Jeff Withey

Classroom

Withey is on schedule to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in American studies from the University of Kansas.

Character

Coming to Kansas weighing 205, Withey has shown a lot of determination to put on weight and develop his game at the highest level. Now at 235, as a junior, he played along side of Kansas All-American Thomas Robinson yet still received numerous accolades for work on the court. He developed into one of KU’s main players on its NCAA runner-up team.

Community

Withey toured the summer of 2011 with Athletes in Action, a Christian-based group which uses athletics to spread its message across the world. He has played an active role in Kansas’ READ program, which encourages youth to read. He takes time to sign autographs following every home contest to the approximately 70-100 fans outside KU’s locker. Withey participates in KU’s annual Wilt Chamberlain Special Olympic Clinic in late January. He and his teammates autograph approximately 1,500 basketball every year with proceeds from the sales going to local charities. Withey also participates in Kansas men’s basketball’s annual shopping for needy families during the holiday season. He has also visited elementary schools in Lawrence promoting good health.

Competition

Withey broke the Kansas and Big 12 Conference single-season blocked shots record with 140 in 2011-12. He also broke the NCAA Tournament blocked shots record with 31 in Kansas’ six games of the 2012 NCAA tourney. He tied the Kansas single-game blocked shots record with 10 against North Carolina State in the Sweet 16 of the 2012 NCAA Tournament. He set the conference-games only season blocked shots record with 65 in 2012. Withey’s career honors include: 2011-12: Midwest Region All-Tournament Team, Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, All-Big 12 Third Team, Big 12 All-Defensive Team, Oscar Robertson (USBWA) National Player of the Week (2/14) and Phillips 66 Big 12 Player of the Week (2/13).