Bill Self isn’t pretending Kansas has all the answers yet, and that’s exactly why this roster is still so interesting.
With a transfer-heavy group still waiting to be tested in real games, the Jayhawks are in that familiar preseason gray area: plenty of talent, plenty of questions. There isn’t a deep runway of Big 12 experience to lean on, either. The lone player on next season’s roster who has consistently faced Big 12 competition is power forward Keanu Dawes, who put together a solid run at Utah but is not being treated like an automatic All-Big 12 type right now.
Still, Self sees a different kind of shape forming here. Last season, the offense too often bogged down with the ball sticking in the hands of star guard Darryn Peterson. This group, at least on paper, looks more balanced around focal point Tyran Stokes.
Self talked through that vision on Jon Rothstein’s “Inside College Basketball Now,” laying out the questions that will define the season for several pieces of the roster.
“I also think we're unproven. Can Keanu Dawes be a 14-and-8 guy?, opened Self.
That’s a fair benchmark for Dawes, who averaged 12.5 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists last season at Utah. He also gave Kansas a problem in one of his better outings a year ago, finishing with 22 points and 12 rebounds in the Utes’ eventual 71-59 win over the Jayhawks.
Self then turned to the freshman at the center of so much attention.
“Can Tyran, as a freshman, do something like Melo [Carmelo Anthony] did with Syracuse?”
If Stokes gets anywhere near Carmelo Anthony’s level of production - 22.2 points and 10 rebounds per game on a 45.3% field goal rate - that would be a huge win for Kansas. Self’s comparison stops there, though, because the title-winning Syracuse storyline remains a bridge too far right now.
The shooting around Stokes is another part of the equation. Self pointed to the need for perimeter consistency from “Leroy and TK and our respective bench,” while asking whether that group can “shoot 37%, 38% from three for the season?” Taylen Kinney’s numbers were uneven in the OTE, but Blyden is bringing a 40.7% three-point rate and Dennis Parker Jr. shot 37.7% from deep last season.
Then there’s the center spot, which Self framed as the final piece of the puzzle.
“And then, of course, do we have a five guy that can anchor?
Right now, Kansas is planning to use College of Charleston transfer Christian Reeves and sophomore Paul Mbiya at center. Reeves is coming back from shoulder surgery he had during the summer, which opens the door for Mbiya to make a run at the starting job.
Self’s overall read was cautious but upbeat.
“I think the answers to those are yes, but that's if everything goes perfect. We don't have as much margin for error. We need to stay healthy, but I do like our chances,” closed Self.
In Other News...
Lance Leipold Still Has Big Decisions To Make On KUs Defense
Kansas coach Lance Leipold got a closer look at the defense during the Jayhawks ninth practice, and the early read was encouraging on that side of the ball. The offense was more uneven, but the defensive groups gave Leipold a chance to watch how several position battles are developing, especially at defensive end and safety, where the competition has remained open through camp.
Leroy, Alex and David Santiago are among the names in the mix at defensive end, while Dak Brinkley, Garrett Martin, Corey Gordon Jr. and Taylor Davis are part of the safety conversation. For Leipold, those spots still have to sort themselves out, and the next stretch of practice will matter as Kansas keeps evaluating who can handle bigger roles when the season gets here. [Read more 🡒]
Bill Selfs Tyran Stokes Comparison Will Have Kansas Fans Talking
Kansas has added another major jewel to its recruiting haul, securing Tyran Stokes, the No. 1 player in the class of 2026 and the programs second straight year landing the nations top recruit. For a fan base that has become accustomed to big names on the way in, this one carries extra weight because Stokes arrives with the kind of national reputation that immediately raises expectations before he ever steps on campus.
Bill Selfs comparison of Stokes to Andrew Wiggins and Josh Jackson only adds to the buzz, since both were elite athletes with real scoring ability during their Kansas stops. Stokes is already viewed as one of the most talented prospects in the country and, according to 247Sports, ranks as the second-highest rated recruit in Kansas history, which gives this commitment the feel of another major talent swing for a program that keeps aiming at the top of the sport. [Read more 🡒]
Kansas Secondary Faces A New Nickel Twist Right Before The Opener
Kansas entered camp expecting the nickel cornerback spot to be one of the more straightforward pieces of the secondary, but that plan has changed as the opener approaches. Lance Leipold said the competition has opened up, and true freshman Trey Brown has emerged as a steady presence after arriving with the kind of recruiting profile that usually points to a developmental role rather than immediate snaps.
Brown was not supposed to be pushed this quickly into the mix, yet health issues and injuries around the cornerback room have given him a real chance to climb the depth chart. Leipold pointed to Browns work ethic and willingness to learn during fall camp, and those traits have mattered as Kansas sorts out who can hold up at nickel when the games start to count. [Read more 🡒]