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We’ve already examined KU’s early uniforms and shown the evolution from the 1980’s until now, all the while examining some alternates that KU has worn over the years. Now it’s time to get down to the business of previewing this season’s uniform set.
KU has upgraded their home and away jerseys this season. Gone are the annoying shoulder colors and the odd designs on the shorts. Instead, we are treated to a clean, classic look.
The Home Whites
The neck and armholes are simply outlines in red and blue. It’s a simple and classy look. The waistline harkens back to the late 80’s but still looks modern with the Jayhawk prominently displayed in the center. In a day and age when teams are trotting out in shorts like these, KU’s shorts are perfect. I can’t find anything to dislike about this set. Even the KU logo on the shorts is the right call. Typically, I like the Jayhawk there, but I think that the block KU logo makes this a classic look.
These are exact replicas of the home whites with white replacing blue in the trim, and they are perfect. KU could probably keep these for a while and you wouldn’t hear the slightest complaint from fans.
Uniform Highlights: An instant classic
Overall Grade: A
Chalk and Phog
We’ve also discussed and dissected the "Chalk" and "Phog" alternates. Those will be featured prominently again this year, but with a few changes to the "Chalk" set. Last season, the script "Jayhawks" was at an angle with the uniform number slightly offset to the left. This season, it looks like the script has been straightened out and the number enlarged slightly and moved to the center.
As far as I know, these are the only uniforms that are being used for KU until the post season when Adidas usually breaks out something new and "interesting" for the major teams that wear the brand. We’ll have to wait until mid-February to get a good look at those.
But, some other teams have worn interesting new one-off jerseys for pre-season tournaments and school trips, so we could see some different uniforms for KU when they travel to Orlando to play in a tournament there. I wouldn’t put my money on it, but stranger things have happened.
As for throwbacks, I haven’t seen anything scheduled along that front, but KU has done a throwback game in two of the last three years. Are there any significant anniversaries coming up that could facilitate a throwback? Let’s take a look.
The 1974 Final Four Team
Yes, I understand that the 40-year anniversary of that Final Four team was last year, but since KU didn’t have a throwback game honoring that fine squad, why not make up for it and do it at some point in the first half of this season? The Florida game on December 5 would be a nice time to bring those guys back to Allen Fieldhouse if they wanted to feature the uniforms in a big time atmosphere.
1940 KU Team
They could also throwback to the 1940 team which was the first ever team to participate in the NCAA tournament. This season also happens to be the 75th anniversary of that team so I see no reason why KU couldn’t break out some 1940-era duds for a conference home game this season.
If KU goes with either of these ideas, I hope they remember to cut their friendly RCT writer a nice check for the inspiration. And as usual, if KU introduces anything new in the uniform department, we’ll be on top of it.