Fast Break: The Legendary John McLendon screening and discussion
Presented by KU Athletics
Kansas Athletics is hosting the inaugural McLendon Classic over the weekend of Nov. 5-6 at the University of Kansas, honoring the celebrated and pioneering basketball coach John McLendon. As part of the weekend’s recognition, the McLendon Classic Community Event on Nov. 5 at the Lied Center will feature a screening of Fast Break: The Legendary John McLendon, directed by Kevin Willmott.
Following the film, there will be a roundtable discussion featuring KU professor and Oscar Award-winning director Kevin Willmott, KU director of equity and success initiatives Melissa Peterson, North Carolina Central head coach LeVelle Moton, and KU head coach Bill Self. KU professor Shawn Alexander will serve as moderator to the roundtable discussion, and the group will share their thoughts about the documentary, while exploring the profound impact that John McLendon had on the University of Kansas, the game of basketball and society at large. The McLendon Classic Community Event is free to the public, and attendees will have the option to donate resources to the NCCU Black Student-Athlete Summit Experience Fund.
The McLendon Classic events will conclude when Kansas basketball hosts North Carolina Central on Monday, Nov. 6, at 7 pm in Allen Fieldhouse, with recognitions throughout the game honoring McLendon as well as moments to highlight current affinity groups at KU that are continuing McLendon’s legacy of inclusion, proactivity and perseverance.
“In hosting this event and North Carolina Central, we get an opportunity to honor one of the greatest coaches our sport has ever known, John McClendon,” Kansas head coach Bill Self said. “We want to create awareness for the McClendon Foundation Leadership initiative on our campus and in our building playing an HBCU institution associated with the great John McLendon.”
Single-game tickets are available here for the Nov. 6 North Carolina Central contest.
