The Jayhawker

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Devonte' Graham's journey to breakout NBA player is rather remarkable. He learned from his mom to never quit and is always working to get better—and that work has paid off over and over again. His Kansas career started slow, but he showed early flashes of greatness. And then, he got to work. Devonte’ got better every year at KU, culminating with Big 12 Player of the Year and All-American honors as a senior on a team that made it to the Final Four. And if it seems like history is repeating itself with Graham, that’s because, in a way, it is. After a slow start to his NBA career with the Hornets, he emerged as one of the most improved players in the league, averaging 18 points and 7.5 assists last season. Devonte’ Graham’s story isn’t just about him. It’s about family banding together, and how hard work can make even the biggest dreams a reality.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wooden. Wilt. Magic. Bird. Jordan. They’re some of the legends of basketball; names that define the sport. But there’s one name that means even more: Naismith. Without Dr. James Naismith—a teacher and chaplain by trade—none of those other names would mean anything. There’s a reason his name is on the Basketball Hall of Fame. Because without Naismith, there is no basketball. In December of 1891, under the guidance and rules of Naismith, the first game of basketball was played in Springfield, Massachusetts. And, a few years later in 1898, he brought the sport to Kansas and founded the Jayhawks’ storied program. From there, as Naismith’s invention became a phenomenon, so, too, did Kansas basketball. It was at Kansas where the father of basketball coached Phog Allen, the father of basketball coaching. The rest, as they say, is history. Springfield may be the birthplace of basketball, but Kansas is its home. And with the help of his only living grandson, Jim Naismith, this is how Dr. James Naismith created a sport and its most iconic program.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.