Looking back at Late Nights past

photo by: Nick Krug

The F.C. Phog Allen statue looms over fans waiting to enter the fieldhouse for Late Night in the Phog on Friday, Oct. 12, 2012 at Allen Fieldhouse.

With the 32nd annual Late Night in the Phog a little more than 24 hours away, the anticipation of the beginning of another Kansas basketball season is at an all-time high.

Led by 14th-year head coach Bill Self, the Jayhawks will open the season, as they always do, with high hopes and lofty goals. A likely Top 3 team heading into the season — which officially begins in Honolulu on Nov. 11 — the Jayhawks will be gunning both for a national title and a record-tying 13th consecutive Big 12 regular season title.

While the quest for both will hold the interest — and nerves — of KU fans for the next several months, few things get the fan base as fired up as Late Night, which offers both an opportunity to see the players in action and be entertained by their personas away from basketball.

“There’s nothing like it,” said junior guard Devonte’ Graham. “The fans know what recruits are coming from high school. They get all the privileges just to be around here and experience Late Night. Seeing Allen packed is different from just walking in and seeing it empty. You can’t really imagine it but it definitely is a huge impact on recruits.”

Added Graham backcourt mate Frank Mason III: “I’m looking forward to having a great time with my teammates for the last time. I think it is good for freshmen to play in front of the crowd. It’s a great thing we do every year and I’m looking forward to it. The skits are always funny. I’m not used to dancing and things like that. I think the dance moves are hilarious and us trying to fit in with the dancers. It’s always a good time.”

With that in mind, here’s a quick look back at recent Late Nights, through the lens of our talented photo staff…

2015 – Halfcourt shot steals the show

2014 – Late Night with the Royals?

2013 – Andrew Wiggins mania invades Lawrence

2012 – Dressed up and jeweled out