MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas basketball fans will have an opportunity to hear behind-the-scenes stories about one of college basketball’s most storied programs when author Chelan David visits Hutchinson this week.
David, a lifelong University of Kansas basketball fan and Lawrence native, recently appeared on the BW Morning Show to discuss his newest book, "Stories from the Fog", which highlights decades of KU basketball history centered around Allen Fieldhouse.
The book, released last fall, is David’s second publication. His first book, Beautiful States of Mind, chronicled his travels across all 50 states with his two daughters.
David said his love for KU basketball began during childhood.
“My first KU basketball game was when I was a fourth grader in 1982,” David said. “I just fell in love with the fieldhouse, the atmosphere, the pep band and everything that went along with it.”
Although Kansas finished that season with a losing record, the experience sparked a lifelong passion. David now lives in Overland Park and holds season tickets to Jayhawks games.
Stories from the Fog focuses largely on the last 40 years of Kansas basketball. The book blends David’s perspective as a fan with interviews and stories from people closely connected to the program.
The project, which David described as a two-year labor of love, expanded significantly as more individuals agreed to share their memories.
“I started writing it from my perspective, but once I began reaching out, I was surprised how many people were willing to talk,” David said. “I was able to interview all four living KU coaches, along with players, boosters, super fans and even family members connected to the early history of the program.”
The book also touches on the origins of KU basketball, including the program’s beginnings under James Naismith, who invented the sport and served as Kansas’ first coach, as well as legendary coach Phog Allen, whose name now graces Allen Fieldhouse.
David revisits several memorable games and rivalries throughout the book. Among them is the intense rivalry between Kansas and Missouri, which he said remains one of the most emotional matchups in college basketball history.
One story highlights the final Big 12 meeting between the two teams in Allen Fieldhouse in 2012, when Kansas rallied from a 19-point deficit to force overtime and win a dramatic game shortly before Missouri departed for the Southeastern Conference.
David also reflects on other iconic moments, including a 1993 victory over Indiana when KU freshman Rex Walters hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer to defeat a team coached by Bobby Knight.
Another standout contest came in 2016 when Kansas defeated Oklahoma in triple overtime in a No. 1 versus No. 2 matchup. Oklahoma star Buddy Hield scored 46 points in the game, earning a standing ovation from KU fans as he left the court.
David said that appreciation for great basketball—regardless of which team delivers it—is part of the tradition at Allen Fieldhouse.
David will speak about the book during an author talk at the Hutchinson Public Library, where he will discuss the stories behind the project and share insights about KU basketball history.
Copies of Stories from the Fog are available through David’s website, Amazon and select bookstores, including Watermark Books in Wichita.