K-State’s Jacob Pullen relishes win over Kansas ... even in alumni tuneup for TBT

Sitting on his team’s bench — made up of cushioned “JC” chairs just a few feet from the bleachers on the backside of the Johnson County Community College gym — Jacob Pullen opened a box of Insomnia Cookies and took a few bites.

Just moments before, and for several moments after, he was busy being the star of the show at the first Wheat State Summer Showdown — a scrimmage between the Kansas State and Kansas alumni teams participating in The Basketball Tournament.

His squad, Purple Reign, had a narrow lead at the time and did fall behind in the latter part of the first half, but ultimately scraped out a 76-72 win in an Elam Ending finish (the teams played to a target score rather than on a clock).

That mirrors the format of the upcoming TBT, which begins for the KU and K-State alumni teams in Wichita on Saturday.

That was where the focus shifted after the end of Wednesday’s exhibition game. But before that, Purple Reign had one more thing to attend to.

The fans.

“For us, it was about putting on a show for them,” coach Jordan Henriquez-Roberts said. “That, and making sure nobody got hurt. We just wanted to make sure the fans had a good time, and I think that’s what we did. … I hope to see some of these fans in Wichita, but if not, that’s part of the reason why we (did this) here in KC.”

In the moments that followed the final whistle, players from Kansas State’s squad signed autographs and took photos with fans. Pullen was especially popular, signing everything from backs of shirts to Crocs and even footballs, while fans from both school told him their memories of the K-State great.

That was especially meaningful for the 34-year-old guard.

“Not being able to play in front of crowds like this — because a lot of us play overseas — and then come home and have people still love you,” Pullen began, “that resonates with me. I’m always appreciative of it.”

A look at Purple Reign’s bio on TBT’s website shows that Pullen is the ring leader. “Jacob Pullen spearheads their backcourt and the veteran guard will look to recreate some of his iconic TBT moments this summer,” it reads.

That’s not totally how he sees it.

“There’s a lot of guys with chips on their shoulders,” Pullen said. “My name itself comes with what I’ve done in the past, and I’m more of a leader because I’m older, but I have no problem taking a backseat. If somebody’s playing better than me and I’m on the bench, play him until he (freaking) passes out.”

Even so, Pullen figures to feature for the K-State squad at the upcoming TBT.

“He allows other guys to come out and feel confident in playing with us,” Henriquez-Roberts said. “He’s done a really great job of recruiting guys to come play. … He brings a huge impact on both sides of the floor for us with his athleticism. At the end of the day, Jake is always going to be Jake.

“No matter how old or young he is, he’s going to give us 110%.”

Against Mass Street, that was apparent. Pullen found the bottom of the bucket from behind the arc, at the elbow and at the rim. He got teammates involved and made his presence felt, especially when the game was on the line.

Perhaps it was the rivalry that gave him added motivation.

“A lot of people try to look at us like a little brother to Kansas,” he added. “But we’ve had a lot of national success as well. We’ve had a lot of pros as well.”

And of that matchup, which could happen again in TBT...

“We didn’t throw too much at them, and they didn’t throw too much at us,” Henriquez-Roberts added. “If we get to see them again, we know what time it is with them. Regardless of what the score is, we know both teams are going to go out and compete.”

Across the roster, Purple Reign features players who have seen time in the NBA G League or played overseas. Pullen has suited up for numerous squads abroad throughout his 13-year career.

The “common ground” for those players? Their alma mater.

“It’s a great thing,” Pullen said. “If you get the right set of guys, it gives us a common ground. I can say, ‘I know what he’s done. I don’t have to try and be him, and he doesn’t have to try to be me.’ It’s a combination of learning to play together … and a chance to show how good K-State has been over the years.”

As Pullen would tell you, beating KU is always a good thing.

After returning to the locker room postgame, he had dinner reservations with a few players from Mass Street.

That, and plans to gloat a little bit about his team’s victory.

“It’s just like a sibling rivalry,” Pullen said. “We’re just grateful they accepted the open scrimmage.”

Purple Reign is set to face Team Colorado in Round 1 of The Basketball Tournament, beginning Saturday, July 20.