Stories from the Phog: Forty Years of Kansas Basketball

by Chelan David, Brian Hanni (Foreword)

Come along on a 40-year journey of Kansas basketball through the eyes of a hoops fanatic.

It can be hard to describe the pull of Kansas basketball to those not in the know. Basketball is an important part of the equation, but it’s more than just the game. It’s about family and friendships, traditions and superstitions. It’s about wearing your lucky sweatshirt and watching a game over the holidays with your aunts and uncles and cousins and grandparents. It’s about making the pilgrimage to Allen Fieldhouse in the bitter cold and gathering at the Wheel or Johnny’s after the game. It’s about rejoicing in the team’s victories and mourning their losses. All of these components coalesce to form what is known as Jayhawk Nation.

In Stories from the Phog, lifelong KU hoops fan and Lawrence native Chelan David invites readers on a journey through forty years of Kansas basketball. It begins with a trip to an arcade with David Magley, Indiana’s Mr. Basketball in 1978, includes the 2022 National Championship game, and culminates with the changing landscape of college basketball that we are witness to today. In between are encounters with Larry Brown, Danny Manning, Roy Williams, Bill Self, Gradey Dick, and other legends of the Kansas program, and memories from KU fans. Also included are anecdotes from descendants of James Naismith and Phog Allen.

A must-read for any KU basketball fan, Stories from the Phog puts readers in the seats at Allen Fieldhouse as the Beware of the Phog banner is unfurled for the very first time, the Jayhawks score 150 points against Kentucky, freshman Jacque Vaughn hits a game winning three-pointer against Indiana, and Nick Collison receives a standing ovation from Dick Vitale. Relive the exhilarating come-from-behind victories against Missouri in 2012 and against West Virginia in 2017, a game that set the record for the loudest crowd roar at an indoor sports event.

200 pages, Paperback

Published October 14, 2025

About the author

Chelan graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism. Having grown up in Lawrence, Jayhawk basketball is a way of life. In 2023 he published Beautiful States of Mind, a book about traveling to all 50 states with his two daughters, and his work has appeared in numerous outlets including Writer's Digest, The Seattle Times, Spin, Smart Business, and Entrepreneur.

Reviews

[Rick Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost, Stories from the Phog is a book about Kansas Basketball for fans of Kansas Basketball. Chelan David weaves together extensive research, countless first-hand interviews, and his own personal experience to create this “instant classic” for KU fans of all ages. I found myself reliving past memories while reading about the rich history of the best venue in all of college basketball — and also came away with some stories and personal insights I couldn’t get anywhere else. Well written and truly an enjoyable read. Signed copy.

[Isabel Salgado · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this great book. It was an easy read, it brough back so many memories about KU basketball gatherings with friends and family. I learned so much about the history and what happens behind the scenes, from the construction of Allen Fieldhouse to the iconic Beware of the Phog Banner. Forever Rock Chalk.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. It brought back a lot of wonderful memories. Thank you Chelan David for sharing your story and love of KU basketball with us all.

My freshman year at KU Danny and the Miracles won the championship. What a way to start my college journey and love of Kansas basketball. Rock Chalk Jayhawk!

[PottWab Regional Library]

A

[Cathlina Bergman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Skimmed to page 27.

Not a KU fan or basketball fan, so this book isn't for me. But I'm sure many other readers will LOVE it!