University Dally Kansan
Tuesday February 8.1977
Freshman Hasan Houston is seeing stars
Hawaii State
00
By GARY VICE
Sports Editor
When the Kansas basketball players are introduced just prior to tip-off in Allen Field House, don't expect to learn their names by listening to the public address system.
For everyone, that is, except one. Hasan Houston still needs an introduction—at least
Because if you don't know them already, the Jayhawk's starting lineup can't be heard over the roar of their enthusiastic followers. With only the slightest motion toward mid-court by a Herb Nobles or a Keno kniens, the cheering erupts.
He's a 6-2 freshman guard from St. Louis, Mo., who has worked his double zero uniform number into KU's starting lineup. He's also been the coach he has often played more like the floor leader he was at University City High School, where he averaged 31 points a game his senior year in being named the St. Louis All-Star and the St. Louis area, than like a freshman.
Houston is being groomed as the 'Hawks backcourt general by KU's coaching staff. And while they realize veterans like team captain Koenigs are the publicly-designated leaders, Houston has the confidence and ambivalent style to take charge on the court.
HOUSTON, WHO wears double zero to be different after being told zero wasn't acceptable, is gaming attention on the court with his flamboyant and aggressive play. Between raising his fist overhead, shouting commands and cheering on his teammates, Houston has extended his grip with his explosive percussion with the bucket. Such play netted the self-confident freshman 18 points Saturday against Oklahoma.
KANSA'SNEW point guard says he is going to be a star. If you're doubtful, listen in on the post-practice chatter in the 'baehwks' locker room.
Houston (to reporter): "Hey, don't talk to Herb (Nobles) or them, they all envy me.
Donnie Von Moore: "So you want to be a star!"
Houston:"Right. Dig it man. Me."
Staff photo by MIKE CA
And so you have it. Proof that he's headed for stardom—it's only a matter of time. And Houston has the patience to wait—for awhile anyway.
"I FIGURED I'd be starting here," Houston said, "but not right at first. When I first came up here, my only problem keeping me from starting was my defense.
"I thought they were just saying that they had been fainted, and then made me mad at first. The girl (assistant) coach (Sam) Miranda, and they encouraged me to keep working hard and make it better."
"My defense has improved a lot since the beginning of the year, but still it is not the best," she said.
His first start came against St. Louis university, and he drew another starting game in the Eight Holiday Tournament. Then, when the 'Hawks were suffering from the loss of Paul Mokesi and the shooting slump of Milt Lineup, they started lineup to stay against Iowa State.
SINCE THEN he has averaged 7.4 points
Guard Hasan Houston makes the play for KU
per game. Not much for a high school standout that once ripped the nets for 97 points in two games, but Houston isn't concentrating on scoring this season.
BUT HUSTON, who leads the team in doling out assists with 29, had to go for the boo himself in Lincoln, Neb., against the team where he led KU in scoring with 16 points.
"I'm not supposed to be carrying the scoring load," he said. "We've got some good shooters in John (Douglas), Ken and Ben." "And they're on there's no reason for me to shoot."
"Once they start hitting you like to give the ball. Part of my job is giving them the ball when they're open and beside it, put them in a position which is like two points for myself."
"When no one's shooting the ball it's time for me to take charge&go and do my thing. Not so much one-on-one, but still in the team concept."
His shooting skill, which he acquired in schoolyard playgrounds while growing up in Brooklyn, N.Y., is reflected in his accuracy and speed. He shoots from the line until an attempt against the
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Sat.-Sun. at 2:30
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SHOUT At The DEVIL
If you have a taste for terror. . .
Eve. 7:30 & 9:45
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Eve. 7:25 & 9:20 Sat.-Sun.
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SENIORS
Come to the HARBOUR on Feb. 10th from 8-11 p.m.
Sooners failed to fall, dropping his average to .929.
for a
PRE-K-STATE FAREWELL TO THE HARBOUR PARTY
Pick up class cards for Westport trip, Perry T.G.I.F., Graduation Party.
(The HARBOUR isn't leaving . . . you are!)
SPRING BREAK SKI TRIP
"I was trying to catch Kenny's freshman record of 24 in a-row, "Houston" said. "That and not miss a free throw all year were kind of my goals."
We'll be skiing for 4 days, March 13-19. $137.00
ONLY 20 SPACES ARE AVAILABLE.
Deadline extended to Thursday, Feb.10 So sign up for this 4 day package.
Included are: 4 days lifts • 4 nights lodging 4 days ski rental round trip chartered bus transportation.
Options available
Extra day skiing...discounts for own equipment/own transportation.
For more info. call SUA office 864-3477
FINAL PAYMENT DUE TUES., WED. 2/8, 9.
MIRANDA BEAMS when he talks of Houston's potential, saying, "When I first saw him play you could see he was in a position we were going to take the ball away from him.
"One of the great attributes he has is lots of confidence in himself to play at this level. We want him to score when he has the op-portunity but we really want him to direct the offense."
ball. He can direct the other players on offense."
"It's hard for a freeshank to be a leader, but he should be. It's very important for a leader to act in the best manner."
Houston's ready to star right now, but he's complacency enough to work hard within KU's offensive design and give his foes fair warning of his imminent arrival.
Dons hold top spot
the unbeaten San Francisco Dons remained on top of the Associated Press college basketball poll, collecting 51-of-58 firstplace votes and 1,115 points to outpace the visiting team. The tucky stayed in its No. 3 spot, while Nevada Las Vegas plummeted from fourth to tenth.
But after that, just look for double zero, because you won't be able to hear his name.
OLD TIMES
Feb. 8 thru Feb. 12
Inge Theatre
8 p.m.
Tickets 864-3982
1. San Francisco (S1) ... 23-0 ... 1,115
2. USA (C4) ... 18-0 ... 1,115
3. Kentucky ... 16-2 ... 89
4. Tennessee ... 16-2 ... 89
5. Michigan ... 17-2 ... 696
6. Louisiana ... 17-2 ... 696
7. Alabama ... 17-2 ... 435
8. Alabama (1) ... 17-2 ... 435
9. Margarite ... 16-3 ... 355
10. Nevada Las Vegas ... 16-3 ... 355
11. Tennessee ... 16-3 ... 397
12. Connecticut ... 16-3 ... 397
13. Arkansas ... 16-3 ... 343
14. N. Carolina ... 16-3 ... 343
15. Clemson ... 17-3 ... 116
16. Providence ... 17-3 ... 116
17. Syracuse ... 18-0 ... 46
18. Arizona ... 18-0 ... 56
19. Detroit ... 18-0 ... 35
20. Wichita ... 18-0 ... 37
Tickets 864-3982
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1977-78 SUA Officers & Board Selection
Applications and information booklets now available at the S.U.A. office.Main level. Kansas Union Building.
Informational meeting for all interested persons on Monday, February 21, 3:15 p.m. Parlor A, Kansas Union Building.
APPLICATIONS DUE 5:00 p.m., TUESDAY, MARCH 1.
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SOPHOMORE CLASS
FREE BEER PARTY
For all those who paid class dues
CLASS BUTTONS
Available at the door or In the class office in room 113-8 Union
4:00-10:00 Friday, Feb. 11th
ICHABOD'S
North on Massachusetts
THE FIRST 200 PEOPLE WILL RECEIVE A FREE CLASS MUG
To receive free mug and beer your class button must be worn
CLASS DUES AT $3.00 STILL AVAILABLE
AT THE DOOR OR IN THE CLASS OFFICE