The best drill was saved for last at Kansas University’s annual holiday basketball clinic Saturday morning in Allen Fieldhouse.

Each Jayhawk player grabbed a basketball and competed against 10 or so third- to eighth-graders – one Jayhawk versus the mass of young bodies.

“The most fun I had was, I got to play against all those kids,” KU sophomore Rodrick Stewart said after an hourlong autograph session concluded the three-hour clinic attended by about 300 youths.

“They were tackling me and stuff. It was a lot of fun,” Stewart said.

The 2005 New Year’s Eve Clinic was so well attended it spilled into Horejsi Center and Robinson Gym. The youths congregated after the camp for pictures and autographs in the fieldhouse.

“The best thing about this is being around the kids. It’s never boring when you are around a bunch of energetic kids,” KU senior Jeff Hawkins said.

“No matter how tired you are, they make sure you are full of energy. They keep you on your toes. Kids are great. Every kid does something funny.”

The lines for autographs were long for all the Jayhawks.

The three longest lines, by far, were for freshmen Brandon Rush and Julian Wright and coach Bill Self.

“This is one of the most fun times of the year,” red-shirt freshman Matt Kleinmann said after signing the shirt of one camper and shoe of another.

“I was here when I was in eighth grade. I know how much I looked up to everyone when I was here. It’s great to now be able to give back to all the kids who come here,” said Kleinmann, who hails from Overland Park.

Self said a good time was had by all.

“It was a great turnout. It was terrific. The players got here at 8 this morning to get ready for this, and they did a good job with the kids,” Self said. “It’s neat to see how much young people love the Jayhawks and love the players.”

The Jayhawks, who practiced after the clinic, had one busy New Year’s Eve.

“We’ve got our minds so much on basketball stuff and practice, I forgot it was New Year’s Eve. Thanks for reminding me, though,” Hawkins said with a grin.

Senior Christian Moody, who dislocated a finger on his right hand in Thursday’s victory over New Orleans, was able to practice with his little finger and finger next to it taped. He also gladly signed autographs for the full hour.

“He’ll wear a splint when he’s not practicing. (On the court) he’ll tape it up and be fine,” Self said.