Hearing: KU Bench Stock Report 📈📉

• 😎 Introducing the redesigned newsletter

• 📈 One KU bench player is trending up

• 😯 How to get $16 KU-UT tickets

• 📝 Mike’s quick links

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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.

Still looking for KU-UT Tickets? Autograph has you covered 😲

Autograph is doing an exclusive $16 ticket drop inside the “Autograph app” on Thursday at 2pm CT. Here are the details:

• Sign up via the link here or the button below to download the app.

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• When the drop goes live on Thursday at 2pm, you’ll be able to buy tickets inside the app. #Sponsored

Your favorite KU Scoops email newsletter just got a new look!

I’m thrilled to welcome you to the redesigned KUHearings newsletter, created with YOU in mind. I went to work with an amazingly talented designer (Ricky) to rethink how we can deliver the kind of KU news you won’t get anywhere else.

Ultimately, this newsletter gets to be a fun part of your day. And I hope this hyper-customized design helps make you as informed and entertained as possible.

I have two asks for you as we launch this thing!

1. Please share your thoughts and input via the poll below. I can keep iterating to make this better and better.

2. I’ve hit ~13,100 subscribers, which is amazing. For the first time since starting the newsletter, our growth has hit a bit of a plateau. Please help spread the scoop by telling your friends and family to subscribe! If everyone gets just one friend to sign up, we’ll have a KU community of more than 25,000 Jayhawks helping make this the best KU website out there. I’ll need your help to do it!

Thank you in advance for helping make it happen. And a special thanks to Kansas fan, community member, and all-around good person @MMcgovern35 for recreating the Pay Heed banner.

Hearings on what to expect from KU’s bench going forward

KU’s bench played just six second-half minutes in the win at Oklahoma on Saturday. Those six minutes came from just two players: Nick Timberlake and Parker Braun. The Jayhawks have even less meat on their bones than Johnny Furphy.

I’m Hearing what we saw in the Oklahoma game is likely the plan for KU going forward. If the Jayhawks can survive without their bench, that’s what will happen — especially in the second half.

Of course, that’s a big if. Foul trouble, injuries, and a pissed off Bill Self can all change KU’s plan. But for now, KU is gonna try to limit bench minutes in the second half.

There is, however, one bench player trending up right now for KU.

I’ve Heard Jamari McDowell has looked a lot better since he returned from being sick. It’s still probably not enough to significantly change his role or playing time (based on the Hearing above).

McDowell’s illness came at an unfortunate time for the freshman PG. The Jayhawks lost two of three, and he would’ve had a real opportunity for playing time. It’s just been bad luck for McDowell so far this year.

But if things don’t go as planned and KU turns to its bench, maybe McDowell gets his shot.

The Inaugural Hearings Hangout Presented by Homefield!

I’m headed to Lawrence on Thursday and can’t wait to meet so many of you in person. We’ve rented out the legendary Bullwinkles Bar for subscribers (and their plus ones) only. Space is limited, so please RSVP if you can make it!

The Details

• Date: Saturday, Feb. 24, before the KU-Texas game (5pm tipoff)

• Time: 12-4pm CT

• Location: Bullwinkles Bar in Lawrence, Kansas

• Open Bar to subscribers wearing Homefield gear or with a recent order confirmation email.

  • Order with Promo Code “HEARINGS24” and get 20% off Homefield for one order.

• There will be complimentary food and beverages, apparel raffles, exclusive gifts, trivia prizes, and more!

• Exclusive preview of the upcoming KU Homefield launch 🔥

• You must RSVP if you plan on making it!

  RSVP Here
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3 bullet points for KU fans!

🏀 Bill Self went on the Jim Rome show to discuss the four letter word that got him ejected from the Texas Tech game. 

🏈 ESPN’s Mel Kiper raved about Austin Booker as part of an NFL Draft segment.

🏀 The Latest Could Be Wrong podcast asked if Johnny Furphy is Bill Self’s best freshman wing at KU and if winning the Big 12 really matters. Listen here via Spotify and Apple.

A Quick Shout Out To…

The KU Women’s Basketball team has won five games in a row, which is worthy of some love. The Jayhawks play at No. 24 Baylor tonight (Wednesday) as they look to sweep the Bears on ESPN+.

And shout out to Taiyanna Jackson for being named to the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Watch List.