The Rock Chalkboard

Crystal Ball reading Kansas for Gradey Dick
Currently there are four Kansas predictions in the Crystal Ball for the 6-7 small forward out of Wichita (Kan.) Sunrise Christian High School. The other schools in the mix are Alabama, Baylor, Florida, Illinois, Oklahoma State, Purdue and Texas Tech. None of these schools have a prediction in his Crystal Ball.

Marcus Garrett reflects on KU basketball career ahead of senior night
"I would say if Wayne Simien spoke 28 minutes on senior night, we can bet the under with Marcus Garrett, without question," Self joked. "Wayne spoke 20 minutes on senior night after four other dudes spoke 60. Knowing Marcus and the enjoyment he receives from being vocal and conversation with people, I bet you this one doesn't go very long."

Breaking down Baylor's starting five ahead of matchup with KU basketball
“The way they not only score the ball, but they defend,” Garrett said. “They defend as a unit. They talk. They move the ball well even though they have good one-on-one players.”

Preview: Bill Self, Marcus Garrett give keys to matchup with Baylor
The last time the Jayhawks faced Baylor, on Jan. 18, the Bears controlled the game. Baylor led by 13 at halftime and by no fewer than five points in the second half. The Bears won, 77-69, after a Chris Teahan 3 at the buzzer dropped the final margin.

WATCH: Mitch Lightfoot, Chris Teahan will return to KU basketball next year
Two KU basketball seniors will be taking advantage of that ruling, as fifth-year senior big man Mitch Lightfoot and fourth-year senior and walk-on guard Chris Teahan announced on Friday that they'd be returning to the KU men's basketball program in 2021-22.

Bits o Chalk

G League looking into claim made by Jeremy Lin that he was called 'coronavirus' on court
The G League is investigating a claim made by Jeremy Lin that he was called "coronavirus" during a game, a league official told ESPN's Marc J. Spears on Friday.

Tiger Woods 'in good spirits' after follow-up procedures for leg injuries
"Tiger and his family want to thank you all for the wonderful support and messages they have received over the past few days," the statement read. "We will not have any further updates at this time. Thank you for your continued privacy."

Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James to Zlatan Ibrahimovic - No way I'll ever 'stick to sports'
"He was the same guy who said when he was back in Sweden ... because his last name wasn't a certain last name, that he felt there was some racism going on when he was out on the pitch," James said. "I speak from a very educated mind, so I'm kind of the wrong guy to actually go at because I do my homework."

The varying states of NCAA tournament Bracketology
The realities of the coronavirus pandemic mean the 2021 NCAA tournament will be held at a single destination – the state of Indiana – with multiple venues utilized and usual tournament schedule adjusted. The Final Four is slated to be held at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 3 and 5, but uncertainty will continue to reign following a regular season characterized by numerous cancellations and postponements throughout college basketball

Eraser Dust

Third stimulus check update: House passes coronavirus spending bill with $1,400 payments. Here’s the latest. - nj.com
The legislation includes stimulus checks of $1,400 for individuals making up to $75,000 and $2,800 for couples making up to $150,000, plus $1,400 for each dependent. Along with December’s $600 payments, that fulfilled the Democrats’ promise of providing $2,000 to most Americans still trying to recover from the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent economic downturn.

Who qualifies for a $1,400 stimulus payment under the House bill
Individuals earning an adjusted gross income (AGI) up to $75,000 (and married couples earning up to $150,000) will receive $1,400 each, plus $1,400 for each dependent. That means an eligible family of four will receive $5,600.

Biden vows Texas shelter for young migrants 'won't stay open very long' | TheHill
President Biden on Friday pledged that a shelter for young migrants in Texas “won’t stay open very long” amid bipartisan criticism over his administration's decision to reopen the facility for migrants ages 13-17.

Lady Gaga's dogs recovered safely after dogwalker shot - CBS News
Lady Gaga's two French bulldogs, which were stolen by thieves who allegedly shot and wounded the dogwalker, were recovered unharmed, Los Angeles police said Friday.

Students, parents react to Kalispell schools face mask decision
The trustees unanimously approved continuing the mask mandate, where anyone -- including students and staff -- must be wearing a face-covering in any school district building.

The board received 637 emails of public comment, and 526 were for the mandate and 111 opposed the mask mandate. For many, the mandate allows for kids to go to school safely.