Former Kansas men’s basketball standouts Christian Braun and Ochai Agbaji return to Lawrence, Kansas, for the 18th annual Rock Chalk Roundball Classic, a benefit for children and families battling pediatric cancer, slated for 7 p.m. Thursday at Free State High School.
This year’s teams include Agbaji and Braun as opposing head coaches, and a bevy of former Kansas stars filling their respective rosters tonight on the floor. Former stars Mario Chalmers, Travis Releford, Jalen Wilson, Elijah Johnson, Tyrel Reed, and Sherron Collins are scheduled to participate.
The event, founded by current Jayhawks broadcaster Brian Hanni in 2009, has become a regular offseason treat for the Lawrence area and Kansas fandom. Last year’s classic raised roughly $250,000 for families across Kansas and Missouri, and the charity game itself has surpassed $2 million since its inception.
This year’s “starting five” are Zara Smith, Romeo Padilla, Peyton Dugan, Jude Vander Kelen and Ember Henry. Last year’s MVP Jaxson Kress shared a social media message ahead of Thursday’s game.
Helping local children and families amidst the toughest challenge of their lives.
The charity’s initial mission was benefiting the family of Lawrence-area pastor Brandon White, who died from cancer at just 29 years old. Hundreds of former Kansas players have participated in the game over the years, and several have made a habit of returning for the event annually to support the cause.
“To provide financial, physical, and emotional support to children and families who are directly impacted by cancer that are treated in Kansas and Missouri area hospitals while also promoting social awareness and delivering hope to those we serve,” the official Rock Chalk Roundball Mission Statement reads.
Thursday’s game is slated for 7 p.m. at Free State High School.
