Kansas.com: Basketball

Billy Packer's television run comes to end

NEIL BEST — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 01:39 CDT

Billy Packer worked his first Final Four when seniors still starred in them and John Wooden still coached UCLA.

So when Packer's extraordinary run officially ended Monday, surely he would be philosophical, or wistful, or angry, or... something?

That would not be Packer, though.

Sticking stubbornly to his famed stubbornness, the former NBC and now former CBS analyst would not acknowledge it was an emotional moment for him.

"It just isn't," he said from his home in North Carolina. "I've never looked upon stuff like that."

Goolsby keeps on pumping

JONATHAN LONG — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 01:44 CDT

This was the ultimate way to give back for L.J. Goolsby.

The former Wichita State guard has been the coach of the Kansas City-area 17-and-under AAU basketball team K.C. Pump N Run for six years. In those years he's helped make it one of the most successful programs in the area.

"It was a way to stick around the game," Goolsby said. "But this isn't about me, my playing days are over. This is about helping these kids get exposure and hopefully that will lead to college scholarships."

Goolsby knows a little about college scholarships. A talent himself out of Dodge City High, multiple knee injuries derailed his collegiate career. After transferring from Mississippi, Goolsby played the 1996-97 season for the Shockers.

Before becoming known for the Pump N Run program, Goolsby ran the Kansas City Nets for two seasons. Though running his own program was fulfilling, he joined former Kansas Jayhawk Roger Morningstar, then linked up with Dana and David Pump of the California Double Pump organization.

KBCA All-Star Rosters

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 01:41 CDT

The Kansas Basketball Coaches All-Star games are at 6 p.m. (girls) and 8 p.m. (boys) Aug. 6 at Topeka's Lee Arena.

Girls

North--Danielle Bird, Lawrence; Emma Ostermann, Abilene; Katie Henry, Riley County; Lauren Henry, Randolph; Melissa Nelson, Holton; Kimber Weiser, Oakley; Guard, Callan Taylor, BV North; Cassie Lombardino, Linwood; Brianna Eldridge, Blue Valley; Katie Pratt, Sacred Heart; Lissa Mazanec, Colby; Jadhken Kerr, SM South. Coaches: Kristin Mallory, Lawrence; Kristin Wiebe, Berean Academy; Harold Oliver, Riley County.

South--Demi French, Osborne; Jennifer Lane, Wichita Heights; Stevi Schultz, Neodesha; Megan Patrick, Central Christian; Rhys Pihl, Smoky Valley; Heather Robben, Maize; Jordi James, McPherson; Sadie Webb, Emporia; Camille Kahrs, Dexter; Bailey Gee, Andover Central; Kendra Frazier, Labette County; Brooke Fairbank, Cimarron. Coaches: Stana Jefferson, Andover Central; Tasha Trundle, South Gray; Chris Strathman, McPherson.

Boys

Beasley to learn NBA destiny tonight

JEFFREY MARTIN — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 03:19 CDT

He arrived in the Big Apple this week via train, and Michael Beasley and his family are hoping tonight doesn't resemble a train wreck.

It's certain the Kansas State freshman forward will be one of the top choices in tonight's NBA Draft. But where Beasley is selected remains a mystery, only clouded by an ESPN.com report Wednesday that insisted the Miami Heat, owner of the No. 2 pick, is strongly considering Southern California guard O.J. Mayo.

The story said Heat president Pat Riley "seems to be uncomfortable with his (Beasley's) personality and seems dead set on finding a point guard to pair in the backcourt with Dwyane Wade."

Once thought to be a so-called lock for the top spot, Beasley has likely surrendered that slot, which belongs to Chicago, to Memphis guard Derrick Rose, a Windy City native. And now, if Wednesday's reports are true, how much farther will Beasley's stock dip?

On Wednesday, Beasley told reporters that he hadn't visited with Heat officials since last week. Mayo and former Arizona guard Jerryd Bayless worked out for Miami on Tuesday, the Miami Herald reported.