The greatest building in the sport
When I’m feeling sentimental, a piece I often go back to is Matt Norlander’s 2016 essay about Allen Fieldhouse. For a Jayhawk fan, it’s pure validation that the energy we’ve brought to Allen Fieldhouse over the years—the aura we’ve summoned around the premises—is something tangible. It’s lovely to meditate on, and no one else has it, not even close.
While Jayhawks fans have withstood many years of unworthy competitors in the debate—Cameron Indoor, which is a bigtime inside job imo—nights like Friday night prove, beyond a doubt, that the building is the most special arena in the sport.
While clutch plays from KU down the stretch—McCullar from the corner, KJ from the stripe—fended off a hard-charging UCONN, the point had been made. The crowd won the game. “The environment really knocked us on our heels,” said Dan Hurley, a man I am afraid of just as a guy. “We don't go to many places this organized with the fan involvement.” UConn fans raved about the experience, which honestly is just a data point but it’s one that I know many Kansans take to heart.
This one goes in the memory bank. Great ballgame, better atmosphere. This is what it’s all about.
KJ MF Adams
The evening before KJ Adams attended his mother’s funeral, he summoned the game of his career when KU really needed him. Like Bill Self said… S T U D. Dunking everything, switching everything, playing with intensity, focus and grit. I always thought KJ could be a Jayhawk legend. That he’s surpassed that expectation… wow. What more can be said?
Also, KJ got a Givony shout-out, which suggests he’s on the NBA radar, bigtime. You love to see it.
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