In this Hearings newsletter:

1. Allen Fieldhouse Capacity

2. My Take on The Decision

3. A Johnny Furphy Update 🇦🇺

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EVERYTHING IN THIS NEWSLETTER IS BASED UPON WHAT I AM HEARING FROM PEOPLE I TRUST. PLEASE DO NOT MISTAKE THIS FOR FACT OR FOR ACTUAL JOURNALISM, WHICH HAS VERIFICATION STANDARDS THAT I HAVE NOT ADHERED TO. I DO NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT.

Allen Fieldhouse to Reduce Capacity (Barely)

This is a Hearing I’ve been working on for quite some time. Given this is a sensitive topic to all of us, I’ve had a number of additional conversations to ensure we have the right context with the Hearing.

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I’m Hearing Allen Fieldhouse will reduce capacity as part of the current renovation project. Still, I don’t expect a major change to the final number. Maybe we’re looking at 16,000 instead of 16,300. I expect the changes to take place after this coming season.

I’m Hearing at least two of the upper corners, or “crow’s nests,” could get replaced with video boards. I’ve Heard the screens are a direct request from Bill Self, who wants to upgrade the interior experience of the building (and the ability to view stats and replays). Also, adding more than 1,000 chairback seats will reduce capacity to a small extent.

There’s an emotional attachment to the number 16,300. It’s something we have prided ourselves on for years. But 16,300 became a thing in 1993. It hasn’t always been the capacity of the building.

As I’ve said before, these renovations are a moving target until the decisions are finalized. Maybe KU will find a way to keep the “official” number at 16,300. Perhaps it’ll instead use smaller screens to preserve some seats. What’s important to me is why the decision is being made or heavily considered…

My Take: It’s The Right Move

I understand if this is a bit of a hard truth, but I think it’s an important part of this story: The upper corners at Allen Fieldhouse aren’t full most games in a season.

Suppose Allen Fieldhouse is KU’s most valuable real estate, and the corners aren’t always utilized. It makes sense to upgrade the area. And if Self thinks video boards are the right decision for the space, I’m inclined to trust him. I’ve always been told Self takes his position as the steward of Kansas basketball incredibly seriously.

As long as KU is protecting the soul of the building, then I’m understanding of these changes. I believe that thought is at the forefront of these extensive renovations.

The video board idea isn’t some kind of corporate box taking seats away from diehard fans (which I was originally concerned about). Instead, it’s KU working to upgrade the experience for the people showing up at Allen Fieldhouse.

And that I can get behind.

I’m curious, though 👇

Quick Johnny Furphy Update 🇦🇺

I continue to Hear Kansas has its eyes on adding breakout wing Johnny Furphy for this season. The 6’9” Australian was a breakout player at the NBA Academy games, and KU is facing high-major competition his recruitment.

I think it looks good for KU to land Furphy, but this recruitment is by no means over. It makes sense that Furphy needs time to think about this, considering his world changed less than two weeks ago.

I’m Hearing the Jayhawks would love to add Furphy to the roster before they head to Puerto Rico the first week of August, but KU generally considers that scenario unlikely, given the timing.

As always, I’ll keep you posted. These Hearings are free. Thank you for sharing the scoop.

Dajuan Harris on KU TBT 😂😂😂

KU’s alumni TBT played its first game last night. The roster is all Jayhawks, except Rodney Green (number 21), who went to high school with the Morris twins and played college ball at La Salle.