St. Louis, MO  (Hadley Tech HS) Western Michigan or St. Louis Baptist Juco

Nonetheless, Roger Bohnenstiehl, a 6’6 junior forward led a sophomore-laden Jayhawk team to KU’s second-straight conference title (13-1), a 23-4 overall record, and a trip to the NCAA Midwest Regionals. Bohnenstiehl led the Jayhawks in scoring with 426 points, despite suffering several minor injuries, including two cuts to the head that required a total of 22 stitches, prompting one writer to note, “Bohnenstiehl leads the Big Eight in shooting and stitches.” He was followed by sophomore guard JoJo White with 399, and senior forward Ron Franz with 334.

6’8 240 lb. footballer Vernon Vanoy played post, and Phil Harmon and Bruce Sloan shared the off-guard.  Howard Arndt subbed at forward. All were sophomores.  The Jayhawks rocketed out of the gates in impressive fashion, winning their first six games by an average of 22 points.  Bohnenstiehl emerged as KU’s top scoring threat, while White began to display his rhythmic shooting stroke.

On Dec. 17, KU got a rematch of its 1966 regional final with Texas Western.  The Miners, returning standouts Bobby Joe Hill, David Lattin and Willie Worsley from their national championship team, took a 71-67 victory against the Jayhawks.  Two nights later, KU flew to New York to face highly regarded St. John’s and the Jayhawks suffered their second defeat, a 68-44 thrashing.  But then the Hawks went on a tear, winning 16 of their next 17 games, losing only to Colorado in Boulder, 59-62.

KU served as an NCAA regional host, with Houston as its first opponent.  No one knew much about Houston at the time, and certainly no one realized how good they were, even though they had Elvin Hayes and Don Chaney.  Despite playing at home, the Jayhawks fell to Houston 66-53. White scored 18 points in the game and had 22 the next night as KU beat Louisville 70-68 in the regional consolation game.

Had senior forward Bob Wilson not finished his eligibility mid-season, Kansas likely would have gone further in the post-season, as lack of depth proved to be their Achilles heal. Bohenestiehl, who averaged 16.4 points, and White, who contributed 14.8 ppg, were named to the All-Big Eight Conference team.  Owens was named Big 8 Coach of the Year, his third season at KU.  The Hawks finished 4^th in the AP poll and 3^rd in the UPI.

CRIMSON & BLUE ARTICLE