You wouldn’t be wrong to say that Kansas’ 2025-26 season could be classed as a disappointment. After all, the Jayhawks had just reeled in the nation’s No. 1 player in Darryn Peterson and head coach Bill Self seemed really happy about his team.
But we know how that ended. Peterson struggled to stay fully healthy, and the team flashed at certain points, but ultimately could not provide the consistency that is needed for a team that is trying to compete in a stacked Big 12.
Through a 24-11 record, the Jayhawks finished the season with the nation’s 161st-ranked offense at just 75.1 points per game and a defense that allowed 69.1 points per game (No. 47).
Ultimately, Self kept a narrative around that the 2025-26 campaign might have been his last. However, Self announced that he would be returning to the program for another season in what should have been the end of a media storm.
Self was forced to rebuild his roster to extreme extents
Then, Flory Bidunga, Bryson Tiller, Elmarko Jackson, Jamari McDowell, Samis Calderon, Jayden Dawson and Corbin Allen, all promptly hit the NCAA Transfer Portal. Combine that with the exits of Tre White, Melvin Council Jr. and Darryn Peterson, and all of a sudden, only Paul Mbiya and Kohl Rosario are the only two members left on the team from last season.
Self then turned to the same thing that allowed seven of his players to walk to shape his new team. Through the portal, Self enlisted sophomore point guard Leory Blyden Jr. senior small forward Dennis Parker Jr. senior power forward Keanu Dawes and senior center Christian Reeves.
Meanwhile, through the high school ranks. Self enlisted the nation’s No. 1 player, small forward Tyran Stokes, the nation’s No. 20 prospect Taylen Kinney, 4-star center Christian Reeves, 4-star wing Trent Perry, 4-star shooting guard Luke Barnett and depth pieces Grant Mordnini and Atticus Richmond.
When speaking to the media Wednesday, the legendary head coach broke down the facet he likes the most about his new team.
“You know, this year, I think, we'll be more balanced [at scoring] without question. I also think we have a collective group of better and willing passers, you know, and, of course Tyran’s a key to that.”
Peterson was the only scorer who notched above 15 points per game last at 20.3. The team’s next two highest scorers were White and Bidunga who notched 13.5 and 13.3 points per game, respectively.
In terms of playmaking, last season, Only Council averaged above 2 assists per game, as he finished with 5.1 per game. White and Peterson filled into the second and third with 1.8 and 1.6 assists per game.
As a team, KU finished last season ranked 150th with just 13.9 assists per game.
If you watched the Jayhawks as the season wore on, it quickly became clear that while there was copious amounts of talent on the court, things never truly gelled. However, Self seems excited that this team improves on those faults.
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