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Through the Phog
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Kansas' athletic department continues to prove its worth with preseason decision

The Kansas Jayhawks nailed this latest change.
ByConnor Mardian|
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Mar 13, 2026; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self watches player intros prior to the game against the Houston Cougars at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
Mar 13, 2026; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self watches player intros prior to the game against the Houston Cougars at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Kansas’ Late Night in the Phog is one of college basketball’s best traditions. 

It is not often a glorified scrimmage can attract national attention, but the Jayhawks have found a way to do so. 

However, even the most die-hard KU fan will concede that the previous iterations of the event have slightly missed the bar that was set years ago. 

Jayhawks administration noticed the change and made a massive change to it. 

Earlier today, it was announced that there will be two separate Late Night in the Phog events, one for the men’s teams and another for the women’s. 

To make things even better, the men’s team will be taking on Pittsburg State on Oct. 16, with the women’s side set to face Washburn two weeks later on the 29, with both events keeping the original feel with full team introductions, interaction activities, giveaways and more at each event. 

Why this is the right move for KU

A very common theme you hear in the preseason is that players get tired of playing against their own teammates and that they want to play against other competition, even if this is an exhibition against a team the Jayhawks will likely beat heavily, it will still be a complete 180 from what it has been before. 

For the Men’s team, this represents a great opportunity for fans to see a squad that finished the 2025/26 season with a 24-11 record after falling to St. John’s in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Since that gut-punch defeat, KU reeled in seven new freshmen and four transfers, with the possibility of another in big man Mihailo Mušikić on his way. 

The men’s team also confirmed an exhibition against Louisville on Oct. 21 inside Allen Fieldhouse, which means the return of Flory Bidunga. Bidunga finished last season as one of the nation’s best defenders. Shortly after head coach Bill Self announced his return to the Kansas Jayhawks, Bidunga entered the portal and was immediately ranked as the nation’s top prospect, where he would remain unchanged before committing to the ACC side. 

While tensions may not be as hot as when KU is set to meet up with Missouri and former power forward Bryson Tiller, it is safe to say that many Kansas fan may still have resentment towards Bidunga. 

Last season, Kansas’ women’s program went 22-14 continuing the good work Brandon Schneider has done with the program. 

Since the beginning of the 2021-22 season Schneider has fallen below 20 wins just once in the 2024-25 season. Next season, they will be spearheaded by stars S’Mya Nichols and Jaliya Davis. Last season, Nichols averaged 17.4 points 3.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists on a stellar 48.6% field goal rate. Davis meanwhile went for 19.8 points and 6.5 rebounds on a 61% field goal rate. The pair were nominated to the All-Big 12 First Team. 

The women’s team will open up against Northeastern State on Oct. 22 before its Late Night in the Phog set on the 29. 

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