In this Hearings newsletter:

1. Kansas vs. NBA players?

2. Your take on Zach Clemence Returning

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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.

Why KU Might Face NBA Talent This Summer

I’m Hearing Kansas is on the verge of scheduling two exhibition games against the Bahamian National Team. If it pans out, and sources think it will, the Jayhawks could face NBA players like Buddy Hield and Kai Jones during the upcoming Puerto Rico trip.

The Bahamas team will need practice ahead of the FIBA World Cup in late August. So as long as they qualify, there’s a good shot the games happen. Hield and Jones would likely be on the roster, and star Deandre Ayton has previously flirted with playing for the National Team before ultimately dropping out of the action.

The Jayhawks will need to raise some money to make the games happen, but I’ve Heard there aren’t many concerns about getting the funds together. I’d expect the fundraising to happen through private donations.

The games would be a part of KU’s “foreign trip” to Puerto Rico from August 1-8, in which the team will play three games against local pro/club competition. I’ve Heard Kansas is expecting to face formidable talent throughout the trip.

The timing of the trip is critical ahead of the season. The roster has been overhauled, yet the team is expected to be the best in the country. Kansas needs real game action ahead of the season to determine its lineups and rotation.

The Puerto Rico games will provide that. And maybe they’ll provide a humbling, too.

Poll Results for Clemence Returning

Below are the poll results from the Scoop about Clemence coming back to KU. Your responses covered the entire range of options, which surprised me to some extent. Ultimately, I think confusion from the news led to the split results.

Quick take: Continuity matters, and a focused Clemence has a good chance of working out for KU by the time he leaves.

Yup, This is Scoopsmafia 🫡

He’s right. I gotta get some football Hearings going. Will get to work!