With Darryn Peterson's absence from the Kansas basketball lineup over the past three games, other players have had to step into the void and provide scoring. While the team as a whole has improved with Peterson out, Tre White has been a pleasant surprise.
Going into the season, Flory Bundiga was expected to take on a bigger role than he did last year, and he has. Against Princeton, he scored a career-high 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. On the season, he’s averaging 16.4 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. If he could avoid foul trouble, his numbers would be even better.
While Bidunga is fulfilling expectations, White is carving out an important role for himself. He’s improved his production game by game as he settles into head coach Bill Self’s system.
Tre White establishes himself as a key player for Kansas basketball
There is always a learning curve for new players in the Kansas basketball program. Self has his way of doing things, and not everyone ever figures it out. Last season, neither AJ Storr nor Rylan Griffen caught and struggled all season.
This season, transfers Nginyu Ngala, Jayden Dawson, Melvin Council Jr., and White are all showing signs of figuring out what Self wants from them and how they can best contribute. While all have their own strengths, White is separating himself because of his ability to score in several ways.
White’s scoring totals have increased each game: 9, 10, 11, 18, and 22 points. The forty points in the last two games are especially impressive as he’s been a force on offense. His rebounding totals have seen similar growth: 1, 2, 6, 8, and 9. Again, his 17 rebounds in the last two games have been significant.
On the season, he also has 11 assists and six steals. Outside of the four turnovers he committed in the UNC debacle, he’s only turned the ball over three times in the other four games.
He’s connecting on 58.3 percent of his shots, including knocking down three-pointers at a 35.7 percent clip. He’s gotten to the free-throw line 22 times, making 16 for 72.7 percent. He’s been a complete player, and he’s just getting better.
When Peterson returns, Bidunga, Tiller, and especially White will be the players to pull attention away from the star guard. White and Tiller are both threats inside and out, but White is emerging as a reliable scoring threat.
These four guys will carry most of the scoring load for KU, while others, including Council, Dawson, and Kohl Rosario, will provide smaller contributions. During these last few games without Peterson, the team is learning everyone’s strengths, which will be a great help as the season progresses.
White’s performance so far has been surprising and much-needed. The veteran is primed to have a terrific senior season, and Self and his staff have to be thrilled with how White has stepped up as a complete player.
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