Former Kansas preferred walk-on guard, video coordinator and director of basketball operations Brett Ballard returns to Allen Fieldhouse in an unfamiliar role — head coach of the opposing team — on Thursday night.
“I have mixed emotions,” said 38-year-old Hutchinson, Kan., native Ballard, whose second Washburn team will tangle with the Jayhawks in a 7 p.m. exhibition game.
“I want our team to play well and compete, but a big part of it is helping KU get ready for the season. If I’m not mistaken, the next game is Michigan State (Tuesday in Indianapolis). We want to try the best we can to help coach (Bill) Self get the guys ready,” Ballard added.