University of Kansas Jayhawks Mens Basketball Tickets

University of Kansas Jayhawks Men's Basketball History

The University of Kansas, which started its men's basketball team program during the 1898-1899 season, was historic right from the start. The university's first coach was James Naismith, who is credited for inventing the sport. Between 1907 and 1909 (and, later, from 1919 to 1956), the Jayhawks were coached by Phog Allen, a man dubbed the "Father of Basketball Coaching." In addition to coaching greatness, Kansas has boasted an impressive array of future professional basketball superstars on its roster, including Danny Manning, Paul Pierce, Clyde Lovellette, Joel Embiid and NBA great Wilt Chamberlain.

The Jayhawks played in the Missouri Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Association from 1907 through 1928 before joining the Big Six. In 1996, Kansas became a member of the newly-expanded Big 12 Conference. For over a century, the Jayhawks have faced off against their in-state rival and Big 12 opponents, the Kansas State Wildcats, in a contest known as the Sunflower Showdown.

The University of Kansas Jayhawks have appeared in the Final Four 16 times, won four NCAA National Championships and snagged a staggering 64 conference championships. Since the 2003-2004 season, the Jayhawks have been coached by Bill Self, who led the team to a record-setting 14 consecutive Big 12 Conference titles between 2005 and 2018. In 2022, Self helped the Jayhawks claim the Big 12 tournament championship while also guiding the team to their fourth Final Four appearance during his tenure.

University of Kansas Jayhawks Team Info

Conference: Big 12
Team Colors: Crimson and blue
Team Rivals: Texas Longhorns, Kentucky Wildcats, Iowa State Cyclones, Kansas State Wildcats, Missouri Tigers

University of Kansas Jayhawks at Allen Fieldhouse

The team plays its home games in Lawrence, Kansas, at the 16,300-capacity Allen Fieldhouse, which opened in 1955. Before moving to the Allen Fieldhouse, the Jayhawks played at the Robinson Gymnasium from 1907 to 1927 and, later, the Hoch Auditorium.