The Big 12's expansion has brought a unique set of challenges for teams like Kansas, who are now facing back-to-back road games in distant locations. Last year’s trip to Utah was a tough lesson for the Jayhawks, who suffered unexpected losses to both Utah and BYU. Head coach Bill Self humorously suggested a complete overhaul of their approach, saying, “If we ate red meat last year, let’s eat fish this trip.”
This season, Kansas is gearing up for a new challenge in Arizona. They'll face the No. 2 ranked University of Arizona in Tucson on Saturday, followed by a game against Arizona State in Tempe on Tuesday. Guard Jamari McDowell, reflecting on last year's struggles, emphasized the importance of staying true to their identity and maintaining consistency away from home.
The Jayhawks have a bit of an edge this time, having already beaten Arizona earlier in the season at Allen Fieldhouse, despite missing their star player, Darryn Peterson, due to illness. Peterson is back in action, though his recent performances have been below his usual standards. Arizona, on the other hand, is dealing with uncertainties around freshman forwards Koa Peat and Dwayne Aristode, whose return to the lineup remains unclear.
Unlike last year’s Utah trip, Kansas plans to head directly to the Phoenix area after their game in Tucson, avoiding any unnecessary downtime. Self believes this strategy will help the team settle in better and avoid the pitfalls of last year’s itinerary.
Arizona State, led by guard Moe Odum and towering freshman center Massamba Diop, will present their own challenges. The Sun Devils, under head coach Bobby Hurley, are eager to make a statement in what could be Hurley’s final season. Kansas will be visiting both Arizona schools for the first time since they joined the conference, adding another layer of intrigue to this road trip.
For Kansas, this journey is not just about redemption from last year’s setbacks but also an opportunity to solidify their standing in the new-look Big 12. With lessons learned and a fresh approach, the Jayhawks are ready to take on the Grand Canyon State.