Nick KrugAllen Fieldhouse for the Jan. 29 Kansas University-Kansas State men’s basketball game, the Big 12 Conference and KU announced Wednesday.
It marks the fourth time in the seven-year history of the show that GameDay will originate in Lawrence.
It’s a rematch of last year’s GameDay, in which KU nudged Kansas State, 81-79, in overtime at KSU’s Bramlage Coliseum.
“This is a great way to showcase the KU program and the Big 12 in what will be a big celebration for our state,” KU coach Bill Self said, well aware the Jan. 29 date marks the 150th anniversary of Kansas becoming the 34th state in the Union.
“The GameDay crew has not been here since we renovated Allen Fieldhouse, so this will be good to show the nation what improvements we have made to the best venue for college basketball.
“The Big 12 is going to be terrific once again this year with a lot of outstanding teams,” Self added. “I feel Kansas and Kansas State will be two of those teams contending for the conference title this season.”
Baylor has also been awarded a home GameDay appearance for the Bears’ game against Texas on March 5 in Waco.
“I am real excited for it,” KU sophomore guard Elijah Johnson said. “I’ve seen regular-season games and seen how the fans and students pack the building. For GameDay to come here, I’m pretty sure it’ll be nuts. It’s my first one. I expect it to be the best one.”
“I mean, I think it’ll be a great experience,” sophomore forward Travis Releford said. “We will be able to showcase our fans and showcase the atmosphere in the fieldhouse. It should be a fun time.”
Also in celebration of Kansas Day, the KU women’s team will be playing at K-State on January 29.
Start time for that game is to be determined.
The full ESPN College Gameday schedule is below.
Jan. 15 — Vanderbilt at Tennessee (men & women)
Jan. 22 — Michigan State at Purdue
Jan. 29 — Kansas State at Kansas
Feb. 5 — Florida at Kentucky
Feb. 12 — Pittsburgh at Villanova
Feb. 19 — Illinois at Michigan State
Feb. 26 — Duke at Virginia Tech
Mar. 5 — Texas at Baylor
KU recruiting note: LeBryan Nash, a 6-foot-7, 227-pound senior forward from Dallas’ Lincoln High, has narrowed his list of prospective schools to KU, Baylor and Oklahoma State, Zagsblog.com reports. Nash, who is Rivals.com’s No. 4-rated player nationally, said he may visit KU for the Oct. 15 Late Night in the Phog. He plans to announce Oct. 21 on ESPN. Nash is the half brother of former OSU guard Byron Eaton.
