Kansas Jayhawks News: James Sims, Ben Heeney, Ben McLemore, & Volleyball
By Joel Wagler
Kansas Jayhawks halfback James Sims (29) Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
It has been an interesting week for Kansas Jayhawks sports news, as a couple of football players received conference recognition, a former Jayhawk wins an award, the men’s basketball team slips in the polls after another loss, the Lady Jayhawks had a game postponed, and the Kansas volleyball team makes it to the Sweet 16.
FOOTBALL
James Sims was recognized for his terrific senior campaign yesterday by being named to the Associated Press’ All-Big 12 first team. The running back led all rushers in Big 12 play with 92.1 yards per contest. He also finished his career as one of the best backs of all time at Kansas. He ended his career with 3,592, third all time for the Jayhawks, and with 34 rushing touchdowns, second all time. He is finished the season with 1,110 rushing yards in 2013, the first Jayhawk to have back-to-back 1,000 yard rushing seasons.
Junior linebacker Ben Heeney made the All-Big 12 second team. The Hutchinson, Kansas native led the team in tackles with 88, despite missing two conference games due to injury. He was ranked in the top 5 in tackles per conference games and tackles for loss.
No other player was listed for any other conference honors. Still, it was nice recognition for two players on a team that won their first Big 12 Conference game in more than 3 years this season.
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Sacramento Kings shooting guard Ben McLemore (16). Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
The Jayhawks fell to 13th in the nation in both the AP and the Coaches’ Polls this week after losing to Colorado on a last second shot Saturday. They dropped to 14th in the CBSSports.com Top 25 (plus one) poll. They reamin second in the RPI. For a look at all 4 rankings, just click here.
Wichita State ranks ahead of Kansas in both the AP (12th) and the Coaches (8th) poll.
Things do not get easier for Kansas as they face 19th ranked Florida on the road tonight as part of the Big 12/SEC Challenge.
Former Jayhawk Ben McLemore made the news when he was named the Western Conference’s Rookie of the Month for November. He averaged 9.4 points and 3.4 rebounds a game in 25 minutes per contest in November for the Sacramento Kings to win the award.
McLemore led the Jayhawks in scoring last season as he averaged 15.9 points a game.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
The Lady Jayhawks will make up the game originally scheduled last Friday against Texas Southern. The game has been rescheduled for this Thursday, the 12th, at Allen Fieldhouse, at 7 p.m. CST. The game was postponed last week due to a winter storm in Texas.
Kansas lost their only other game last week to Arkansas, 64-53. The Razorbacks are undefeated.
VOLLEYBALL
The Kansas volleyball team reached the NCAA Sweet 16 for the first time. Kansas (25-7) is seeded 14th overall and will face the 3rd overall seed, the Washington Huskies (28-2), Friday night in Los Angeles. Kansas advanced by beating Wichita State and Creighton.