It seems that the KU basketball season is upon us. Late Night in the Phog just recently commenced this beloved season of sports for KU students, and soon you’ll be able to see students camping for games and donning their jerseys. Newspapers will be collected and turned into confetti, and on Nov. 4 I’ll become a part of this frenzy for the first time.
Yes I, a KU sophomore, have never been to a University of Kansas basketball game. Why? It's a mystery to me, but it might have a little something to do with my background.
I come from a football family. In my hometown, football has always been the fan favorite. Was my high school especially good at it? Not since I’d been there, but those games were always the thing to do on a Friday night. And basketball games? Well, my principal used to try and bribe students with pizza to attend, if that says anything.
Even ignoring all that my sister’s alma mater is Ohio State (otherwise known as the school that won the National Championships last year), our family lives and breathes football -- especially in the collegiate division. And yet, I wound up at a huge basketball school.
My first KU football game was nothing like I thought it would be. As my parents and I watched the family day game, I couldn’t help but be disappointed; not just because they were losing but also because I noticed most students left around halftime. Moreover, some were simply using the game as an excuse to wear a game day dress and drink. I was not used to this. I was used to full stadiums and strong, roaring crowds. And so I was confused. KU is a big school and I expected a bit more than I received. I didn’t get it. I thought maybe this is what it was like for all our sporting events.
Then I went to Late Night. I had never heard of this event until I was invited to go this year. I was transfixed. The first practice for basketball season was full of energy. It was a show rather than a practice, and I got it.
KU isn’t a football school. And it might never be, simply because it is a basketball school through and through. Jayhawks love their b-ball. Hell, KU was the first college basketball team. We love basketball. And I’m learning to love it as well.
At my house, there may always be an Ohio State or Bears game playing on our TV, but as basketball season truly approaches, I’ll be making sure the Jayhawks are on back home. Meanwhile, I will be experiencing the greatness that is a basketball game in person at the University of Kansas. I know this will be an experience like no other and I’m disappointed for having waited so long. But I’m ready to chant the chant, cheer on the Jayhawks, and watch my team possibly win their twelfth conference championship. And maybe even snag a national championship sometime in my remaining three years.
