As the hype around college basketball continues to brew, the Kansas Jayhawks are looking to make a big splash. For the past couple of seasons, it is no secret that Bill Self’s teams have slightly disappointed. Those are records that we have spoken about ad-nauseum but with a stacked recruiting class like the Jayhawks have, there is a chance for redemption this season.
Garnering national respect amongst your peers is possibly the highest benchmark any coach in the land can ask for. Self has had boatloads of it during his career, and Matt Norlander and Gary Parrish have anonymously polled a number of coaches in the nation in the opening edition of their series, “Candid Coaches: Who will be the best men's college basketball team this season?”
A number of schools were selected as the best in the nation, including Purdue (32%), Houston (28%), Duke (8%), St. John's (8%), UConn (5%), Florida (5%), with Michigan, BYU, Kentucky, Louisville, Texas Tech, and Illinois all receiving votes.
Notice that a certain school was not involved. That's right, not a single coach who was polled called the Jayhawks the best team in the nation.
How historically correct with this poll?
Well, a year ago, ahead of the 2024-25 season, Kansas was selected as the No.1 team, and a 21-13 season followed along with a first-round exit in the NCAA Tournament.
The year before that, Kansas was also tipped as the No.1 team, and a 23-11 record ensued, so maybe it does make sense that Kansas was not a coach's favorite this season.
Final thoughts:
When looking at the small picture, Houston, BYU, and Texas Tech were all given votes in what is painted as a daunting Big 12 picture.
No, it is not all doom and gloom, as a matter of fact, perhaps it should give fans solace that no team that has been given the most votes has ever won the ‘chip.
With a class that is mixed with fair bits of youth, with stars Darryn Peterson and Kohl Rosario, mixed with wily veterans Nginyu Ngala, Melvin Council Jr, Tre White, and Jayden Dawson, all joining the roster.
The first chance to see the Jayhawks this season is on November 3rd as Green Bay from the Horizon League travels to Allen Fieldhouse.