defense — at the Add to that the fact that just one vid McCormack — were among most notably the recent home win here are four reasons Kansas over UTEP and double-digit loss- fans should be optimistic about point of attack and in rotations team (Kentucky) played more the top seven players on last sea- es to Texas and Tennessee earlier their team’s chances. behind it — to protect the lane Quadrant 1 regular-season games son’s team, which was poised to and play to its strengths, and se- than Kansas, and the Wildcats enter the NCAA Tournament in the season. However, the RPI Defense wins nior leader Marcus Garrett and were 3-12 in those games, while as the No. 1 overall seed and ranked the as It took these Jayhawks longer redshirt freshman Dajuan Harris KU went 6-8. Beyond that, the the betting favorite to win it all. the toughest conference in the than most to figure out what Self take pride in pestering opposing Jayhawks were 12-0 against teams Sure, they played different roles country this season in both overall demands from his teams on de- guards to the point of mistakes in Quadrants 2, 3 and 4, and they a year ago than they’re play- winning percentage and strength fense. But when they did, that that benefit the Jayhawks, both finished the regular season ranked ing today. And yes, that team of schedule. There are not many understanding not only saved in preventing points and scoring No. 11 in the AP poll, No. 15 in the was led by two All-Americans teams out there that could have their season but also gave Kan- in transition. NET rankings and No. 22 in the — and Devon finished second behind Baylor, sas a clear identity. KenPom.com rankings. KU’s stat Dotson. But Agbaji, Garrett and but Kansas did. That, along with Since then, KU has been one The numbers sheet is full of solid numbers, but McCormack still played a huge the Jayhawks’ solid stretches in of the best defensive teams in An eight-loss season is not the three most important areas part in Kansas’ 28-3 season in some of their losses, should have the country, climbing all the what Kansas fans are accustomed to watch are defensive 2019-20, and they each started or this team believing it has as good a way up to No. 7 in KenPom. to seeing from their team, but percentage, offensive rebounding played 20 or more minutes in the chance as anybody out there. Notebook: Self says Kansas’ reserves will need to step up By Matt Tait “Obviously the confer- “It just shows that we Also: A look at other Big 12 seedings ence is very well respect- had one of the best con- l l l all stay healthy from this moving forward,” Agbaji “(McCormack and Enaru- ed,” Self said. “To have ferences in college bas- [email protected] point forward, he’s going said. “They know their na) we hope get there this four teams on the 3 line or ketball,” senior guard to get every opportunity role, and they’re going to next week, as long as noth- better, I think those were Marcus Garrett said. With third-seeded Kan- to be an impact player for have to do it to the best of ing negative happens in the all deserved.” l l l sas shorthanded entering us in this tournament.” their ability. It’s win or go meantime. We’re not going If anything, Self said he the 2021 NCAA Tourna- Grant-Foster, who was home.” to count our chickens be- thought Texas, Oklahoma Shortly after the ment, KU coach Bill Self the top-rated junior college The Jayhawks are slat- fore they hatch. It’s just a State and Oklahoma were bracket was released, the was certain that some of prospect in the country last ed to head to Indianapo- daily deal that you get ner- all underseeded. NCAA unveiled the over- his reserves would need year, has appeared in 20 of lis without three of their vous every time you test, “I thought they could all seed list, and Kansas to step up in the week KU’s 28 games this season, regular rotation players. and we’ll just have to wait be a little bit higher than was ranked No. 12, mak- ahead to help Kansas sur- averaging 3.1 points and 2.2 David McCormack and and see how the tests go.” that,” he said. “But I think ing the Jayhawks the last vive and advance. rebounds in 8.3 minutes per Tristan Enaruna are in the l l l that every league in the 3 seed in the field … The “Oh, there’s no ques- game. He has not played final stages of COVID-19 country (could say that 3-14 matchup has pro- tion,” Self said Sunday since a two-minute stint at protocols, and a third, still- As expected, seven Big about some teams).” duced 21 NCAA Tourna- evening after the bracket Kansas State on Feb. 17. unnamed player who test- 12 teams made this year’s All seven teams that ment upsets in 140 tries; was revealed. When asked about the ed positive for COVID-19 field of 68, with No. 1 seed defeated Kansas this the higher seed owns One player whom Self role of KU’s reserves in the Friday morning was not Baylor leading the way season made the tourna- a 119-21 record in first- singled out emphatically week ahead, junior guard expected to be with the and Kansas, West Virgin- ment, with Oklahoma round meetings … The was junior Tyon Grant-Fos- Ochai Agbaji said Grant- team in the week ahead. ia and Texas all seeded coming in as the lowest last time KU was a 3 seed ter, a juco transfer in his first Foster and others would “We think that that third in different regions. seeded of the bunch. was in 2009, and the Jay- year with the Jayhawks. have to be “more focused won’t be until we com- Oklahoma State (4), KU’s eight losses this hawks are 8-4 all-time in “I haven’t given Tyon than ever.” plete the first two games, Texas Tech (6) and Okla- season came to teams the NCAA Tournament Grant-Foster many op- “Those guys coming if we’re fortunate enough homa (8) rounded out the who carry an average as a No. 3 seed. KU also portunities to play,” Self off the bench are going to to advance,” Self said of list of Big 12 teams includ- seed of 3.5 into this year’s was a 3 seed in 1985, 1991, said. “But as long as we be special and key for us the third player’s return. ed in the field. NCAA Tournament. 2005 and 2009.

There were other things seeded lower than 4 during of the selection show. I’m “I think that they were scorer, Ochai Agbaji, to on Self’s mind on Sunday. his days at KU also could really proud of (this team) proud of themselves, to get excited. Seed Most notable among them come to an end this year. and I’m excited.” be honest,” Self said. “I “It’s been tough,” Agbaji was the pride he felt in his “To go from that to be- While the Selection think they feel good about said of staying patient and CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2AA team for elevating itself to ing a 3 seed, I think, is a Sunday experience was themselves. But not good upbeat during the past few the position of a 3 seed. pretty strong statement still new to most of the in a way that we’ve accom- days. “Kind of (started) “That’s all I’m going After finishing the month (about) how much our Jayhawks’ roster — es- plished anything. Just good getting the same feel from to think about,” Self said. of January at 3-5, with a team got better and how pecially given the fact in a way of, ‘Well, so far so last year when we didn’t “The NCAA Tournament stretch of four losses in five much the players im- that last season’s tourna- good. We put ourselves in play the Big 12 tournament is a series of two-game games, the Jayhawks were proved,” Self said of his ment was canceled at the a decent position; now we (or NCAA Tournament) at tournaments. You have reeling and talked about by squad, which enters the outset of the COVID-19 have to take advantage of all. But we’ve been sitting to go into a weekend and many as one of the worst NCAA Tournament hav- pandemic — Self said this opportunity.’” around (and) practicing, win a two-game tourna- teams Self has had at Kan- ing won eight of its last he sensed an element of That there was an and we’re thankful that ment, and that’s the only sas. Plenty outside of the nine games. “I actually am pride from the players as opportunity await- we still have the opportu- bracket I’m thinking program also projected that probably about as excited they watched Sunday’s ing at all was reason nity to play in the NCAA about.” Self’s stretch of never being as I’ve been on a Sunday bracket come out. enough for KU’s leading Tournament.”

But as we all have positive for COVID, lead- Then there’s the matter It’s possible KU will have be fascinating. But if learned during this pan- ing to the team’s abrupt of who will be missing to try to get to the second ever there was a time Ahead demic, there are no guar- exit from the conference when KU takes the floor round and the Sweet 16 to pump the brakes on antees. By the time No. 3 tournament, is being kept on Saturday. Veterans without him. such thought exercises, it CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2AA seed KU (20-8) faces No. private. But let’s just as- Marcus Garrett and How the Jayhawks will would be now. 14 Eastern Washington sume it is a rotation player Ochai Agbaji spoke with handle all of this shuf- Self’s been at this too Head coach Bill Self (16-7), McCormack will who won’t be available for the media Sunday after fling amid the pressure long to ever get caught never has entered the Big have gone 16 days with- at least the tournament’s the brackets came out. of playing in the NCAA looking ahead. He said Dance with KU facing out playing in a game. opening weekend. It’s a They’re not in quaran- Tournament remains to Sunday night he used so many moving pieces Enaruna had fallen out safe assumption, because tine. Neither are Mitch be seen. Even in pre-COV- to fill out a bracket, but and question marks. Self of KU’s rotation late in the Self said Sunday evening Lightfoot, Christian Braun, ID times, there were a lot probably hasn’t bothered and the Jayhawks expect season. He didn’t play at all Tyon Grant-Foster, who Bryce Thompson and Da- of unknowns to navigate in about 15 years. (read: are hopeful) that in the regular-season finale hasn’t played a minute in a juan Harris, all of whom in a typical March. What He’ll have the perfect starting big man David versus UTEP, and the last game since Feb. 17, will get could be spotted in social KU has on its plate now is approach for this chal- McCormack and reserve time he played more than an opportunity to make an media posts from KU’s something else entirely. lenging week ahead. wing Tristan Enaruna will two minutes in a game was impact. Enaruna is a more official account following It would be a blast to Don’t get caught look- be able to clear COVID-19 at Kansas State on Feb. 17. trusted contributor than the selection show. see the Jayhawks take ing ahead in this loaded protocols and practice However, the Jayhawks Grant-Foster. How will So what if the Jayhawks on and Iowa West region. The Jay- with the rest of the team actually need Enaruna Enaruna, a 6-foot-8 sopho- have to play without Jalen in the Sweet 16. And a hawks have too much in Indianapolis later this again. The identity of the more, handle being thrust Wilson, their best - rematch with Gonzaga going on right in front of week. KU player who tested back into a key role? er and ideal small-ball five? in the Elite Eight would them for that. MARCH Specials WINE LIQUOR BEER BOTA BOX KIRK AND SWEENY 12YR RUM BREWERY OF THE MONTH: BELL’S BREWERY 1801 W. 23rd St 901 Mississippi St 3 LITER ALL VARIETIES 750ML C&B EDLP $29.99...... SALE $23.89 6 PKS ...... $1 OFF C&B EDLP: $18.99...... SALE $15.99 LORD CALVERT CANADIAN WHISKEY 12 PKS ...... $3 OFF Lawrence, KS Lawrence, KS 1.75L C&B EDLP $18.99...... SALE $16.29 YELLOWTAIL TULLAMORE DEW IRISH WHISKEY MICHELOB ULTRA ORGANIC SELTZER 785-331-4242 785-842-4450 750ML ALL VARIETIES C&B EDLP $5.99....SALE $4.99 1.75L C&B EDLP $39.99...... SALE $34.29 PINNACLE VODKA 12 PKS ...... $13.99 PORTLANDIA 1.75L C&B EDLP $16.99...... SALE $13.99 PINOT NOIR & PINOT GRIS 750ML ...... $3 OFF ELIJAH CRAIG BOURBON WHISKEY GUINNESS 12 PK...... $11.99 750ML C&B EDLP $29.99...... SALE $25.69 AND WHY AM I MR PINK ROSÉ SEAGRAM’S 7 AMERICAN WHISKEY www.corkbarrel.com 750ML C&B EDLP $12.99...... SALE $10.99 1.75L C&B EDLP $19.99...... SALE $16.99 SIERRA NEVADA 12 PKS...... $2 OFF

15, 2021 NCAA TOURNEY PREVIEW 7AA March2021 A quick glance at some top contenders: By Matt Tait one of the best 3-point de- fenses in the country — that l l l helps you avoid getting up- [email protected] set in March — and shoots it well enough to be in the top e’ve 100. Combine that with the waited fact that ’Bama’s balanced two full offense (four players aver- years to aging double figures) can see an- be explosive in spurts, and otherW NCAA Tournament you’re looking at a tough bracket, and now that it’s matchup for anybody. finally out, here’s a quick look at eight teams that 7: Texas could win six games in Athletes, size and the next three weeks, guards galore. Someone some obvious and others on recently posed not as much. a question: What would Texas’ record be if Kan- 1: Gonzaga sas coach Bill Self had that There are going to be roster? Possibly undefeat- brackets out there that ed. That’s not a knock on do not have the Zags in Shaka Smart, more an indi- the Final Four. But there cation that the Longhorns’ should not be many of roster looks an awful lot them. Yes, the Zags play like what you’d imagine in a lousy conference. Self wanting his ideal ros- But this team has proven GONZAGA’S BAYLOR’S IOWA’S LUKA GARZA ILLINOIS’ ter to look like. If UT can all season long that it is stay consistent and com- the cream of the crop in mit to defending, it can college basketball this beat anybody. season. Beyond the early- season nonconference 8: Oklahoma victories that strength- ened its resume, Gonza- State ga’s roster construction Call it the Carmelo An- and blend of experience thony Effect, but there’s and youth is elite. Simply just something that tells put: This team is the fa- me that dynamic OSU vorite to win the NCAA freshman Cade Cun- title this season, and it ningham could lead Mike absolutely should be. Boynton’s Cowboys on a memorable run this 2: Baylor LOYOLA CHICAGO’S LUCAS ALABAMA’S JAHVON TEXAS’ JERICHO SIMS OKLAHOMA STATE’S CADE month. The expected No. 1 A lot was made about WILLIAMSON QUINERLY CUNNINGHAM pick in the NBA draft has everything you could want Baylor missing four Big AP File Photos 12 games and struggling in a player and then some. to find its footing after star. Iowa has that in like- grabbed it. Illinois is better teams in the coun- He also appears to be due a three-week COVID-19 ly national player of the fast and physical, battle try. Their defense fin- 6: Alabama for a few clutch perfor- pause, but the Bears re- year Luka Garza. After tested, well coached ished the regular season I’m not a huge believer in mances, which eluded him grouped and finished the bypassing the NBA draft and playing with a ton ranked No. 1 in the Ken- the SEC this season, so Ala- a little throughout the reg- regular season strong, following his junior sea- of confidence. Beyond Pom efficiency rankings bama almost didn’t make ular season. Cunningham only strengthening their son, Garza turned in an that, the combination of after holding 17 of their this list. But this team de- is far from the only talent- case as one of the na- even better senior year, elite guard Ayo Dosun- 28 opponents to 55 points fends with the best of them ed player on OSU’s roster, tion’s top teams. Bay- averaging 23.9 points mu and bruising big man or fewer. That, combined (No. 3 in KenPom’s defen- and the Cowboys’ style of lor has a three-headed and 8.4 rebounds to lead provides with a top-50 offense, had sive efficiency rankings) in-your-face defense and monster in Jared Butler, the Hawkeyes through Illinois with a roster Loyola at No. 9 in Ken- and uses that defense to blazing speed in the open MaCio Teague and Da- the rough-and-tumble than can play any style. Pom’s overall rankings. create easy offense. What’s court could be a recipe for vion Mitchell, who can Big Ten. There’s more The Illini are one of just more, Nate Oats’ squad has something special. all do varying degrees of to this Iowa team than two teams on this list damage against anybody Garza. But the 6-foot-11 to finish in the top 10 of on any night. And Bay- gives the Hawk- KenPom.com’s adjusted lor’s strong and athletic eyes an advantage against offensive and defensive frontcourt, headlined anybody. rankings. Framewoods Gallery by Mark Vital, comple- ments them perfectly. 4: Illinois 5: Loyola This team plays D, can Playing without their kill you from 3-point best player, the Illini Chicago range and is willing to blasted No. 2 Michi- The last time Porter scrap with anybody. gan on its home floor Moser’s team made the on March 2 to add the Big Dance, it reached the 3: Iowa strongest of a series Final Four as one of those One of the most popu- of signature wins to special Cinderella sto- lar ways to pick a team their resume. If Brad ries. This time, the Ram- that can make a run dur- Underwood’s tougher- blers, who were ranked ing the NCAA Tourna- than-nails team didn’t in the AP Top 25 most ment is to go with one have your attention be- of the season, are with- that has an unquestioned fore then, that surely out question one of the

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Led by a core portunity to make group (Jerod Haase, Jacque a run at a national Vaughn, Raef LaFrentz and Scot championship in 2020 be- Pollard) that what would go A on to make up one of the best cause of the pandemic, the teams in school history a Kansas Jayhawks have been couple of years down the selected for the NCAA Tour - road, the Jayhawks finished nament for an NCAA-record 25-6. 31st consecutive season. 1995-96 Not only is this streak — 14 With most key members of the seasons under Roy Williams previous team back and standout and 17 seasons under Bill Self freshman Paul Pierce joining the — the longest active streak in crew, the Jayhawks earned a No. the country, it also is the lon- 2 seed and advanced to the Elite Eight before falling to fourth-seed gest in NCAA Tournament and eventual national runner-up history, now a full recruiting Syracuse in Denver. LaFrentz (13.4 cycle ahead of North Caro- ppg) and Pierce (11.9 ppg) led KU lina’s 27-year streak from in scoring, and the Jayhawks fin- 1975 to 2001. ished 29-5. While we wait to see 1996-97 what the 2021 tourna- Arguably the best team in ment has in store for school history joined the group Self’s squad, here’s Journal-World File Photos of tourney heartbreak when a quick look back at LEFT: ROY WILLIAMS, PICTURED HERE IN the top-seeded Jayhawks were the Jayhawks’ NCAA upset by No. 4 seed Arizona 1988, led Kansas to 14 of its record 31 in the Sweet 16. Again led by Tournament success- consecutive appearances in the NCAA LaFrentz (18.5 ppg) and Pierce es and failures in past tournament. (16.3 ppg), with the backcourt seasons. ABOVE: Raef LaFrentz and Paul Pierce of Vaughn and Haase serving as the perfect complement to were key components of Kansas’ lineup those future pros, the Jayhawks 1989-90 in the mid-’90s. finished 34-2 and were the first Back in the Big Dance after of three No. 1 seeds to fall to the serving a one-year probation Wildcats during Arizona’s his- from the era, the toric run to the national title. Jayhawks began their streak of consecutive NCAA Tournament 1997-98 appearances under little-known For the third consecutive sea- game earlier, Williams matched (12.8 ppg) led KU’s attack, head coach Williams. Led by before losing to the eventual son, Pierce (20.4) and LaFrentz up with mentor Dean Smith and with sophomore forward Richard senior guard (14.5 national champs. KU finished (19.8) led the Jayhawks in North Carolina and knocked off Scott (10.1) also breaking onto the ppg) and junior forward Mark 29-7, and Walters (15.3 ppg) scoring, but for the third year his old boss, 79-73. KU finished scene. Randall (13.5 ppg), the second- and Jordan (12.1) led the bal- in a row, the highly favored the season 27-8. seeded Jayhawks finished 30-5 anced offensive attack. Jayhawks were bounced from but lost in the second round of 1992-93 the tournament in heartbreaking Led by the dynamic back- the tournament to UCLA. 1991-92 1993-94 fashion. Entering the tournament Despite KU finishing the regu- court of seniors Jordan This season famously ended with two All-Americans and lar season ranked No. 2 in the and Walters, the Jayhawks with Purdue standout Glenn at 34-3 overall, top-seeded KU 1990-91 nation and 27-5 overall, the 1991- marched back to the Final In just his third season lead- Robinson dunking over KU’s drubbed Prairie View A&M, 110- 92 season marked the first of a Four for the second time in ing the Jayhawks, Williams took Greg Ostertag, who solicited 52, in the opener before falling to handful of heartbreaking and three seasons, this time fall- Kansas to the first of four Final a handshake after the nasty No. 8 seed Rhode Island, 80-75, disappointing tournament exits ing to North Carolina in the Fours in 15 seasons under his slam. Led by senior guard Steve in Round 2. LaFrentz graduated under Williams. Kansas earned national semifinals, 78-68, in direction. Kansas, a 3 seed led Woodberry (15.5 ppg) and senior and Pierce left a year early, end- a No. 1 seed in the Big Dance but New Orleans. Second-seeded by senior sharpshooter Terry forward Scott (13.7 ppg), the ing one of the best three-year was bounced in the second round Kansas got past Jason Kidd Brown (16 ppg) and Randall (15 Jayhawks earned a No. 4 seed stretches in KU history. by UTEP, 66-60, in Dayton, Ohio. and Cal in the Sweet 16 and ppg), made it all the way to the in the NCAA Tournament and Transfer guard (16 then upended Bob Knight and title game, where the Jayhawks finished 27-8 after bowing out in ppg) and junior Adonis Jordan Indiana in the regional final lost to Grant Hill and Duke. One the Sweet 16. > STREAK, 9AA We love trees and Enter now to happy customers! win local prizes!

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the Big Dance, Kansas lost in the Sweet 16, 67-62, to a Michigan State Streak team that went on to lose to North Carolina in the national champion- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8AA ship game. 2009-10 1998-99 With Collins (15.5 ppg) and The loss of Pierce and Aldrich (11.3 ppg) back to lead LaFrentz brought the Jayhawks the team one more time, Kansas back down to earth, and Kansas roared to a monster regular sea- finished the 1998-99 season son, losing just twice en route with double-digit losses for the to a No. 1 seed in the Midwest first time in Williams’ tenure regional. Freshman starter Xavier at KU. Sophomore center Eric Henry (13.4 ppg) added firepower Chenowith (13.5 ppg) and senior to KU’s lineup, and the Jayhawks guard Ryan Robertson (12.8 rolled into the tournament as the ppg) led the KU offense, but the No. 1 overall seed. But KU ran into Jayhawks managed just a No. 6 a tough Northern Iowa team in seed and, despite a career-high Oklahoma City, and a monster 31 points from Robertson, fell to shot by Ali Farokhmanesh was the third-seeded Kentucky, 92-89 in final dagger in UNI’s upset over overtime, in the second round. the Jayhawks, who finished the Journal-World File Photo season 33-3. 1999-2000 THE 2007-08 JAYHAWKS The slide continued for Kansas won the program’s first national championship since 1988. 2010-11 after the 10-loss 1998-99 season. With one of its most veteran But 2000 also marked the begin- a game that many said should over Southern Illinois in the Sweet squads since the 2008 national ning of a major surge. Led by have been the national title game. 2004-05 16. KU finished the season 33-5. title, Kansas, for the second sea- junior Kenny Gregory (12.8 ppg) Gooden (19.8 ppg), Collison (15.6 The incredible four-year run son in a row, enjoyed a two-loss and talented freshmen Nick ppg) and Hinrich (14.8 ppg) led the of seniors Simien (20.3 ppg), 2007-08 regular season and entered the Collison, and Kirk Jayhawks, who finished 33-4. Langford (14.4 ppg), Miles (9.3 Led by a group of juniors who NCAA Tournament with a No. 1 Hinrich, the Jayhawks struggled ppg) and Michael Lee ended in suffered a first-round loss to seed. As if that weren’t enough, to a No. 8 seed and lost to top- 2002-03 heartbreak in Oklahoma City. Bradley in the tournament dur- KU’s Southwest regional blew seeded Duke in the second round, The Jayhawks’ talented trio of That’s where No. 3 seed KU fell ing their freshman season, the wide open early on, paving the 69-64, in a game that featured seniors-to-be lost Gooden to the to 14th-seeded Bucknell in the Jayhawks rolled to the program’s way for what looked to be a a battle between Hinrich and NBA draft, but that didn’t stop opening round of the tournament, first national championship since favorable road to the Final Four. former Duke Jason Hinrich (17.3 ppg) and Collison when Simien’s last-gasp chance 1988, knocking off Davidson and Seeds 2 through 8 lost in the first Williams. KU finished the season (18.5 ppg), with the emergence of at a game winner fell short in the Steph Curry, North Carolina and or second round, and KU rolled 24-10. sophomores Aaron Miles, Keith final seconds. Kansas finished Roy Williams and Memphis and into the Elite Eight, where it faced Langford and , 23-7 during Self’s second season John Calipari along the way. The 11th-seeded VCU and up-and- 2000-01 from getting back to the Final in charge. Jayhawks were a part of history coming coach Shaka Smart. The Sophomores Gooden (15.8 Four. Second-seeded Kansas during this run, as all four No. Jayhawks, led by the Morris twins ppg), Collison (14 ppg) and lost six regular-season games 2005-06 1 seeds reached the Final Four (Marcus 17.2 ppg and Markieff Hinrich (11.5) and senior Gregory and bowed out early in the Big With three freshmen finishing for the first time. Led by Rush 13.6 ppg), never got going offen- (15.6 ppg) led the Jayhawks to a 12 tourney but reached the Final among the top four in scoring, the (13.3 ppg), Chalmers (12.8 ppg), sively and shot poorly from the 26-7 record and No. 4 seed in the Four for a second straight season Jayhawks ushered in a whole new (11.2 ppg) and outside in the regional final in San Big Dance. But after easy victo- by going through a bracket that era of leading men. sophomore forward Antonio, and they were knocked ries over Cal State Northridge included tough wins over No. 3 (13.5 ppg), who led the team in (12.8 ppg), KU drubbed UNC in out by VCU, 71-61, ending the sea- and Syracuse in Dayton, Ohio, seed Duke and No. 1 seed Arizona. scoring in all three of his seasons the national semifinals, leading son with a 35-3 record. the Jayhawks were knocked out From there, the Jayhawks blitzed at KU, joined (11.5 Carolina 40-12 at one point, and by top-seeded Illinois, which was and Marquette in ppg) and Julian Wright (8.5 ppg) ripped off an incredible comeback 2011-12 led by future Kansas head coach the Final Four before falling to to lead the new-look squad made from 9 down with 2:12 to play to Back as a starter for the fourth Self. The young Jayhawks were Syracuse, 81-78, in the national more in Self’s mold. Before they knock off Memphis in overtime in year in a row, senior point guard beaten up by the more physi- title game. The loss to Carmelo could become champions, these the title game. Chalmers’ miracle Taylor (16.6 ppg) teamed up with cal and veteran Illini squad, and Anthony and the Orangemen young Jayhawks had to take 3-pointer in the final seconds tied junior forward and All-American the disappointment of that loss wound up being the last coached their lumps, and never did the the game, and KU dominated in Thomas Robinson (17.7 ppg) paved the way for back-to-back by Roy Williams at Kansas, and blow hit harder than in the NCAA OT to finish the season on top of to lead a thin but talented KU Final Fours in the next two sea- the Jayhawks finished the season Tournament, where 13th-seeded the mountain with a 37-3 overall squad on a run all the way to sons. 30-8. Bradley became the second team record. the national title game. Second- in a row to knock the Jayhawks seeded Kansas squeaked by 2001-02 2003-04 out in the first round. Fourth- 2008-09 Purdue in Omaha, Neb., to get Back in the Final Four for the Kansas’ first NCAA Tournament seeded KU finished the year 25-8. Forced to replace all five start- the run started and then played third time under Roy Williams, and run under Self came as close as ers from the national champion- stellar defense in wins over North the first time since 1993, Kansas it gets to the Final Four without 2006-07 ship team one year earlier, the Carolina State, North Carolina entered the tournament as a No. 1 actually reaching it. Led by juniors After back-to-back first-round Jayhawks leaned on the dynamic and Ohio State to reach the title seed for the first time since 1998. Simien (17.8 ppg) and Langford exits, the top-seeded Jayhawks, duo of junior (18.9 game against and After surviving an injury scare to (15.5 ppg), the fourth-seeded led by sophomores Rush (13.8 ppg) and sophomore a loaded Kentucky team. The Hinrich in the first round, KU got Jayhawks lost to Georgia Tech ppg), Chalmers (12.2 ppg) and (14.9 ppg) to finish the season 27-8. Jayhawks fought, but the Wildcats revenge on Illinois from the pre- in overtime in the Elite Eight Wright (12.0 ppg), got back on Freshman point guard Tyshawn were simply too much, and UK vious year and then rolled over after drubbing a UAB team that track with a deep tourney run that Taylor and freshman forward delivered Calipari his first national high-scoring Oregon, 104-86, in the knocked off top-seeded Kentucky. ended with a 68-55 loss to second- , whose brother, championship, 67-59. KU finished Elite Eight. The Jayhawks caught Self, who left Illinois to come to seeded UCLA in the Elite Eight. Markieff, also was on the team, the season 32-7. a bad break with their Final Four Kansas, led the Jayhawks to a 24-9 KU’s run featured a second-round helped KU survive the loss of six of matchup, losing 97-88 to eventual record during his first season in win over No. 8 seed Kentucky and the eight players who played in the national champion Maryland in Lawrence. Rajon Rondo and a dog-fight win title game in 2008. Seeded third in > HISTORY, 10AA

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first weekend, losing to No. 10 Final Four with dreams of repeating seed Stanford, 60-57, in St. Louis. the feat from 10 years earlier, the Kansas finished the season 25-10, Jayhawks ran into a buzzsaw in the History marking the first time since 1999- national semifinals, losing to even- 2000 that KU’s loss total reached tual national champion Villanova, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9AA double digits. which hit 18 3-pointers in a 91-79 win, including an NCAA-record 13 2014-15 in the first half. KU finished the sea- 2012-13 With the disappointment of son 31-8. With seniors Elijah Johnson (9.9 an early exit in 2014 still linger- ppg) and Jeff Withey (13.7 ppg) ing, junior Perry Ellis (13.8 ppg) 2018-19 stepping into the roles vacated and sophomores Frank Mason Led by Dedric Lawson’s 20 dou- by Taylor and Robinson, Kansas III (12.6 ppg) and Wayne Selden ble-doubles, the Jayhawks finished earned a No. 1 seed behind the (9.4 ppg) led Kansas to a No. 2 the regular season at 23-8 overall strong play of future lottery pick seed and second-round match- and 12-6 in Big 12 play. While that Ben McLemore, who sat out up with surging Wichita State, showing was good enough to keep the 2012 run and averaged 15.9 which reached the Final Four Kansas in the top 15 all season, it points during his first season. The in 2013 and saw an undefeated was not good enough to extend Jayhawks, for the third time since season go down in 2014 with a Journal-World File Photo KU’s streak of 14 consecutive Big he left, faced former KU coach second-round tourney loss to 12 titles. The Jayhawks entered the Roy Williams in the tournament Kentucky. For years, people had KANSAS GUARD DEVONTE’ GRAHAM (4) HOISTS THE MIDWEST REGIONAL NCAA Tournament as a 4 seed in — this time in the second round been clamoring for a KU-WSU TROPHY as the 2017-18 Jayhawks celebrate a trip to the Final Four Salt Lake City, and after a strong in Kansas City, Mo. — and Self matchup, and they finally got it following their 85-81 overtime victory over Duke. showing in Round 1 were blitzed improved to 3-0 at Kansas against in Omaha, Neb. With Ellis deal- by Final Four-bound Auburn in the his predecessor. That put Kansas ing with an injury, Ron Baker and second round. It marked the first into the Sweet 16, where the top- Fred VanVleet proved to be too time since 2015 that KU failed to seeded Jayhawks played well much for the Jayhawks, who fell, 2016-17 2017-18 get out of the first weekend, and for 35 minutes but collapsed late 78-65, and ended the season at Despite playing mostly with With Big 12 Player of the Year the Jayhawks finished the season against No. 4 seed Michigan and 27-9. a four-guard lineup and limited Graham teaming up with fellow 26-10. lost in overtime. KU finished the depth, KU rolled to its 13th consecu- senior Svi Mykhailiuk to lead anoth- season 31-6. 2015-16 tive Big 12 title behind the strength er thin Kansas squad, the Jayhawks 2019-20 After a 27-4 regular season, of its guards: national player of the won an NCAA-record 14th consecu- With the All-American duo of 2013-14 the Jayhawks won three straight year Mason (20.9 ppg), Devonte’ tive Big 12 regular-season title and Udoka Azubuike and , Landing Andrew Wiggins, games in the Big 12 tournament Graham (13.4 ppg) and Josh reached the program’s first Final the Jayhawks finished the regular the top-rated player in the 2013 to take the postseason crown and Jackson (16.3 ppg). Senior Landen Four since 2012. After surviving season at 28-3 overall, 17-1 in Big recruiting class and future No. entered the NCAA Tournament Lucas held things down in the paint No. 16 seed Penn and Seton Hall 12 play and on a 16-game winning 1 overall pick in the NBA draft, at 30-4 and as the No. 1 overall for a Kansas team that Self said in Wichita, the Jayhawks topped streak. Dotson led the Big 12 in helped the Jayhawks survive after seed in the Big Dance. After sec- “may not play the best, but there’s Clemson in the Sweet 16 in Omaha, scoring. Azubuike led the Big 12 the departure of some mainstays, ond- and third-round wins over no team tougher.” Snagging a No. 1 Neb., before knocking off No. 2 with 15 double-doubles. And junior but Wiggins (17.1 ppg) was not big-name schools UConn and seed for the seventh time in Self’s seed Duke in an overtime classic Marcus Garrett earned Naismith enough to lead the Jayhawks very Maryland, Kansas faced second- 14 seasons, the Jayhawks played as to reach the Final Four. Transfer Defensive Player of the Year hon- far in the postseason. With domi- seeded Villanova in the Elite well as any team in the tournament Malik Newman, who was red hot ors. Those three players, along with nant freshman center Joel Embiid Eight in Louisville, Ky., and lost for three rounds, including a Sweet throughout the postseason, scored a defensive-minded supporting (11.2 ppg) sidelined with a back a dogfight, 64-59. Leading scorer 16 dismantling of Purdue, before all 13 KU points in OT, which was cast, were poised to deliver Kansas injury for the final six games of Ellis was limited to 4 points on watching the wheels fall off in an needed because of Newman’s the No. 1 overall seed, but the the season, Kansas earned a No. five shots, and KU shot just 6 of Elite Eight loss to Oregon in Kansas defense on Duke star Grayson Allen COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to 2 seed in the Midwest regional 22 from 3-point range in its loss to City, Mo. KU finished the season on the final possession of regula- the 2020 tourney before the brack- but did not make it out of the the eventual national champions. 31-5. tion. Back in San Antonio for the ets were ever announced.

of venues hosting this be less distractions this This year’s NCAA their original dates of Sat- host the rest of this year’s year’s tournament. So the year than there ever has Tournament will open urday, April 3, and Mon- tournament. Indy games will not be played been, with tickets and with the First Four round day, April 5, at Lucas Oil “When we go to Maui in empty venues like the family members and that on Thursday, and first- Stadium. or when we go to Or- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2AA one KU and Kentucky kind of stuff, because round games will follow Mackey Arena in West lando or wherever, and played in at Bankers Life we’re not going to be able on Friday and Saturday. Lafayette, Ind., and Si- you have the energy of “I think it’d be just like Fieldhouse in Indianapo- to interact with them. Round 2 games will be mon Skjodt Assembly having all those teams the NBA bubble was last lis earlier this season. But “We’re basically just played on the next two Hall in Bloomington, Ind., stay in the same hotels or year in Orlando,” Self there’s little doubt that stuck with each other,” Self days, March 21 and 22, will each host two First whatnot and you know said. “Even though you the setup, both on game added. “So I can see that and all eight Sweet 16 Four games on Thursday, you’re crossing paths all think, ‘Well there’s not as day and on off days, will kind of being a positive. I games will be played on March 18. the time, pride becomes a many fans, or no fans, and be dramatically different can also see it be very drain- Saturday, March 27, and Those venues then will factor,” Self said. “You’re how can you generate en- from what the coaches ing and tiresome, too.” Sunday, March 28, with join Bankers Life Field- not going to be able to ergy,’ the energy comes and veteran players have It’s not just the accom- each game getting its own house, Hinkle Fieldhouse, go outside. You can’t from, ‘See that guy there? experienced in the past. modations that will be time slot on television. Indiana Farmers Coli- leave the hotel. You’re He’s trying to kick your Different doesn’t neces- different. The tourna- The Elite Eight will seum and Lucas Oil Sta- stuck with everybody butt, and you’re trying to sarily mean bad, though. ment schedule also will take place entirely in dium in Indianapolis as that’s there, and there’ll kick his.” “I think there’s some be slightly altered since prime time on Monday, hosts of this year’s first- be some juices flowing The NCAA has an- pros,” Self said. “I think teams, fans and television March 29, and Tuesday, round games. just from the competitive nounced that fans, up to being in Indy, hopefully crews will not have near- March 30. And the Final Starting with the sec- standpoint, just inside the 25% capacity, will be al- for a long time, could be ly as far to go between Four and national title ond round, the four In- hotel, which I think will lowed into the handful a positive. I think there’ll the different sites. games will be played on dianapolis venues will be good.”

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