Wilt ranks sixth on EPSN’s all-time list, trailing Magic. I’m curious what else he could have done to get higher. He has unbelievable records, career highs, and much more. It simply seems ridiculous to me that a guy who purportedly scored 100 points in one game and is one of the most dominant players in history isn’t even in the top five for ESPN and many others. What are your thoughts?
Lawrence, Kansas – On Sunday afternoon, Kansas men’s basketball hosted 100 Special Olympians for the 30th Wilt Chamberlain Special Olympics Clinic in Allen Fieldhouse. Larry Brown, former head coach of the Kansas men’s basketball team, started the annual Special Olympics clinic in 1984. It was then renamed after Chamberlain, who left money from his estate to support the initiative.
Prior to the 2014 clinic, Special Olympian Chevi Peters of the New Hope team in Pittsburg, Kan., 2013 Big 12 Special Olympian of the Year Beckah Henderson of the Topeka Junior Blues, and Chris Hahn, president and CEO of Special Olympics Kansas, presented a plaque to KU head coach Bill Self commemorating the event’s 30-year history. The plaque featured photos of KU coaches Brown, Roy Williams, and Self with Special Olympians from previous clinics.
“I’ve always wanted to be a part of a team,” the 29-year-old Peters, who has had 38 operations, told the crowd as he presented Self with the plaque. “Special Olympics has made that dream come reality. Aside from being a member of a team, Special Olympics competitors can pursue a variety of additional activities. The KU Clinic is one of those neat things. Over the last 30 years, you have made a difference in the lives of thousands of Special Olympics athletes and friends. Thank you for staying cool and enjoying Sunday afternoon with us.” The Special Olympians at the 2014 clinic represented only a subset of ten different programs from across Kansas. Teams assembled from Derby, Wichita, Olathe, Douglas County, Topeka, Pittsburg, and other Kansas.
“It’s always fun to come out here,” KU sophomore Jamari Traylor said. “I enjoy everyone’s smiles. It feels fantastic to be out here and having some fun with these people.” Every year, the Kansas men’s basketball players, coaches, and staff participate in a variety of community service initiatives, including the Wilt Chamberlain Special Olympics Clinic.
