Grammy-nominated recording artist Lil Yachty highlighted a day full of activities, dancing and basketball at the event The Late Night activities began with the championship round of a 2K basketball tournament broadcast on the jumbotron in Allen Fieldhouse. The 2K champion beat out 128 other competitors took home an autographed basketball and a copy of NBA 2K18. Following the 2K tournament championship, the final women’s and men’s 3 on 3 basketball teams out of more than 70 that entered, played their championship rounds on James Naismith court. The women’s 3 on 3 champions included four members of the Kansas softball team. Video entertainment by KU’s award-winning Rock Chalk Video department was displayed throughout the night along with performances by the KU Spirit Squad and Rock Chalk Dance team. The Kansas newcomers showcased their dance moves to start things off for the women’s basketball team, followed by dance routines from the junior and senior classes before finally coming together for a team routine.Zion Williamson enjoying his Kansas visit ? @ZionW32 @KUHoops pic.twitter.com/Q84ZwjvRTJ
— Overtime (@overtime) September 30, 2017
The men’s festivities all started with basketball director of operations Brennan Bechard’s attempt for his third-straight half-court shot in hopes of winning a KU student $10,000 from head coach Bill Self. For the first time in three years, Bechard missed. Memphis Grizzlies guard and 2008 National Champion Mario Chalmers was next up for the $10,000 challenge, however he too narrowly missed on his half-court heave. Chalmers was welcomed home along with his Grizzlies teammates and fellow Jayhawks Ben McLemore and Wayne Selden Jr. Following the half-court challenge, the men’s basketball team performed a face-off style routine to finish off the dances for the night. Lil Yachty highlighted the night’s events with performances of five of his original songs and features. His performance lit up Allen Fieldhouse, literally with the fans using their cell phones to illuminate the 16,300-seat arena. Men’s basketball finished the night off with a 20-minute scrimmage, which ended in a 45-45 tie. Senior guard Devonte’ Graham finished with 22 points for the blue team and junior guard Lagerald Vick notched 17 points for the crimson team. (Includes information from a Kansas press release)Great #KULateNight photos from @CJOnline‘s Rex Wolf, including Zion Williamson’s reaction to fan chant.
My story: https://t.co/6qJsPfE6qK pic.twitter.com/86ePO52KVZ — Matt Galloway (@themattgalloway) October 1, 2017