Kansas Basketball Finds Its Groove Without Star Freshman Darryn Peterson
In Lawrence, nonconference basketball games usually come and go without much fanfare - a tune-up before the real grind of Big 12 play begins. But this season?
It's been anything but routine. With star freshman Darryn Peterson sidelined for 10 games due to a nagging hamstring injury and quad cramping, Kansas has been forced to look inward - and outward - for answers.
And they’ve found one in Melvin Council Jr.
The Wagner transfer has stepped into the spotlight, not just filling the void left by Peterson, but putting together performances that demand attention. Council’s breakout moment came in a thrilling 77-76 overtime win against NC State, where he poured in 36 points, knocked down nine threes, and scored the final 13 points of regulation to force OT. That kind of takeover performance doesn’t just win games - it rewrites narratives.
In fact, Council became just the second player in Kansas history to score 36 points in a road win. And when your head coach - in this case, Bill Self - calls it “the best performance that I think I’ve had on the road in my 23 years at Kansas,” that’s not just praise. That’s legacy talk.
According to the Associated Press, only Jalen Wilson’s 38-point outing against Kansas State in 2023 ranks higher among road scoring performances in program history.
But Council hasn’t been doing it alone. Sophomores Elmarko Jackson and Jamari McDowell have stepped up as well, helping Kansas stay afloat - and at times, surge - without their top scorer. It’s been a collective effort, and it’s kept the Jayhawks competitive in a season where the margin for error in the Big 12 is razor-thin.
Flory Bidunga: The Big Man With Big Upside
While Council’s perimeter heroics have grabbed headlines, let’s not overlook what’s happening in the paint. Sophomore big man Flory Bidunga is quietly - or maybe not so quietly - building a case as one of the most promising frontcourt players in the conference.
Bidunga has scored in double figures in nine of his last 10 games and recently put up back-to-back 18-point performances. His season-high?
A 25-point showing against Princeton. He’s not just a presence - he’s a problem.
The kind of big who can anchor a defense, finish around the rim, and run the floor with purpose.
Pairing Bidunga with Bryson Tiller gives Kansas a frontcourt duo that can match up with just about anyone in the Big 12. That’s going to matter in a league where teams like Texas Tech roll out versatile bigs like JT Toppin. The Jayhawks might not have the most experienced frontcourt in the conference, but they’ve got one with a ceiling that’s still rising.
So... Where Does Kansas Stand?
Let’s be clear - this is still Kansas. The program hasn’t missed an NCAA Tournament since 1989, and that streak isn’t in jeopardy.
All of their losses so far have come against ranked opponents, and in a season where the Big 12 is as deep and dangerous as ever - with Arizona, Houston, Iowa State, and BYU all spending time in the AP Top 10 - that’s not a red flag. That’s life in the nation’s toughest conference.
If Kansas stays healthy, they’re absolutely in the conversation for a share of the Big 12 regular-season title. But that’s a tall order in a league where even the middle-tier teams can knock off top dogs on any given night.
The floor? Somewhere around a five or six seed in March.
The ceiling? Higher than that, especially if Peterson returns and finds his rhythm.
One thing to keep an eye on: the Big 12 Tournament. A first-round exit wouldn’t be shocking, given the competition and the wear-and-tear of the regular season. But it could have ripple effects on seeding come Selection Sunday.
What’s Next?
Kansas returns to action on January 3rd to open Big 12 play against UCF. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. CT, with streaming available on Peacock.
Peterson’s return remains a question mark. But even without him, the Jayhawks have shown they’re more than a one-man show. With Council heating up, Bidunga blossoming, and a supporting cast finding its rhythm, Kansas is entering conference play with momentum - and a little bit of mystery.
And that’s exactly where Bill Self’s teams tend to be at their most dangerous.