In just under 24 hours, the No. 14 Kansas Jayhawks are set to take on the No. 2 Arizona Wildcats in what will be the final ranked matchup for the Jayhawks in what little remains of the season.
While Kansas’ Big 12 regular-season title chances are in doubt, there is still a chance for Kansas to secure a double-bye ahead of the conference tournament if the Jayhawks were to finish in the top four of the conference.
As it stands, Kansas is clinging onto the fourth spot with the Wildcats, Arizona State, and Kansas State left for the rest of the season.
Of course, this has been a drama-laden season with the health concerns over star guard Darryn Peterson, however, in Bill Self’s press conference leading up to the clash against the Big 12-leading Wildcats, Self shut down the notions of there being any major challenges facing this group that wouldn’t be there in other seasons.
“They all like each other, and they're fun to be around”
“...This team minimizes the so-called ‘challenges,’ quoted Self.
KU has seen the highs of an eight-game winning streak and the cerebral takedowns of the No. 17, No. 2, No. 13 — twice —, No. 1, and No. 5 teams in the nation.
“They all like each other, and they're fun to be around. There's been some teams that maybe weren't as much fun to be around, that we didn't talk about publicly. You know, but that creates chemistry and creates other things that are challenges, but this team really does like each other.
“I don't see this as being a bigger challenge than other years. It's just whatever our challenges have been, they've just been fairly well documented.”
Concerning losses have been sprinkled throughout the season
The Jayhawks have fallen victim to seven losses this season, three of them stinging. As defeats to the University of Central Florida, West Virginia University, and Cincinnati have shaken the foundations that Self and Co. had built up through the season.
There are valid concerns over Kansas’ ability to play away from Allen Fieldhouse this season, with an unremarkable 5-4 record for the Jayhawks, with just one of those wins coming against ranked opposition in a thrilling 64-61 win over No. 13 Texas Tech at the beginning of the month — if you can believe it.
KU will have one last meaningful chance at an impressive victory Saturday afternoon as their fixture against Tommy Lloyd’s side could be one that either puts a firm grasp on the Big 12 regular-season title for Arizona, or give life to Kansas’ paltry away record.
Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. CT with streaming available on ESPN.
Make sure to bookmark Through the Phog and follow us on X and Facebook with the username @Throughthephog