Rock Chalk Roundball Classic Returns to Lawrence
A wave of nostalgia is sweeping through Lawrence as several members of Kansas' recent NCAA championship teams have announced their return for the 18th‑annual Rock Chalk Roundball Classic, a charity showcase that blends basketball spectacle with community fundraising.
The event, scheduled for early June, will host a charity game at Free State High School and a celebrity dinner in the newly opened conference center at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Proceeds from ticket sales will be directed toward pediatric cancer research, continuing a tradition that has raised significant funds for local families battling the disease.
Fans can secure tickets at the 23rd Street Brewery in Lawrence or at multiple Johnny’s Tavern locations spread across Olathe, Prairie Village, Topeka and Wichita. The brewery and tavern partnerships underscore the event’s deep roots in the regional business community.
Organizers have lined up an impressive roster of participants, including former KU wing Svi Mykhailiuk of the Utah Jazz, who will share the court with NBA prospects Ochai Agbaji, Christian Braun and Jalen Wilson. Former KU star Greg Ostertag, now mayor of Mount Vernon, Texas, is slated to coach the game, adding a unique local leadership angle.
The celebration will also feature appearances by other notable alumni such as Mario Chalmers, Sherron Collins, Russell Robinson, Brandon Rush, Sasha Kaun, Mitch Lightfoot, Chris Teahan, Gee Ngala, Zeke Mayo, Dajuan Harris and many more. Radio voice of the Jayhawks Brian Hanni is overseeing the production, ensuring the event captures the spirit of Kansas basketball.