Bill Self Talks Injuries, Energy, and the Road Ahead as Kansas Prepares for Kansas State Showdown
As Kansas gears up for Saturday’s rivalry clash on the road against Kansas State, head coach Bill Self addressed a wide range of topics - from player injuries and team toughness to his own brief absence and the challenges of playing in Manhattan. Here’s a deep dive into what Self had to say, and what it all means for the Jayhawks as they look to bounce back and build momentum.
Darryn Peterson’s Status: “Just a Sprain” - But Still a Question Mark
One of the biggest question marks heading into the weekend is the health of Darryn Peterson, who suffered a significant ankle sprain. Self didn’t sugarcoat it - the sprain was “pretty severe,” but thankfully, it’s just that: a sprain, not something more serious.
“He’s getting treatment,” Self said. “Hopefully he’ll be able to go and play, but we’re not at a point where we can make a decision on that yet.”
Translation? The Jayhawks are in wait-and-see mode.
Peterson’s availability could have a major impact, especially against a physical Kansas State team. Even if he suits up, how mobile he’ll be - and whether he can push off that ankle effectively - remains to be seen.
Self Back on the Sidelines After Brief Absence
Self also addressed his absence from the Colorado game, which had fans and media alike buzzing. The good news: he’s fine.
“It hadn’t been six months, it was 24 hours,” he said, brushing off any long-term concerns. “It won’t have any impact moving forward in any way, shape or form.”
He was back in the office the next day, and from the sound of it, he’s ready to roll.
Watching From Afar: The Armchair Coach Experience
Self admitted that watching the Colorado game from the sidelines - or more accurately, from a chair - was a different experience. And like any passionate coach or fan, he had thoughts.
“I know now what it means to be an armchair quarterback,” he joked. “I sat there and watched and I had all the answers.”
But he was quick to point out that even with those “answers,” executing in real time is a whole different ballgame. It’s one thing to see what should happen; it’s another to make it happen on the floor.
Peterson’s Performance vs. Colorado: Limited by the Ankle
Peterson’s struggles in that game weren’t just about defensive pressure, according to Self. Colorado threw multiple defenders at him, especially in the frontcourt, but the real issue was physical.
“He couldn’t push off and wasn’t the same athlete,” Self explained. “We’ll address it. We can do better, and we have to be better playing four on three behind the ball.”
In other words, the Jayhawks need to adjust - both schematically and in terms of execution - when Peterson isn’t at full strength.
Where the Jayhawks Stand: 80 Percent and Climbing
Self gave a candid assessment of where he sees his team right now: about 80 percent of where they should be.
“I saw things last week that made me think we could be really good,” he said. “And then I saw some things against Colorado that showed we can also be pretty average.”
He pointed to the altitude and lack of early stoppages as factors in the team’s sluggish start in Boulder - not an excuse, but a reality. Still, he praised his players for finding a way to win despite not playing their best.
“Sometimes you muddle through it, but you still have to find a way to win,” he said. “And I thought we did.”
Energy and Toughness: A Work in Progress
Self didn’t mince words when it came to the team’s energy level in Boulder.
“We’ve been better, a lot better,” he said. “Our energy in Boulder wasn’t comparable to the two games prior.”
But he also gave credit where it was due: the team adjusted, and the defense picked up late. That kind of resilience matters - especially in conference play, where every possession counts.
Snow, Travel, and Game Prep
With snow in the forecast, Kansas is adjusting its travel plans - hitting the road earlier to stay ahead of the weather. The team will bus to Manhattan, aiming to get settled before conditions worsen.
Coaching Call: Why Jacque Vaughn Took the Reins
When Self sat out the Colorado game, it was Jacque Vaughn - not associate head coach Jeremy - who served as acting head coach. The reason? Experience.
“Jacque had the most head coaching experience,” Self said. “So that was the reason.”
In a tight, two-hour window where every decision matters, Self leaned on Vaughn’s time in the big chair.
Tre White Steps Up
One of the bright spots in the Colorado win? Tre White.
“He made some shots, but he rebounded the ball,” Self said. “I’m sure 15 rebounds was a career high. I was really happy for him.”
White, along with fellow transfer Melvin, played a key role in securing the win. For a team still defining its identity, those kinds of performances from new faces are huge.
Rotation Talk: Chemistry Over Quantity
Self made it clear he’s not looking to expand the rotation just for the sake of it.
“I’m not opposed to playing different guys, but I’m not in favor of playing more guys right now,” he said.
Instead, it’s about finding the right combinations - who blends best with the group on the floor. So far, Jamari and Elmarko have been the most consistent in that regard.
Kansas State: A Rivalry That Always Matters
Self didn’t downplay the challenge of heading into Manhattan.
“For us, it’s probably as good a home court as we’ll play in our league,” he said. “It’s a rivalry. They’ll play at a high level, and we’ll have to play at a high level to have success.”
The Jayhawks have left Bramlage Coliseum disappointed in each of their last three visits - and Self made it clear they don’t want to make it four.
Scouting Hagerty: A Scorer You Can’t Stop, Only Contain
Kansas State’s Hagerty is a matchup problem - plain and simple.
“He can score the ball as well as anybody in the country,” Self said. “You can do a great job and he still gets 20. You just can’t let the other guys have big nights.”
That’s the key: contain Hagerty as best you can, but don’t let the supporting cast beat you.
On the Alabama Eligibility Ruling
Self also weighed in on the recent eligibility ruling involving a G League player and Alabama.
“I’m a little confused,” he admitted. “But a judge got an injunction and that changes things.”
His takeaway? If there’s doubt and you believe you have a case, it’s worth pursuing.
“The worst thing a judge can say is no,” he said.
Bottom Line: Kansas heads into Saturday’s rivalry game with some questions - most notably around Peterson’s health - but also with a growing sense of identity. Self sees the potential, and he knows what it’ll take to unlock it.
Against a fired-up Kansas State squad in a hostile environment, the Jayhawks will need to bring their best. And if recent history is any indication, they’ll have to fight for every inch.