Jeff Boschee to Return to Allen Fieldhouse for Exhibition
The former Jayhawks star returns to Lawrence on October 17 to coach Pittsburg State against Kansas.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Basketball
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Jeff Boschee, a legendary sharpshooter for the Kansas Jayhawks, will return to Allen Fieldhouse on October 17, 2026. The 46-year-old coach leads his Pittsburg State squad into an exhibition game against his alma mater as part of the 42nd annual Late Night in the Phog event.
Why it matters
The exhibition marks a homecoming for a player who defined an era of Kansas basketball, offering a bridge between the program's history and its current trajectory. Boschee remains a central figure in school lore for his record-setting performance during his tenure in Lawrence.
Jeff Boschee holds the Kansas school record with 338 career 3-pointers, surpassing the 296 shots made by Devonte' Graham. The event will also feature a $10,000 half-court shot contest for participants.
The players
Jeff Boschee
He is a former Kansas basketball standout who currently coaches Pittsburg State and holds the all-time school record for career 3-pointers.
Kansas Jayhawks
The University of Kansas men's basketball program is a perennial powerhouse that competes in the Big 12 Conference.
The details
The exhibition game, which tips off at 7 p.m., is a feature of the 42nd annual Late Night in the Phog event. Fans at Allen Fieldhouse can expect a full slate of festivities, including video tributes and extended player introductions.
Timeline
1997: Jeff Boschee first attended Late Night at Allen Fieldhouse.
1998-99 to 2001-02: Jeff Boschee played for the Kansas Jayhawks.
2002: Kansas lost to Maryland in the national semifinals.
October 17, 2026: Pittsburg State plays Kansas in an exhibition game.
Season Trajectory
This exhibition game aligns with the longstanding tradition of the 42nd annual Late Night in the Phog, marking the unofficial start of the college basketball season. The appearance of a program alumnus as an opposing coach adds a unique narrative layer to the annual kickoff festivities.
Attendees at the 7 p.m. exhibition game have the opportunity to participate in a $10,000 half-court shot contest during halftime. The event serves as the primary public showcase for the Kansas roster before official conference play begins.
The takeaway
The return of a program icon to the bench highlights the deep historical ties within college basketball programs. Fans attending the event should arrive early to participate in the full range of activities scheduled for the evening.
Further reading
For more on local basketball developments, visit the Lawrence Basketball page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Kansas City Star.
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Should universities host exhibition games featuring former players returning as coaches for opposing teams?
