The Rock Chalkboard

Analysis: Why smaller crowds wouldn't be worst case for KU hoops
We don't know what crowds will look like in 2020-21. In fact, a recent report involving the NBA seems to suggest there may not even be fans next year at the professional level. I can't imagine it would be a totally safe environment to have 16,300 fans packed in together at Allen Fieldhouse if COVID-19 does remain an issue into the season, and it seems very possible stadiums won't be at full capacity around the nation.

KU giving student-athletes 2020 Election Day off
"At Kansas Athletics, we want to provide opportunities for our student-athletes to use their platform to inspire change," Long wrote in his statement. "One of those ways will be by giving our student-athletes the day off from all athletic-related activities on November 3rd to provide each of them the opportunity to make their voices heard locally and nationally by casting their votes in the upcoming election."

Big 12 basketball tournament staying in Kansas City through 2025
On Friday, the Big 12 announced it was extending its agreement for Kansas City to play host to the men's and women's Big 12 basketball tournaments, which are sponsored by Phillips 66. The agreement was extended by one year, and since it was previously renewed through 2024, that means the event will stay in Kansas City through 2025.

Udoka Azubuike named one of decade's elite defenders
“I just saw Oklahoma play on Tuesday and they played Kansas and Udoka Azubuike wound up guarding Kristian Doolittle,” Bilas said. ““And what an amazing transformation he’s had, going from like 275-280 down to 255. He’s guarding Doolittle out on the perimeter, inside. Just a terrific job by Udoka Azubuike.”

Bits o Chalk

Sources -- Kyrie Irving plays key role in Friday call with players
He had a question about NBA sponsors on campus, and whether they would be supplying players with products. A union official asked him for an example, and Irving mentioned a popular adult beverage -- before insisting that he had indeed simply shared an example -- and wondered what food might be provided to players under league partnerships.

Iowa's Kirk Ferentz admits 'blind spot' on black players' issues, vows to improve environment
Ferentz on Friday said Iowa's program is on a better path following several emotion-charged team meetings, the formation of an advocacy group including 11 former Iowa players and more openness regarding communication within the program and player expression outside of it.

University of Houston suspends workouts after six student-athletes test positive
In a statement Friday, the UH athletic department said it was suspending the activities "out of an abundance of caution." The school said the symptomatic student-athletes had been placed in isolation and contact tracing procedures have been initiated.

Antonio Brown pleads no contest to felony burglary with battery in Florida case
"Antonio's case resulted from a misunderstanding concerning the payment of costs for the moving of Antonio's family from California to Florida," Hancock said in a statement Friday.

Texas athletes push for changes to campus, school song to be more racially inclusive
"The recent events across the country regarding racial injustice have brought to light the systemic racism that has always been prevalent in our country as well as the racism that has historically plagued our campus," the athletes said in a statement, which was shared by several students on social media.

Eraser Dust

Man still missing in NW Montana, family searching for answers
Dawn Cranor, Jacob's mom, last heard from her son on October 18th. She said Jacob was staying at the Samaritan house, a homeless shelter and transitional living program in Kalispell, while also working two jobs. She says Jacob is believed to have gone on a hunting trip with friends on October 19th, but never returned.

Former SNL Star Jay Pharoah Was Stopped by Police, Shares Security Footage of Cop with Knee on His Neck | PEOPLE.com
"I see him coming with guns blazing, I see him say 'get on the ground, put your hands up like you're an airplane.' As he's looking at me, I'm thinking that he's making a mistake. So I'm looking past where he's looking. I'm looking at him, and I'm looking past me cause I'm like, 'whoever they're about to get, this is going to be terrible.'"

Star Wars Has An Official Map, And I Can't Look Away - CINEMABLEND
The Star Wars franchise has spanned 11 movies, multiple animated series, as well as The Mandalorian. As such, the fans have seen countless planets throughout the years, usually without any understanding of where these worlds are in relation to each other. But the answers are finally here thanks to an official map, and the franchise's locations might actually surprise you. Check it out below.

Don Lemon reacts to Dave Chappelle calling him out in Netflix special - CNN Video
CNN's Don Lemon reacts to Dave Chappelle mentioning him in his Netflix special after Lemon called for celebrities to use their platforms to speak out about the death of George Floyd.

Trump reschedules Tulsa rally 'out of respect' for Juneteenth - CNNPolitics
"We had previously scheduled our #MAGA Rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for June 19th -- a big deal," Trump tweeted. "Unfortunately, however, this would fall on the Juneteenth Holiday. Many of my African American friends and supporters have reached out to suggest that we consider changing the date out of respect for this Holiday, and in observance of this important occasion and all that it represents. I have therefore decided to move our rally to Saturday, June 20th, in order to honor their requests."

Liam Gallagher Gets His ‘MTV Unplugged’ Moment - The New York Times
The Oasis singer didn’t show up for the band’s 1996 “Unplugged” taping, but on a new album he recorded for the series as a solo artist, he returns to some of the group’s most memorable songs.

Song of the Day

Poll of the Day