Pullen, Beasley, KU champs, Final Four pair highlight TBT rosters

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - The rosters for the latest chapter of the TBT Sunflower Showdown are starting to take shape, and both sides are adding some familiar names.

Purple Reign’s additions bring back two of the most recognizable players to ever wear a K-State uniform. Former Wildcats stars Jacob Pullen and Michael Beasley will suit up for the team.

Pullen remains one of the most accomplished guards in program history, finishing his career as K-State’s all-time leading scorer while helping the Wildcats reach the Elite Eight in 2010.

Beasley, a dominant freshman during his lone season in Manhattan, was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft after averaging 26.2 points and 12.4 rebounds per game for the Wildcats.

Purple Reign will also add Cartier Diarra, who became a memorable name among K-State fans during his time in Manhattan. Diarra played a key role in K-State’s rivalry win over KU in 2019, including a highlight-reel windmill dunk in the closing moments of the victory.

On the KU side, the biggest additions are two players who helped deliver one of the most memorable seasons in program history. Mario Chalmers and Darnell Jackson, both members of Kansas’ 2008 national championship team, will join JHX Hoops.

Chalmers remains one of the most recognizable players in KU history, remembered for his game-tying 3-pointer in the national championship game against Memphis. Jackson was a key frontcourt contributor on that title team and helped provide the toughness and physicality that defined the Jayhawks’ run.

JHX Hoops will also add Tyshawn Taylor and Kevin Young, who were members of Kansas’ 2012 Final Four team, giving the roster another connection to a memorable era of Jayhawks basketball.

The team will also feature former Washburn big man Andrew Orr, adding a local connection when the series moves to Lee Arena in Topeka for Game 2.

The best-of-three series is set for July 21-23.

The series begins Tuesday at Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, with Game 2 scheduled for Wednesday at Lee Arena at Washburn University in Topeka.

A winner-take-all Game 3, if necessary, will return to Bramlage on Thursday.