Legends of the Phog Set for September 24
Aug. 22, 2011
LAWRENCE, Kan. – A who’s who of Kansas men’s basketball coaches and players will convene at historic Allen Fieldhouse for the Legends of the Phog exhibition game Saturday, Sept. 24, at 4 p.m.
Former KU coaches Larry Brown and Ted Owens will coach a collection of former KU players who have been part of three NCAA titles, 54 conference championships, 13 Final Fours and 2,038 all-time victories. The rosters will include many current NBA Jayhawks, including NBA All-Star Paul Pierce, as well as many other recent KU standouts.
“It’s going to be a spectacular event,” Kansas head coach Bill Self said. “Not very often can you spin a negative into a positive but we get an opportunity to do so with the NBA lockout. There have been numerous times we’d like to get all these guys back at the same time, but it’s always been hard for the current NBA players to come back because their schedules run similar to ours. On September 24th we are going to have a KU alumni game, which is basically a legends game, in which many of our most recent KU greats are going to come back, allowing them a chance to run out of the tunnel one more time and play a game, hopefully in front of a packed house.
“We have many committed,” Self continued, “the majority being recent guys who have played (under Self) and several of Roy’s (Williams) players will be here as well, including NBA All-Star Paul Pierce, who is coming back for the first time in a long time. We’ve asked Coach Brown and Coach Owens to be the honorary coaches. Much of the proceeds will go to the memory of (former KU assistant basketball coach) Neil Dougherty, who lost his life tragically this summer due to a heart attack. We’re working with Neil’s family to find a cause that will definitely give Neil a lasting legacy in an area of his life that was very dear to him.”
Additionally, Self said Kansas Athletics will donate a portion of the proceeds to one of Dougherty’s favorite local charities – the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence.
“It will be great coming back to Lawrence and catching up with some old friends and meeting the current players,” Pierce said. “No place compares to Allen Fieldhouse and the rich tradition that is Kansas basketball. When you are a Jayhawk, you’re a Jayhawk for life.”
“The University of Kansas has meant so much to me,” Brown said. “I have a lot of fond memories of my time in Lawrence and coming back for this event will be great. I look forward to visiting with current staff, the old coaches and players and friends.”
Tickets for the Legends of the Phog will be $20 for adults and $10 for students and youth. Williams Education Fund members and current KU students will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets. Tickets ordered via the KU Tickets Office online (www.kuathletics.com) or by calling 800-34-HAWKS. Parking for the event is free.
Williams Education Fund Presale
Wednesday, August 24: Hall of Fame, Champion and All-American membership level.
Monday, August 29: All remaining Williams Education Fund membership levels
KU Student Presale
Wednesday, August 24
Public Sale
Tuesday, September 6
Confirmed attendees (as of Aug. 25, 2011):
Cole Aldrich
Mario Chalmers
Nick Collison
Xavier Henry
Darnell Jackson
Marcus Morris
Markieff Morris
Greg Ostertag
Paul Pierce
Scot Pollard
Darnell Valentine
Greg Gurley, Director of Development for the Williams Education Fund – “Many others will be participating and attending the Legends of the Phog. The Williams Education Fund and men’s basketball office is actively working on the event with emphasis on current and past professionals along with timeless legends such as Darnell Valentine.”
