Honestly, if you looked at the box score from Morgantown a couple of weeks ago, you’d think the sky was falling in Lawrence. Losing 86-75 to West Virginia isn't exactly how Bill Self envisioned January. But that’s the thing about kansas jayhawks basketball news—it moves fast, and if you blink, you miss the actual evolution of this team. People were ready to write off the season after a rocky 1-2 start in Big 12 play. Then Tuesday happened. Then Friday happened.
Watching Kansas dismantle No. 2 Iowa State 84-63 was a "wait, what?" moment for the rest of the country. It wasn't just that they won; it was how they did it. They played with a level of "get on the floor" desperation that we hadn't seen since the non-conference slate.
The Darryn Peterson Era Has Officially Arrived
There’s been a lot of talk about Darryn Peterson all year. Being the centerpiece of a recruiting class carries a weight that can break some kids. For a minute there, it looked like he and Melvin Council Jr. were playing a game of "your turn, my turn" that didn't really help anyone. Self even mentioned after the Baylor game that it felt like Melvin needed Peterson to be off the floor just to find his own rhythm.
That narrative died on Friday night.
Peterson went 11-of-13 against Baylor for 26 points. He wasn't just scoring; he was efficient in a way that felt predatory. When a freshman guard shoots like that in Allen Fieldhouse, the atmosphere shifts. It’s no longer about "potential." It's about a guy who can get you a bucket whenever the shot clock hits five.
Flory Bidunga Is Finding His Feet
We have to talk about Flory Bidunga. For a while, he looked a bit lost in the high-low sets that Kansas loves to run. But against Baylor, he put up 23 points, 11 rebounds, and five blocks. Self called it his best game of the year, and it’s hard to argue.
The chemistry between Peterson and Bidunga is the actual headline here. They combined to go 22-of-27 from the field. Think about that. The rest of the starters went 5-of-25, and Kansas still won by 18 points. That is a terrifying stat for the rest of the Big 12. If the supporting cast even has a "meh" night instead of a "bad" night, these blowouts are going to get ugly.
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Why the Shorter Rotation Is Saving the Season
Bill Self is notorious for tightening the screws when things get shaky. Right now, he’s basically running a seven-man group. Kohl Rosario is the odd man out for now, which sucks because the kid has a great attitude, but Self is prioritizing wins over development minutes.
- Jamari McDowell has become the spark plug. He had six assists against Iowa State and just seems to understand the "20/80 balls" better than anyone else on the bench.
- Elmarko Jackson made what Self called the "best play of the season" by diving for a loose ball that turned a potential two points for the opponent into three points for KU.
- Jayden Dawson stepped in when McDowell got into foul trouble against Baylor and hit a massive three before the half.
It’s clear that the Jayhawks are better when the roles are defined. When players know they aren't getting pulled for one mistake, they play faster. They play meaner.
Looking Ahead: The Road Woes and Recruiting Heat
The kansas jayhawks basketball news isn't all sunshine and rainbows, though. The road has been unkind. Losses at UCF and West Virginia prove that this team still hasn't "taken their act on the road," as Self put it. Moving into late January, they have to face Colorado and then a massive home game against BYU.
The Big 12 standings are a mess. Arizona is sitting at the top, undefeated in the league, while Kansas is clawing back into the mix at 3-2. The margin for error is basically zero if they want a high seed in Kansas City for the tournament.
The 2026 Class Is Already Loaded
While the current team finds itself, the future is looking absurdly bright. The early signing period was a massive win for the staff. We’re talking about a top-5 class featuring:
- Taylen Kinney: A five-star point guard who many think is the most polished floor general KU has recruited in years.
- Davion Adkins: A dynamic forward who could allow Self to go back to those classic "two-big" lineups.
- Luke Barnett: Self compared him to Gradey Dick in terms of pure shooting ability.
- Trent Perry: A versatile defender with a motor that reminds people of K.J. Adams.
There’s also the Tyran Stokes situation. Rumors are swirling that Kansas is the front-runner for the No. 1 prospect in the 2026 class. If they land Stokes, we aren't just talking about a good team; we’re talking about a potential dynasty-level roster.
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Reality Check: What Needs to Change?
Despite the two-game win streak, the Jayhawks are still struggling with consistency. They shot over 50% in the last two games, which is great, but they aren't rebounding the ball at an elite level yet.
They also had a scary moment with Peterson asking to come out of the Baylor game. He’s been dealing with cramps and "working through stuff," according to Self. If his conditioning doesn't catch up to his talent, those long Big 12 road trips are going to be a problem. You can't have your best player asking for a sub at the 16-minute mark of the second half when you're in a dogfight in Ames or Houston.
The defense has improved—Self noted they made fewer mental mistakes—but the intensity has to be a baseline, not a highlight.
Actionable Steps for the Season
If you’re following this team, watch the rotation in the next three games. If Self sticks to seven guys, it means he’s found his "warriors" for the postseason. Keep an eye on the points in the paint; if Bidunga continues to dominate the glass, the Jayhawks become almost impossible to beat at home.
The real test is Colorado. Winning in Boulder would signal that the West Virginia loss was a fluke, not a trend. Monitor the official injury reports for any updates on Peterson’s stamina, as that’s the only thing that seems capable of slowing him down right now.
Pay attention to the 50/50 balls. As Self says, if you get the majority of them, you win. It's not a stat that shows up in every box score, but it's the heartbeat of Kansas basketball.
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Stay locked into the defensive rotations. The move to a shorter bench has clearly helped the defensive communication. If they can maintain this sub-70 points against average, they’ll be hoisting a trophy in March.
Don't ignore the recruiting trail either. A commitment from Tyran Stokes could happen any day, and that would immediately change the trajectory of the program for the next three years.
Focus on the road performance. The Jayhawks are 13-5 overall, but their road record is what will determine their seeding. A sweep of the next road trip would likely propel them back into the Top 10.
Watch the development of Melvin Council Jr. alongside Peterson. If they have finally figured out how to share the court without stepping on each other's toes, the Kansas backcourt is the best in the country.
Check the Big 12 standings weekly. With 16 teams now, the volatility is insane. One week you're in 7th, the next you're in 2nd. The Jayhawks are currently in the thick of that "3-2" logjam, and every single game feels like a must-win from here on out.
Keep an eye on the minutes for McDowell and Jackson. Their energy is the glue holding the second unit together. If their production dips, the starters will burn out before the tournament.
Lastly, appreciate the Peterson-Bidunga connection while it's here. Freshmen pairs this talented don't usually stay in college long.
The path to the Final Four is visible, but it requires the toughness Self is demanding. If they continue to "get on the floor," the rest of the news will take care of itself.