KU and K-State alumni basketball teams to face off in ‘Wheat State Summer Showdown’

Turns out, the rivalry between Kansas and Kansas State extends beyond the players’ college days.

For the first time, the Wildcats’ TBT alumni team — Purple Reign — will take on Mass Street, the Jayhawks’ alumni squad, in what the two sides are calling the “Wheat State Summer Showdown” on Wednesday, July 17.

Spearheaded by former Wildcats great Jacob Pullen, Purple Reign will look to gain some momentum before once again participating in “The Basketball Tournament” later this summer, while Mass Street looks to do the same — just with less experience.

The Kansas squad — headlined by Frank Mason and Thomas Robinson — lost in the third round of last summer’s TBT.

This time around, if both teams advance far enough, they could face each other in Game 3 of the tournament, which means the summer showdown could be an early preview.

They just have to make it there first.

Until then, fans can buy tickets to the “Wheat State Summer Showdown” at Johnson County Community College beginning at $20 online, or at the door in limited capacity. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Central, with the game starting at 6:30 p.m.

“Come out and show some love!” Purple Reign assistant coach Ryan Deppen wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Going to be a great family friendly event for all KSU and KU hoops fans! Go get your tickets!”