In a game charged with emotion, the Kansas Basketball Team secured a stunning overtime victory against the TCU Horned Frogs, a win they immediately dedicated to the memory of a cherished former staff member. The team was playing with heavy hearts following the recent passing of Scott Ward, a long-time pillar of the program, who died just three days prior to the matchup.
A Tribute Forged in Victory
The contest itself was a nail-biter, setting the stage for a poignant dedication. Kansas found themselves trailing by 9 points with only a minute left in regulation. The comeback was ignited by freshman Darryn Peterson, who was fouled while attempting a three-pointer with a mere 1.7 seconds on the clock. Peterson coolly sank all three free throws, sending the game into overtime. In the extra period, missed opportunities by TCU and clutch plays by Kansas allowed the Jayhawks to clinch a dramatic 3-point victory.
Right after the final buzzer, the emotional weight of the moment became clear. Player Melvin Council Jr. pointed directly at the "SW" patch on his jersey, a tribute to Ward, and declared, "Do it for Scooter, man. Scooter was with us today." This sentiment was echoed officially by head coach Bill Self in the post-game interview.
Coach Self's Heartfelt Dedication
Coach Self made the dedication public, framing the win as a collective effort that included their departed friend. "Whatever the announced attendance was tonight, we had plus-one," Self stated, "and I think that probably had as much to do with it as anything. Maybe our No. 1 fan for the last quarter-century was looking down on us." The tribute extended beyond the team, as students in the stadium held up signs honoring Ward, and the university's official social media pages shared memorial posts.
The Legacy of Scott "Scooter" Ward
Scott Ward's connection to Kansas ran deep. He earned his bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees from the University of Kansas. His professional journey with the athletics department began in the summer of 2003 when he joined the academic support program. Ward worked closely with Coach Bill Self for many years, primarily serving the men's basketball and volleyball teams.
His roles were vital to student-athlete development:
- Mental Performance Coach
- Coordinator of Support Services
- KU’s Athletics Director of Peak Performance and Leadership
In total, Ward devoted over 30 years of his life to the Kansas Jayhawks community. His wife announced his passing on Facebook on Saturday, January 3. The team's shocking, last-minute win, dedicated to his memory, transformed a sporting achievement into a powerful and emotional farewell for a man considered a legend within the program.
