By Barbara Hollingsworth
The Capital-Journal
Published Sunday, April 06, 2008
SAN ANTONIO — During his first couple years as a student at The University of Kansas, Brad Witherspoon would stroll into Allen Fieldhouse before game time and take a seat, far away from the action.
Witherspoon, who had been a high school athlete, tried out for the Jayhawks a couple times and was a "baller at the rec" before he made the team, on his third try.
Ann Williamson / The Capital-Journal
KU walk-ons Brennan Bechard, left, and Brad Witherspoon interview teammates Friday at the Alamodome in San Antonio.
"I've been sitting on the sidelines ever since," said Witherspoon, now a walk-on senior.
But when you're a die-hard Jayhawker like Witherspoon, that doesn't matter much. Growing up in Humbolt, he tended to run across more Kansas State than KU fans. Still, Witherspoon had family members who went to KU, and he loved KU basketball.
"I wouldn't even go to school the next day if they lost," he said.
His view on game days has definitely changed since he joined the team.
Even if he spends more time off the court than on during games, it doesn't matter.
"The way I look at it, they've got like 40 games in the year — maybe," he said. "We have way more practices than that. Practices are like our game days."
This will be his last year to watch games from the ultimate seat for the ultimate fan. Next year, he'll go back to being a "regular" student while finishing up his degree in physical education. Maybe, he said, he'll become a coach someday.
For now, he's drinking in the Final Four experience.
"I'm sure it's every kids' dream in Kansas," he said.