March Madness, the most exciting time of the year, has finally arrived! The Kansas basketball team will look to overcome its recent struggles in the first round of the NCAA Tournament after bowing out early last year to Arkansas in the Round of 32.
The Jayhawks, who hold a 22-10 record on the season, are losers of four of their past five games. Despite being chosen as the nation's preseason No. 1 team, Bill Self tied the lowest seed his squad has ever received in March since he arrived in Lawrence 21 years ago.
All-American candidates Hunter Dickinson and Kevin McCullar missed the Big 12 Tournament but are expected to be back by the Big Dance. Dickinson dislocated his shoulder in the regular season finale at Houston, while McCullar has dealt with a bone bruise in his knee for two months. Both players have rested for over a week up to this point.
Just two years removed from his second national championship, Coach Self has struggled to put the pieces together with this roster. He lost Texas transfer Arterio Morris before the year began and now has a serious depth issue. KU's bench ranks among the lowest in NCAA Division I.
Yesterday, the Jayhawks learned that they would take on their first-round opponent later this week. Here is who they are playing and what time Kansas basketball fans can view the game.
When does Kansas basketball play its next game?
Date: Thursday, March 21
Time: 8:55 p.m. CST / 6:55 p.m. PST
Channel: TBS
Opponent: No. 13 seed Samford Bulldogs
Where: Delta Center (Salt Lake City, Utah)
When is the next potential Kansas basketball game?
Date: Saturday, March 23
Time: To Be Determined
Channel: To Be Determined
Opponent: No. 5 seed Gonzaga Bulldogs / No. 12 seed McNeese State
Where: Delta Center (Salt Lake City, Utah)