It still seems strange to see the Kansas basketball team playing these big-time opponents in games that don't count. KU lost to Louisville on Wednesday, 89-83, then turn right around and get ready for Duke. And neither of these games matter at all. The stats don't count, and the wins and losses don't matter. Still, Kansas versus Duke is a made-for-television event and even carries its own moniker: the Blueblood Classic.
What does matter is the experience the players get, especially the freshmen and those new to the program. Players can get acclimated to Allen Fieldhouse and having to play top-notch competition every night.
With so many new players who are unfamiliar with each other, these games can help them learn better how each individual can help the team. Add in the fact Kansas has three players now on the team in Melvin Council Jr., Tre White, and Trey Kaufman-Renn, who were on the roster three weeks ago, and these games are invaluable. Furthermore, they are a lot of fun!
The Jayhawks played well for most of the game against Louisville. Throw out about an eight-minute stretch where they neither played good offense nor good defense; KU was solid.
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Duke will be more of the same. Head coach Bill Self probably won't show much in the way of offensive sets against the Blue Devils but will expect his players to play defense and be mindful of what he is looking for on offense.
Self wants ball movement and doesn't want the ball to stick in players' hands too often. That was an issue at times against the Cardinals. He wants to create offense with good defense, and KU did have some success with that on Wednesday, especially in the first half. On defense, the Jayhawks have to defend the perimeter better. Louisville had far too many open looks, and it was costly for the Jayhawks.
There should be some all-around improvement against Duke, both with individual performances by KU players and the team as a whole.
Kansas vs. Duke: When and where will the Blueblood Classic be played
The exhibition between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Duke Blue Devils will be in the historic Phog Allen Fieldhouse. The tip-off for the Blueblood Classic is scheduled for noon CDT.
How to watch Kansas vs. Duke in the Blueblood Classic
The game between Kansas and Duke will be broadcast on ESPN and can be streamed on FuboTV and on Disney+ (requires the ESPN package) with a paid subscription for either.
Phoggy Notes
- KU allowed 14 made three-pointers on 30 attempts. That cannot be allowed to happen again. The Jayhawks have to improve their perimeter defense. Conversely, Kansas converted on only seven of their own deep attempts. These games don't count, but KU hasn't been good in their first two exhibition games from beyond the arc.
- Tyran Stokes' talent and physicality are undeniable. He is terrific at creating contact, but he needs to be better at finishing after that content. It's only a matter of time before he will. His passing is as good as advertised, and this team will be better for it.
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- Leroy Blyden Jr. is going to play an important role for KU some time down the road, but it may not be in the near future. He doesn't quite look ready for the step up in competition that he saw at Toledo. The game looks slightly too fast for him at times, and his ball-handling has been loose. These things will improve, and he'll get his time at Kansas to shine.
- Kohl Rosario still looks outmatched on defense, despite his athleticism. He needs to hit threes if he's going to see much playing time. He just can't seem to get comfortable shooting those deep shots in games and under pressure. His impact on this team will jump when he starts burying those shots more consistently.
- This roster is deep, and if players don't perform or have bad games, Self has plenty of talented options on his bench. It will be a fun year.
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