Kansas basketball: The Jayhawks’ 5 toughest games in their non-conference slate

Apr 3, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self talks to the media during a press conference during the 2022 NCAA men's basketball tournament Final Four semifinals at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self talks to the media during a press conference during the 2022 NCAA men's basketball tournament Final Four semifinals at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
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Jan 28, 2023; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Oscar Tshiebwe (34) goes to the basket during the second half against the Kansas Jayhawks at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2023; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Oscar Tshiebwe (34) goes to the basket during the second half against the Kansas Jayhawks at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

3rd toughest Kansas basketball game: vs. No. 16 Kentucky Wildcats

The Champions Classic offers one of the best non-conference games on the schedule every year. It is a four-school early season tournament consisting of Duke, Kentucky, Michigan State, and Kansas basketball. The Jayhawks will be matched up with fellow blue blood, the Kentucky Wildcats, in 2023.

Kentucky is coming off another disappointing season, which has become a trend under John Calipari in recent years. The Wildcats were a No. 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament, and their season ended at the hands of the Kansas State Wildcats in the round of 32.

Kentucky brought in their usual No. 1 recruiting class that includes four 5-stars in Aaron Bradshaw, Justin Edwards, DJ Wagner, and Rob Dillingham. It will be tough to consistently win with that much youth on the floor for Kentucky, but they have the talent to do so.

This game will be in Chicago, Illinois. This year, there should be a good amount of Kansas fans in the arena. Neutral site games can get sloppy at times, and the start time for this game will be close to 10 p.m., which is something to watch.