Mario Chalmers made the shot. Bill Self’s still the coach.

Now it’s time for KU’s heroes of the hardwood – the 2008 national champions, less than a week after outlasting Memphis to claim the NCAA title – to ride triumphantly through the heart of Lawrence, in a parade of significance unseen since Kansas’ last title 20 years ago.

“It’s a phenomenal thing,” said Sgt. Paul Fellers, Lawrence police spokesman. “It’s something that doesn’t occur very often and, obviously, this is something everybody in the community can be proud of.”

Today’s parade – led by the Spirit Squad and pep band, and featuring players, coaches, managers, Athletics Director Lew Perkins and others riding in convertibles and on a flatbed truck – begins at 3 p.m. at Seventh and Massachusetts streets. The parade is scheduled to move south on Massachusetts to 19th Street, then west to Naismith Drive.

An awards ceremony also will be conducted at 6 p.m. at Allen Fieldhouse. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the event is free and open to the public.