Beginning Thursday, supporting the U.S. national men's basketball team means you're also supporting Kansas basketball.
The Jayhawks -- who face Canada twice before representing the United States at the World University Games in South Korea -- make it a little easier for fans to identify them as Team USA with their new, patriotic uniforms.
Crimson, White, and Blue. http://t.co/zH9n1yZSSH pic.twitter.com/GWH5SOhV50
— Kansas Basketball (@KUHoops) June 22, 2015The look pays homage to the 1952 national champion Jayhawks. Seven players from that team, represented by the seven stars across the jersey's back, were on the squad that won the gold medal at the 1952 Summer Olympics (with Phog Allen as assistant coach).
Yes, Rock Chalk's crimson and blue has morphed into the stars and stripes until the World University Games wrap up July 14. Whether Kansas State or Missouri fans choose to get behind the cause remains to be seen, but we can't say the Jayhawks didn't try.