Wednesday, March 4, 1998
The University Daily Kansan
Section B·Page 3
Haase takes new shot at NBA
Former Jayhawk returns after stint in Macedonia
By Jason Pearce
Kansan sportswriter
Tenacious effort, hard-nosed defense and all-out hustle were what Jerod Haase brought to the Kansas men's basketball team last year.
This season, after playing professional basketball in Macedonia and trying out for NBA teams, he brought his book "Floor Burns" to tables in the Allen Field House lobby.
He dished out smiles, small talk and autographs for his book to fans at home games throughout the season.
The book, co-authored by Mark Horvath, describes Haase's senior year as a Jayhawk. Haase has spent much of the past year promoting and signing his book.
Haase said that although "Floor Burns" gave him the luxury of not working a full-time job, he still was ready for a change.
"After the new year, I changed my focus from the book to getting in shape so I can play
again, " Haase said
Haase said.
In fact,
Haase has been preparing
for another try at his ultimate goal:
the NBA.
"I want to chase a dream one more time." Haase said.
Hease:Wants to try for NBA dream again this summer
Haase said that he wanted to try out with NBA teams again this summer at various rookie camps. He has been preparing by practicing with the Jayhawks, lifting weights four times a week and playing in numerous pickup games.
Haase described his first year away from the Jayhawks as bittersweet.
"It was nice to see the guys and practice with them, but it was not the same as being on the team," Haase said. "This is the first time in my life where I am not on a team. I have taken that for granted."
After graduating last spring, Haase underwent surgery on his shooting hand, which was broken during his senior season. He
Late in the summer, Haase tried out as a free agent for the Chicago Bulls and the Vancouver Grizzlies at their rookie camps, but was overlooked again.
entered the NBA draft but was not chosen.
Haase packed his bags and left for Macedonia, the former Yugoslavia, where he played for the country's professional basketball league in the city of Velice.
Haase played point guard there for two and a half months before leaving the team because of disputes between him and the coach.
"I wasn't a big fan of the coach and how he treated the players," Haase said.
In addition to promoting the book and preparing for the NBA, Haase is organizing a summer basketball camp for 8- to 18-year-olds throughout Kansas. So far, he has confirmed 15 dates in cities such as Kansas City, Salina and Arkansas City.
if he doesn't play basketball, Haase said he could see himself coaching, working for a business or further his education.
"This is the first time in my life where I make all of my decisions," Haase said.
Wooden Award lists Kansas duo in nominations
Kansas forwards Raef LaFrentz and Paul Pierce are among the 15 finalists named for the Wooden Award, considered college basketball's most prestigious player of the year honor.
Two other teams, No. 2 Arizona and No. 4 North Carolina, have a pair of players up for the Wooden Award.
LaFrentz, who played in 25 games despite missing nine with a broken right hand, averaged team highs with 20.4 points and 11.4 rebounds per game during the regular season. Pierce ranked second in both categories for the No.3 Jayhawks with 20.1 points and 6.9 rebounds.
Guards Mike Bibby and Miles Simon have led the Arizona Wildcats to a 26-3 record this season, including their current 19-game winning streak. Bibby averages 17.3 points and 6.1 assists per game, and Simon averages 17.6 points and 4.5 assists per game.
Tar Heels forwards Antawn Jamison and Vince Carter also were nominated. Jamison averaged 23.1 points and 9.9 rebounds during the regular season, and Carter averaged 15.5 points and 5.1 rebounds.
Other finalists include; Chad Austin, Purdue; Michael Doleac, Utah; Pat Garrity, Notre Dame; Richard Hamilton, Connecticut; Matt Harpring, Georgia Tech; J.R. Henderson, UCLA; Trajan Langdon, Duke; Ansu Sesay, Mississippi; and Bonzi Wells, Ball State.
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