Jayhawks shop for local families

KU men's basketball squad picks out Christmas gifts for underprivileged citizens

Kansas University’s men’s basketball squad spent about an hour stuffing baskets Tuesday night at Wal-Mart, not Allen Fieldhouse.

Clothes, toy cars, cookware and, of course, basketballs were among the merchandise the players bought to brighten Christmas for 16 families.

“We’re getting it done, and it’s a lot of fun,” junior guard Keith Langford said as he pushed a basket in the hardware section.

Langford had picked out a small cooking grill, a toy police car, a hot rod and a couple DVDs.

The players were given a description of the family for which they were buying along with gift suggestions. The families were identified by the Salvation Army.

Expenditures of up to $50 per family was allowed. The money was donated by the Roundball Club and private individuals, said Roger Morningstar, a supporter of the basketball program and a former KU basketball player.

Aaron Miles was focused on Spiderman. A 4-year-old boy in the family he was buying for had expressed an interest in the super hero.

“I’m getting him this Spiderman outfit,” Miles, a junior guard, said as he held up a child’s sweatsuit bearing the likeness of the web-slinger.

Head coach Bill Self strolled the aisles watching his players make their purchases but said he wasn’t offering advice about what to buy.

Kansas University guard Keith Langford, right, gets movie advice from Tyler Self as KU freshman Omar Wilkes, left, and team manager Tegan Thornberry, second from left, watch. The Jayhawks picked out gifts for needy families Tuesday at Wal-Mart.

“This is something that was started long before I got here and it needs to continue,” Self said. “Its an important tradition and they enjoy doing it.”

Brett Olson said he enjoyed the shopping, but also said it wasn’t easy to do.

“It’s hard to buy things for someone else, but it’s nice to be able to do something that helps other people out,” Olson, a senior forward, said as he studied a pair of cargo pants before dropping them into his basket.

Moulaye Niang, a sophomore forward, agreed.

“We’re just trying to buy things that you might want if you were in their place,” Niang said.

Danny Manning, KU director of student-athlete development, said it was important for players to be involved in community activities.

“I think they should understand they are making somebody’s Christmas a little brighter,” Manning said.