Rock Chalk Roundball Classic is back and aims to help families in need

LAWRENCE — Excitement abounded in Brian Hanni’s voice Tuesday as he discussed the upcoming Rock Chalk Roundball Classic.

Hanni, who organizes the charity event, was just about a week away from the basketball game that will lead off the three days of festivities that are ahead. The picture was becoming even clearer, when it came to just which names would be a part of the 2022 edition — the 14th ever, dating back to 2009 — that those who follow Kansas basketball know so well. And considering what the week will look like this year, after how the pandemic limited what it could be the past couple of years, Hanni could sense that fervor in the greater community as well.

►RELATED: Kevin McCullar announces he’s exiting NBA draft process, returning to college at Kansas

►RELATED: Jalen Wilson announces he’s returning to college at Kansas, leaving NBA Draft process

“The guys are excited to come back and to gather together for a full weekend,” said Hanni, who noted how the event was virtual in 2020 and limited in 2021. “The fans are excited to get that in person interaction that COVID robbed us of. Last year we couldn’t have any post-game autographs. This year we’re going to offer that for the players that want to participate. And that’s been the beauty of this event, is that for 14 years we’ve offered Kansas fans the most interactive experience they could possibly have in getting to meet, greet, take pictures with and get signatures from their favorite Jayhawks stars.”

The festivities, which the charity uses to aid families dealing with pediatric cancer or other challenging illnesses, begin with that basketball game Thursday that features former Kansas athletes — including a fair share with Final Four experience — and more at Lawrence Free State High School. The festivities, which have raised more than $770,000 over the years, continue June 10 with a VIP dinner at Burge Union that’ll feature notable guests and various activities. And those lead into the Rock Chalk Roundbowl bowling experience June 11 at Royal Crest Lanes.

Former Kansas basketball players Wayne Simien and Brett Ballard will each be a head coach for the two teams at the upcoming game, and both Udoka Azubuike and Perry Ellis will be in attendance as assistant coaches. Among those slated to play are Tyshawn Taylor, a part of the 2012 national runner-up squad, and Devonte' Graham, a part of the 2018 Final Four team, and more. Anyone interested in getting involved in the week’s festivities as a whole, whether it’s buying tickets or simply donating, can find that information online at RockChalkRoundballClassic.com.

“I always get so excited when we have our first-timers that make it back to Lawrence to play in the classic for the first time ever,” Hanni said. “And so, to get guys like Malik Newman and Dedric Lawson and Devon Dotson and Greg Ostertag, that had never before been a part of the event, and this year they’re coming back, that’s what excites me the most. There’ll be names that are bigger or more accomplished in their careers that come back as well, but I always get excited because we keep a running tab on the different individuals that have played in this event over the years. And I think we’ll be up to 114 different Jayhawks in our 14 years of doing this event.”

The “starting five” for 2022, meaning the five young kids facing health battles whose families will receive financial assistance from the money raised this year, are DK Clark, Jake Jones, Fatima Gomez, John Foster and George Langston. The event’s website says Clark is from Topeka, Jones is from Roeland Park, Gomez is from Olathe, Foster is from Edgerton and Langston is from Olathe. More about their stories can be found at RockChalkRoundballClassic.com and will be shared in person across the festivities.

Hanni said a common thread with each child is how tough they are, how brave they are and just how positive their outlooks are. He can’t wait to see their smiles during the event. He understands that while the money that’ll be raised when all’s said and done will be significant for them, the emotional boost they are set to receive is as well when they're around everyone.

“So excited with the five that we have this year, and can’t wait for their big moment when we turn off the lights and Eric Danielson belts out the starting lineups, calling them all out by name, age, height and hometown,” Hanni said. “And as a Topeka native myself, I can’t wait to meet DK and see him get a standing ovation knowing all that he’s been through.”

Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas Athletics at The Topeka Capital-Journal. Contact him at jmguskey@gannett.com or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas basketball's Rock Chalk Roundball Classic to help families