Entering this year, the Kansas Jayhawks faithful were all expecting this year’s basketball team to go as Darryn Peterson goes. Unfortunately, Peterson has been dealing with a tight hamstring, adding to the list of issues he’s encountered this season and forcing him to miss the home game against Princeton. Luckily, Flory Bidunga and Tre White were able to step up in his absence.
While the Jayhawks did get off to a slow start in both halves as they were working through a new starting lineup, that was understandable due to the roster construction being built around Peterson. KU eventually found its groove with Bidunga and White carrying the offensive and rebounding load, combining for 43 points and 18 rebounds in the 76-57 win against Princeton.
No other Jayhawks scored in double-digits outside of the White-Bidunga duo, but it was not just the counting stats that were impressive. Both players put a ton of pressure on the rim and punished an undersized Princeton defense. Bidunga shot 10/11 from the field, dominating the paint, and Tre White was driving to the rim with efficiency.
Perhaps the best indicator of their effectiveness was their free-throw shooting, where Flory shot 5/6 from the charity stripe and Tre White hit 10 FTs of his own on a whopping 13 attempts, looking like the second coming of peak Jalen Wilson.
White and Bidunga can replicate these performances moving forward
Naturally, when Peterson does not suit up, there are more opportunities for other players to handle the ball and get shots up. What happens with White and Bidunga when Peterson returns though? In theory, both players should be able to build off of this game and help Kansas be multi-dimensional when they are back to full health.
Starting with Bidunga, this was perhaps the best game of his promising young career. He was catching lobs, bullying smaller players down low, and showcasing some of the best post moves he ever has. It was truly a breakout performance! When Peterson returns, his life should actually be easier with consistent PG play and with the future top NBA pick taking up so much of the defense's attention.
As for White, if he can continue to be aggressive with the ball in his hands, Peterson’s return should open up space for him as well and allow him to be an elite secondary ball-handler, along with Melvin Council Jr. It’s unlikely that White can chalk up 13 more free throws against tougher quality opponents and Peterson in the lineup, but he can still have a massive double-digit scoring impact.
For both players, the key will be approaching the games with confidence and not falling into passive playstyles. Kansas was at its worst today when Bidunga and White were deferring to other players and not forcing the action. If they can stay aggressive, this KU basketball team can be scary!
The Jayhawks face off with 4th-ranked Duke Blue Devils in Madison Square Garden for the Champions Classic on Tuesday, November 18th. Time will tell if Peterson will be rejoining the team on the court for that matchup, but Bidunga and White will be massive either way for KU to have a chance to win.
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