KU to honor 1988 national champions

Members of the 1988 men's basketball national championship team will take their bows during "Late Night In The Phog" on Friday, Oct. 17, in Allen Fieldhouse.

"This spring marked the 15th anniversary of the title, and we felt that it was appropriate to bring those guys back and honor them in appropriate fashion," said KU head coach Bill Self. "We thought Late Night would be the perfect time-not only do we get to showcase the team to help tip off this basketball season, but it's also the only time a lot of those guys can make it back, since so many of them are involved in professional basketball. With all the great tradition and history of this program, the 1988 team accomplished what only one other team in KU history did—win an NCAA title. I couldn't be more excited to have them come back and be recognized by KU and all our great fans."

Aaron Miles performed a skit during last year's Late Night event. Jeff Jacobsen/KUAC File

KU students' public displays of affection for the 1988 team will combine with another sentimental display during "Late Night," as students participate in an attempt to beat the world record for the largest number of couples kissing simultaneously. Keeping In School Spirit (K.I.S.S.), which is part of the University's annual Homecoming celebration. Danice Brown, Homecoming special events co-chair and Kansas City junior, said she hoped KU could out-smooch the current record of 1,588 couples reported by "The Guinness Book of World Records".

Doors for "Late Night In The Phog" will open at 7 p.m., and seating is first-come, first-served. Admission is free, but fans are encouraged to bring canned foods, which the Kansas athletics department will donate to area food shelters. Children 12-and-under will not be admitted without an adult, and the Fieldhouse doors will be closed when the arena reaches capacity.

The event features skits and entertainment by the KU men's and women's basketball teams, and music by the KU pep band. Pre-show entertainment will run from 7:30-9:45 p.m., and the teams will begin their performances at approximately 10 p.m. To cap off the evening, the KU men will hold a brief scrimmage at midnight.