Former K-State center Jordan Henriquez getting teammates back together for $2 million tourney

For the moment, Jordan Henriquez doesn’t know what to say.

This is rare.

Henriquez, a 6-foot-11 center currently playing professional basketball in Japan, is a born talker. He was outgoing with media and fans during his college career at Kansas State, and he remains that way today. But there’s something about the question he’s pondering that brings the conversation to a halt.

What is his favorite K-State memory?

“I can only pick one?” Henriquez says after a long silence.

Or a few, if that’s easier.

“OK, good,” Henriquez says by phone, “there are so many. Playing in the Elite Eight as a freshman, watching the older guys pave the way. The way we beat KU my sophomore year, my only win against Kansas. I cherish that game. I played really well, and I got to watch Jacob (Pullen) kill them with 38 points. Then we won the Big 12 when I was a senior.”

Henriquez will get the opportunity to recreate those memories when many of the best players from those K-State teams reunite in Chicago this July for a shot at $2 million in The Basketball Tournament, a winner-take-all event consisting of 64 teams. Players from every background participate — former college stars, nonathletic dreamers, pick-up legends and active professionals. It’s the basketball equivalent of the U.S. Open.

This is the third time Henriquez has played in the tournament, previously suiting up with high school friends. He ended up on a team of Wisconsin alums last summer. Both were fun experiences, but he wanted more this time around.

The idea for a K-State alumni team, named Purple and Black, was born.

Henriquez put in lots of recruiting time to make it reality, with the help of former K-State managers A.J. Vinent and Brian Krueger. He floated the idea of a reunion to former teammates in a group chat, and then worked on the skeptics. Once he got big names such as Pullen to commit, the others fell in line.

Earlier this week, Henriquez unveiled an all-star roster of former K-State players: Rodney McGruder, Denis Clemente, Dominique Sutton, Curtis Kelly, Thomas Gipson, Jamar Samuels, Martavious Irving and Pullen, plus himself.

The team boasts K-State’s career scoring leader (Pullen), top shot-blocker (Henriquez) and leading defensive rebounder (Gipson). All nine members played in the NCAA Tournament. They are currently playing overseas or in the NBA Developmental League.

“We have a really good shot at coming together and doing something special,” Henriquez said. “We are not under any NCAA restrictions. We got a chance to win a lot of money and a championship. More than anything, though, it’s just a great way to play with each other again. We don’t get to connect too much. We haven’t all played together since we turned pro. It will be a lot of fun to get that core back together, feel that chemistry again.

“Those are the days you miss. It is cool being a pro, but you enjoy your experience in college the most.”

His teammates are eager, too.

“Can’t wait to get back in the gym with my bros,” Samuels wrote on Twitter. “It’s been a while.”

The roster may change before July 16, when the team plays its opening game. Henriquez is holding out hope he can add another strong player to the mix. The team is trying to add Cartier Martin. Maybe Bill Walker, too. Shane Southwell wants on the roster, Henriquez said, but the pro team he plays for in Australia will be in the middle of its season. Someone could also drop out.

Michael Beasley would be a dream addition, but he is unlikely to join as he closes out the NBA season with the Houston Rockets. Still, Henriquez thinks he can get Beasley involved.

“We would love to have him as coach,” Henriquez said. “We know we can’t get Frank (Martin) or Brad (Underwood) or Bruce (Weber), somebody like that. But if Mike coaches, we are going to be out there playing amongst ourselves, which would be fun. And when he sees how much fun we’re having, he will want to join as a player, which will help us even more.”

A gofundme account supporting the team had raised $380 by noon Thursday, and the team’s Twitter page, created this week, has more than 1,500 followers. The feedback was a welcome response, considering a team’s entrance to the tournament bracket is based on fan votes compiled by June 1.

Henriquez thinks K-State’s alumni team will have as much support as any other team. He created this team with fans in mind.

“I think the fans kind of needed it,” Henriquez said. “The season didn’t go too well with Kansas State basketball. I believe in the players and the staff that are there. They will get things turned around. But bringing the guys back together will give fans something to be really excited about now.”

This story was originally published March 31, 2016 at 1:58 PM with the headline "Former K-State center Jordan Henriquez getting teammates back together for $2 million tourney."