When the University of Kansas men’s basketball team was marching to the National Championship in 2022, they had a teammate who never played in a game but was just as crucial to the group as those who did play. When the players were preparing for their first team meeting before the Final Four game in New Orleans, guard Christian Braun asked, “Where’s JP? We need JP.”
Who’s JP? He’s Johnathan Phog Bemberger —JP for short. The Lenexa, Kansas teen, who loves basketball and KU, joined the Jayhawks through Team IMPACT, an origination based in Massachusetts that matches children with serious illnesses or disabilities with college sports teams. Amy Vanryn, the origination’s National Director of Programs, says that in their 12 years of operation, they’ve mated more than 3,000 children with college teams in sports ranging from basketball and football to volleyball, baseball, soccer and swimming. They have about 1,000 active matches and around 600 colleges and universities participating.
Thanks to Team IMPACT, JP made it to New Orleans for the Final Four and Championship, though the trip wasn’t easy. KU Director of Basketball Operations, Coach Fred Quartlebaum (better known as Coach Q), says, “There were no direct flights to New Orleans from Kansas City, so he flies to Lafayette, Louisiana, and then the family drives two hours to New Orleans to be on time for our first scouting report. I knew we were going to win it then. I just saw the determination and the impact at that time. I get emotional about that.”
JP’s health journey started in February 2020 when he was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a type of bone cancer. The initial tumor grew very close to the spine, just off the ribs, pushing into his spinal column and damaging his spinal cord. This made it tough for him to walk without using a walker.
Chemotherapy and radiation treatments at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City followed the diagnosis until September 2020. Then, JP and his family started to work on getting his strength back. During this time, JP got to know the Jayhawks. He was treated like any other player, complete with a recruiting visit, signing day, participating in practices, and going to games as much as his health would allow. He even received a National Championship ring.
Video of his recruiting trip shows him meeting Coach Bill Self and his coaching staff, checking out his own locker with uniforms and Adidas shoes, and shooting baskets from his wheelchair during team practice. When asked what he thought of the team, JP said, “Let’s go win a championship.”
“He already knew before we did,” remembers guard Michael Jankovich. “He’s as much a part of the team as anybody else.”
JP’s father, Tom, remembers that recruiting trip well. “It was so neat to watch the players kind of jostle each other for who got to push him around [in his wheelchair]. There were so many different players that took over helping him through the Fieldhouse. It was really neat to see.”
JP says, “They’re really easy to talk to. And they’re always there for me. If ever I text them, they’ll reply. Yeah, they’re just great friends, honestly.”
This year, JP was to start his freshmen year at KU. However, in October 2022, scans showed his cancer had returned. He started chemo again in November, followed by radiation. Then, this summer, additional growths were found on other organs, so chemo started back up again, delaying his start as a student.
While it’s easy to see how the connection with the team can benefit JP, it also means a lot to the players. Coach Q points out relationships like this are a vital part of the KU vision for leadership.
He explains, “They’re those out there going through challenging times. And a lot of our experiences that we’re going through don’t even come close to what’s going on in the outside world. So Team IMPACT allows us to look internally within ourselves to know that there are children out there who will never have an opportunity like we have right now, and no child should be left on the sidelines. But, for our players to learn a lot about JP and his challenges, fight, determination, and perseverance and what he battles every single day opens up a whole new perspective of what life is really all about.”
KU forward KJ Adams says, “It means everything with JP there and just having someone that’s bigger than ourselves. Having another teammate that’s not on the court with us, but in our heart when we play.”
“So, I know he’s been through a lot and been through the toughest times,” says guard Dajuan Harris. “So, we’ll just give back the support he gave us throughout the years. We just want to keep being there for him, and hopefully, he keeps fighting like he’s been doing.”
Center Hunter Dickenson, who just met JP, adds, “It’s just real humbling and kind of puts everything in perspective. You feel like you’re going through some struggles and hardships in your life. And then, you see these kids come around and they’re so happy to be around you, but then you hear about their stories and how much they’ve gone through on a daily basis, and it can really put things in perspective for you. Maybe running a couple of lines isn’t too bad.”
“I feel like JP shows me how relentless he is,” says guard Kevin McCullar, Jr. “We’re at boot camp running sprints, and I look over there and see him. I’m like, man, I could get through a couple more sprints after what he’s going through. And then, when he comes out and walks the court. This opens your eyes and shows you life is bigger than basketball.”
Last month, JP felt well enough to visit the team during practice and then shoot some hoops afterward. How does JP feel about this year’s team?
“Oh, I’m really excited about this current team,” he says with a big smile.
Perhaps booking a flight and hotel room in Phoenix this coming April isn’t a bad idea.
"This opens your eyes and shows you life is bigger than basketball.”
--Kevin McCullar, Jr.