Jayhawks Open Season With Late Night

Oct. 16, 2004

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LAWRENCE, Kan. – The 2004-05 Kansas basketball season officially tipped off Friday night with the Jayhawks hosting the annual “Late Night in the Phog” at Allen Fieldhouse. The night was packed with entertainment, music and nostalgia as fans commemorated the 50th anniversary of Allen Fieldhouse.

Thousands of fans lined up at the doors of the Fieldhouse hours before the gates opened at 8 p.m. to get prime seats for the event. Once inside they were treated to many acts, skits and performances from various groups. They also had a chance to take a glimpse at both the men’s and women’s basketball teams, as each team held a brief scrimmage.

The fans were treated to many different acts including NBA Hypnotist Tom Silver, the Dallas Mavericks “Mavs Man”, the KU cheerleaders and Rock Chalk Dancers, plus various games, promotions and giveaways. Jayhawk fans also got a chance to view the lighter side of the men’s and women’s teams which performed music and dancing skits.

Highlighting the evening were the two scrimmages. After the introduction of first year women’s head coach Bonnie Henrickson, the women took the floor for eight minutes and faced the “Dream Team” made up of the women’s team scout players. The scrimmage ended in a 14-14 tie with junior Kaylee Brown leading the way with four points for the Jayhawks. Senior Larisha Graves and junior Crystal Kemp each recorded three rebounds.

Men’s head coach Bill Self addressed the crowd prior to the men’s scrimmage at midnight. For the men, it was the White Team over the Blue Team 27-24. Senior Keith Langford led all scorers with nine points for the Blue Team. Freshman Alex Galindo led the White Team with seven points. On the boards, sophomore J.R. Giddens had five rebounds for the Blue Team.

Both the men and the women will hold their first real practices of the season on Saturday.