Got a question about KU sports, then Andy Samuelson better have your answer — after all he’s in charge of KUsports.com. Ask away about anything from KU basketball to the Jayhawk bowling team.

Moderator

Welcome, folks. Looks like a couple of questions for Andy — and some of them are a wee bit critical of coverage. Andy, you ready for a grillin’?

Andy Samuelson

Sure lets get started.

topekahawk

We are a mere 26 days from the kickoff of KU’s football season. KU held an open practice on Saturday, new captains were named, Charles Gordon had surgery, Kenneth Thompson was declared academically ineligible and yet what do I see on the KUSports.com web site on Monday morning? A story on how Bill Self likes basketball recruiting, a story on the University of South Florida, and a story on MIZZOU. What gives? Couldn’t you get someone to write ONE KU football story?

Andy Samuelson

Well as far as the Missouri story being the lead story that was an honest mistake. Obviously we know that you guys as KU fans don’t want to read anymore news about the Tigers then you have to. The days before that both are lead stories were about KU football — including that wwe were the first Kansas media outlet to break the John Randle story. I’m very confident in our KU football writer Ryan Wood, who does an excellent job of covering the Jayhawks. However, like everyone else in life he needs a break from his day-to-day grind. That’s why we had a couple of our other staffers covering things this weekend while he was on vacation. And basketball is well … KU basketball. Most Jayhawk fans can never get enough.

jedysart

What additional sanctions, if any, do you think the NCAA will impose on KU when they announce their judgement later this month?

Andy Samuelson

I honestly believe that KU did a pretty job of self-reporting there sanctions. Rick Evrard, a partner with the law firm of Bond, Schoeneck & King in Overland Park and a former NCAA enforcement official looked at the sanctions in a very serious matter and thought the punishments fit the crimes. But I wouldn’t be surprised if something else came out on Aug. 13 at the NCAA hearing — probably nothing major though. But for all you Sooners fans out there, you might not be as lucky.

Joel

What’s Mangino’s job situation? Does he have Lew Perkins’ backing for the long haul, or is the AD still looking to bring in his own guy if Mangino slips?

Andy Samuelson

I personally feel that Mark Mangino is doing a very good job of building the kind of KU football program that all Jayhawk fans should be proud of. Lets not forget that a lot of people last year had all but given up hope after the K-State and OU losses, but Mangino and his staff regrouped and got this team to a bowl game where they completed dominated Houston. The recruits have gotten better and better each year. And the future addition at Memorial Stadium will only allow bigger and better things as well as provide a visually awesome improve to an already scenic backdrop. This season will be very interesting though. KU is going to have to find a way to win on the road eventually. If a young defense and quarterback can learn quickly this team could really come together with an easier schedule. It would be pretty hard not to stand behind a coach that has taken a program to back-to-back bowls for the first time in KU history.

Gopher

I see where former KU football player and Nashville Titans free agent Justin Hartwig signed with the Carolina Panthers. His contract was huge and has to be one of the biggest of any former KU football player.

Why haven’t I read a nice spread in the Journal on this former player? I would hope that you could help promote football in the Lawrence Journal. Personally I tire over the everyday articles about basketball.

Andy Samuelson

Well once again I think everyone at the LJW does an excellant job of covering KU football as well as basketball. It’s also important to remember the access that both coaches gives play a part as well. Football-wise we only are allowed to cover two practices before the season and certain information (such as injuries) are head tightly to the vest. I believe that we probably have more print and television stories than any other outlet across the state. We did have a small story on Hartwig’s signing — and congrats to the former Jayhawk for cashing in on all his hard work. As far as basketball again, you have to remember that KU basketball is like a pro franchise in these parts and thus the heavy coverage. But we are always interested in what you want to see in our paper/website. Plese keep sending us your thoughts.

Romary

Andy Sam-
I know you’re a huge WuShock fanatic. Will the Hawks and Shockers ever play in hoops? And will WSU ever resurrect its’ football program?

Andy Samuelson

Well I actually went to both universities so I guess I can technically cheer (when not in the press box) for both teams. Plus I’m obviously a Wichita native so I have to give a little love down there. I think eventually the two schools will patch their differences and get this series going again. I don’t think that legislation should be necessary to do so either, but both sides will have to concede a little. WSU and its fans have to realize there not likely to get a one-and-one with KU. But KU shouldn’t miss out on playing in the state’s largest city. I think the two schools should try to set-up a three-game series with a game at KU, one in Wichita, then another venue like Kemper or maybe even Emporia. I don’t think that football will ever come back in Wichita, as recent legislation has mandated. Personally I think that it would be pretty hard for the sport (IAA football) to survive in Wichita — just look at the Wranglers. Personally I know many people that were touched by the tragic plane crash that devastated the program and it would be emotionally hard to overcome that obstacle as well.

Fowler

I love the comprehensive sports coverage on kusports.com. There’s a new basketball article there everyday during the season. My only beef is that the stats page aren’t kept up to date. Why not?

Moderator

And here’s the last question of the day…

Andy Samuelson

We had a few technical difficulties last year that we are trying to patch up on our end in order to be ready for this year.

Rigg

Have you ever dunked in traffic?

Andy Samuelson

I think I know who this guy is, and I think I actually might have thrown one down on him. I’m only 6-foot tall, but I actually use to be able to get up back in the day at Wichita East.

Moderator

Thanks Andy!