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Forrest “Phog” Allen is nicknamed the “Father of Basketball Coaching” for his vital contributions to the University of Kansas and to basketball as a game. Your support will ensure his legacy lives on.
Born in 1885, Phog first joined the KU basketball team as a player, later returning to coach the Jayhawk basketball team, winning 24 conference championships and three national titles. During his lifetime career, Phog coached 50 seasons of basketball with an ultimate record of 746–264.
In addition to his coaching, Phog was a major advocate for basketball, participating in conferences and meetings to adjust game rules, designing the backboard and creating advanced plays. His leadership in the National Association of Basketball Coaches guided the successful creation of the NCAA basketball tournament. Phog’s hard work also led to basketball’s inclusion in the 1936 Olympic games in Berlin.
The University Archives at KU Libraries has a vast physical archive of Phog memorabilia, documents and materials. Housed in the Kenneth Spencer Research Library, the archive includes: correspondence with a young Bob Dole, blueprints, original NCAA programming, scripts from Phog’s local radio show, letters from Phog to World War II soldiers and more. After 100 years of physical preservation, digitization will ensure these artifacts are made available for generations to come.
Funds donated will support the digitization and preservation of Phog Allen materials, making these invaluable documents accessible online. Funds will also help with outreach, connecting alumni and friends of KU to the digitized collection through national events.
Please consider making a donation (and check out our incentives), share this page with friends and family or leave us a comment. We appreciate your support and thank you in advance.
Cordially Yours,
Phog Allen
For more information on the cost and process of digitization, see lib.ku.edu/digitization-resources.
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No donation is necessary to enter the raffle. Please contact LeAnn Meyer at 864-4811 for more information.
Thank you for supporting our project! Your contribution provides you a chance to win KU basketball tickets (2).
$25 A chance to win KU basketball tickets (2) + a special social media thank you from @KULibraries.
Receive invitation to a special event showcasing the Phog Allen artifacts.
Receive invitation to an exclusive donor reception and event showcasing Phog Allen artifacts.
Receive invitation for a behind-closed-doors tour of the University Archives and a dinner in the North Gallery of the Kenneth Spencer Research Library.
KU Libraries will host a private, behind-closed-doors tour of the University Archives and a dinner in the North Gallery of the Kenneth Spencer Research Library for you and seven of your friends, family members or colleagues.