Freshman chosen as basketball team’s walk-on

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Jessica Juenemann thought nothing could exhaust her brother, Jordan.

According to Jessica, six or seven hours per day in the gym and weight room are the norm for Jordan Juenemann, Hays freshman. But after Jordan’s first practice with Kansas on Monday night, he told Jessica, 2008 graduate, he was drained.

“He said it was the toughest thing he has ever done,” Jessica said. “And he’s ready for the challenge.”

Jordan Juenemann’s dream came true Monday — he became the newest member of the Jayhawk basketball team. Kansas coach Bill Self offered Juenemann, who was not available to comment Tuesday, an opportunity to walk on to the team after he participated in an open tryout Sunday.

Jessica said Self called Jordan into his office Wednesday afternoon, gave him the news and told him to get ready for practice. Jessica didn’t even learn her brother was the newest Kansas basketball player until after practice.

“We just had a little, quick conversation,” Jessica said. “I congratulated him and he pretty much said he’s ready to be a part of the team. He’s honored to be a part of it.”

Rick Keltner, Juenemann’s high school coach, found out around the same time Jessica did. Keltner was on a five-mile walk when he called Jordan.

Jordan told his high school coach he was on the team and detailed his first practice.

“The last three and a half miles were pretty easy for me,” Keltner said. “I’m so happy for Jordan — he’s a good kid.”

Juenemann led the Hays High Indians to a 14-7 record last season and averaged 17 points and six rebounds as the starting point guard. The Topeka Capital-Journal named him third team All-State in Class 5A, and he was one vote away from being the Western Athletic Conference’s player of the year.

Keltner said Juenemann had plenty of opportunities to play at a junior college or Division II school. The offers didn’t interest him.

“Like a lot of kids from Kansas,” Keltner said, “he’s a kid that really wanted to play for the University of Kansas.”

So Juenemann dedicated himself to walking on to the team, according to Keltner. He worked out harder than he ever had before.

Jessica said he spent time playing with former Jayhawks Wayne Simien and Jeff Hawkins. She barely saw her brother all summer because he was so busy.

He even reached out to Brad Witherspoon — the last Jayhawk to make the team through an open tryout — and asked him questions. A lot of questions.

“When I first met him, he was kind of annoying because he was asking me tons of questions,” Witherspoon said. “It was cool because he wanted it so bad, so I answered his questions.”

Witherspoon, who played his last season with Kansas last year, soon came to realize that Juenemann was an ideal candidate to succeed him.

Witherspoon talked to Juenemann regularly and started to work out with him. Witherspoon said Juenemann was strong and talented enough to be a Jayhawk.

“I told him, ‘It’s a good opportunity,’” Witherspoon said. “‘But you have to make sure this is what you want. If you’re looking for playing time, this is not for you.’”

Keltner said Juenemann knew exactly what he wanted — to be a Jayhawk. When Juenemann realized he had reached his goal, Keltner said he was overwhelmed with happiness. “When he talked to me and told me he made it, I think I might have heard tears,” Keltner said. “I’m so happy for the kid.”

— — Edited by Brenna Hawley

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