In the world of college basketball, the excitement leading up to the March 7 showdown between Kansas and Kansas State has taken an unexpected turn. The KU Basketball Camping tradition, a beloved ritual among students vying for prime seating, has hit a snag with some controversy.
Early Tuesday morning, the list of 96 camping groups was released, sparking the usual hustle and bustle among fans eager to secure their spots. However, things took a twist when a social media post by X user @thebigmangino revealed a screenshot from a GroupMe chat. The message, sent by KU camping leader Ryleigh Dyke to her group "Phogged Up & Ready," suggested some number-fudging in the lottery process.
The message implied that groups 5 and 6 should claim they drew number 2, a move that didn’t sit well with the community. Interestingly, "Phogged Up & Ready" wasn't even on the latest list, though it had been a top contender in previous games.
By late morning, KU Basketball Camping leadership addressed the issue head-on. They released a statement acknowledging the incident and emphasizing their commitment to fairness.
As a result, the implicated groups were moved to the bottom of the list, and Dyke was removed from her leadership role. The message was clear: nothing overshadows the integrity of Kansas Basketball.
Dyke, when approached, chose not to elaborate, stating that the necessary actions had been taken.
This incident comes on the heels of another report by The Kansan, which featured an anonymous camping leader calling for more transparency in the lottery process. Concerns had been raised about potential favoritism, particularly towards the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity, though these claims were denied by those involved.
Adding another layer, a past GroupMe message from Benjamin Cook, a former camping leader and ZBT member, suggested that leadership connections might influence group rankings. However, Cook did not respond to requests for comment.
As this story unfolds, it underscores the passion and intensity surrounding college basketball at Kansas, where tradition and integrity are held in the highest regard. Stay tuned as we continue to follow this developing story.