KU Welcomes Walk-On Witherspoon to Team

Oct. 18, 2006

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

Kansas men’s basketball coach Bill Self has announced that walk on Brad Witherspoon is practicing with the team.

“We were impressed with Brad last year during tryouts,” Self said. “Our coaching staff thought he had a very good tryout Sunday evening. I wanted to personally be able to watch him play and must admit that I was very impressed with his attitude, effort and knowledge of the game during Monday’s workout. He will continue to practice with our team, if he continues with the same attitude and intensity.”

A native of Humboldt, Kan., Witherspoon was a class 4A all-state selection in 2004 and won all-league accolades three years at Humboldt High School. An honorable mention all-state wide receiver on the football team as well, Witherspoon’s 1,212 career basketball points at Humboldt rank fourth on the school’s all-time list. The 6-1, 180-pound, guard has participated in KU walk-on tryouts for each of the last three years.

“I couldn’t focus the rest of the day,” Witherspoon said after being called by KU assistant coach Tim Jankovich, inviting him to work out with the team Monday. “I went to class but it was pointless.”

Witherspoon said the speed of the team was his biggest hurdle after one practice.

“I think I can bring some intensity to practice,” Witherspoon said. “I want to pick up the guys when they are down.”

Self said the status for Witherspoon suiting up for KU games will be determined at a later date.

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