Kansas Jayhawk News and Notes: 12.27.2015

Kansas Sports

Big Fish: Smithson has proven to be a valuable Jayhawk | KUsports.com
A bright spot during a rough year, Smithson also finished a largely forgettable 0-12 season ranked 13th in the nation with 10.1 tackles per game and was the first KU defensive back to lead the team in takedowns since Darrell Stuckey did it in 2009.

Tuesday’s foe is tall order for Kansas | KUsports.com
Kansas University’s basketball players and coaches, who today host their annual holiday hoops clinic in Allen Fieldhouse, will also begin preparations for a (10-4) UC Irvine team that visits for an 8 p.m., battle on Tuesday.

Proposed rule would benefit potential pro players | KUsports.com
The proposed rule will allow players to declare for the NBA Draft — while retaining the opportunity to remove their name 10 days after the conclusion of the NBA Combine — which is set for May 10-15, 2016 in Chicago.

Other Sports

Report: Clinic mailed HGH to Peyton Manning's wife in 2011 - CBSSports.com
The Huffington Post received an advance screening of a documentary named The Dark Side set to premiere Sunday and, according to its story, a pharmacist named Charlie Sly claims drugs were sent to the Mannings "all the time" addressed to Peyton's wife, Ashley, while Peyton Manning was recuperating from neck surgery in 2011. Manning missed that entire season and was released by the Colts the following spring.

Kirk Cousins, Redskins dominate Eagles, win NFC East: 8 things to know - CBSSports.com
The Washington Redskins won a division title with the second quarterback from the same draft class on a rookie contract Saturday night. Say it out loud, think it over and you'll realize how impossible it is. Kirk Cousins joined the lore of Redskins quarterbacks Saturday night in Philadelphia, shredding the Eagles defense for a huge game and an NFC East championship.

Rick Pitino denies flipping off fans after Louisville's loss at Kentucky - CBSSports.com
After a tough 75-73 loss to Kentucky in Rupp Arena, Louisville coach Rick Pitino let Ralph Willard handle a majority of the postgame media responsibilities and was filmed making a dismissmive gesture to fans as he left the court.

Warriors' Stephen Curry named AP Male Athlete of the Year - CBSSports.com
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry was named the Associated Press 2015 Male Athlete of the Year on Saturday. In the past calendar year, he's become the NBA's Most Valuable Player, led the Warriors to their first championship since 1975 and then, improbably, improved. The version of Curry we've seen in the past few months has been demonstrably better than last season, which is the biggest reason for Golden State's historic 28-1 start.

Discussion Questions

1. What was the best KU moment of 2015?

2. Was was the best moment of your year?