WICHITA, Kan. — It was something so magical, not even the University of Kansas radio broadcasters had seen anything quite like it.

Fans of all ages filled Intrust Bank Arena for KU’s open practice Wednesday afternoon. Brian Hanni, Voice of the Jayhawks, said he’d never seen so much support and enthusiasm at an open practice. The local schools bused children over to fill the arena. Children screamed at the top of their lungs and waved signs encouraging the Jayhawks to defeat the Quakers of Penn.

 

With the dynamic atmosphere, one might think it was game day. For many in attendance, it was.

 

Kansas players did not disappoint, putting on a shooting and dunking display that wooed the crowd. Svi Mykhailiuk dropped in one three after another as spectators chanted and cheered him on to hit another.

Udoka Azubuike even got thunderous applause when he hit five free throws in a row. The 7-footer from Nigeria is shooting just 41.6 percent from the charity stripe this season. Coach Bill Self said he is optimistic that Doke can provide some positive minutes Thursday. The sophomore center suffered a knee injury before the Big XII Tournament in Kansas City. Self said he is optimistic that Azubuike can play some tomorrow, but is not overly optimistic the big man can provide minutes at 70 percent to 80 percent of his normal healthiness. Self says Doke is a game-time decision, but did note that 70 percent today could be 90 percent by Saturday, should the Jayhawks advance.

Senior guard Devonte’ Graham capped off an exhilarating practice with a half-court heave.

The University of Kansas Jayhawks play the Quakers of Penn Thursday afternoon at 1.