When is the last time Kansas went blue? This question has been on the minds of many basketball fans, especially those who follow the storied history of the University of Kansas Jayhawks. The answer to this question takes us back to the 2008 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, where the Jayhawks made a memorable run to the national championship game.
The 2008 season was one for the ages for the Kansas Jayhawks. Under the guidance of head coach Bill Self, the team dominated the Big 12 Conference and earned a number one seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Jayhawks were on a mission to bring a national championship back to Lawrence, Kansas, after a 20-year drought.
The journey to the national championship began with a thrilling win over Villanova in the Sweet 16. The game was a classic, with Kansas trailing by two points with less than a minute remaining. However, Mario Chalmers hit a game-winning three-pointer to propel the Jayhawks into the Elite Eight. From there, they faced West Virginia in a highly anticipated matchup, and once again, Kansas came out on top, advancing to the Final Four.
The Final Four featured a battle between Kansas and Memphis, who had a dominant season of their own. The game was a tight affair, with Kansas holding a one-point lead with less than a minute to go. However, Memphis’ Derrick Rose hit a game-winning layup to send the Tigers to the national championship game. This defeat marked the last time Kansas went blue in the NCAA Tournament.
Since then, the Jayhawks have come close to returning to the national championship game, but they have yet to capture the title again. The 2012 team, led by future NBA stars Thomas Robinson and Tyshawn Taylor, reached the national championship game but lost to Kentucky. The 2018 team, featuring a deep and talented roster, fell short in the Elite Eight against Villanova.
The quest for a national championship remains a top priority for the Kansas Jayhawks. As the years go by, fans continue to ask, “When is the last time Kansas went blue?” The answer, for now, remains 2008. But with a storied program and a dedicated coaching staff, the Jayhawks are determined to bring that blue trophy back to Lawrence.
