Kansas Eyes Strong Finish to Nonconference Slate Against Davidson
The Kansas Jayhawks are one win away from wrapping up their nonconference schedule with a 10-3 record-a mark that would be impressive under any circumstances. But considering they’ve been without their top player, freshman phenom Darryn Peterson, for the bulk of the early season, it would be a testament to the team’s depth and resilience.
Peterson, sidelined for most of the season with a strained hamstring and recurring cramping issues, has only suited up for four games so far. Yet Kansas has managed to navigate a tough slate, entering Monday night’s matchup against Davidson at 9-3.
Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at Allen Fieldhouse, with the game streaming on ESPN+. Davidson, representing the Atlantic 10, comes in at 8-3 and looking to spoil KU’s holiday send-off.
Bill Self: “10-3 sounds a heck of a lot better than 9-4”
Head coach Bill Self didn’t mince words when asked about the significance of this final nonconference game.
“From a record standpoint, considering we played eight of those games without DP so far, I think that would be a good record based on the quality of schedule,” Self said Sunday. “This is one game that can tip the scale one way or another.
I don’t know if it does totally, but I will tell you this-10-3 sounds a heck of a lot better than 9-4. So to me, this is a very important thing.”
And he’s not wrong. The Jayhawks have faced a high-caliber lineup of opponents, including blue bloods and tournament regulars. Their current record reflects not just talent, but also the ability to adapt without their top scorer.
Peterson’s Limited Availability, Big Impact
Peterson opened the season with a 94-51 win over Green Bay and an 87-74 loss at North Carolina. After that, he missed seven straight games, during which Kansas went 5-2. That stretch included impressive wins over teams like Tennessee and Syracuse, but also tough losses to Duke and UConn-two programs that know a thing or two about March runs.
He returned to play 23 minutes in a dominant 80-60 win over Missouri, then exited late in an overtime thriller at NC State, which Kansas pulled out 77-76. He sat out again in the most recent win over Towson, and heading into Monday’s matchup, he’s still listed as day-to-day.
What’s clear is that even in limited minutes, Peterson’s presence changes the ceiling of this team. With him healthy, Kansas becomes a different kind of problem-one with more offensive firepower and defensive versatility.
Holiday Distractions Are Real-And So Is the Need to Finish Strong
The Davidson game isn’t just about the record. It’s the last game before a short Christmas break, and Self knows from experience how tricky that timing can be.
“I do think that it can be a distraction, more so for the players than anybody because, right now, everybody wants to go home,” Self said. “We’ve played some of the worst games we’ve ever played on the road the game before Christmas.”
He’s not exaggerating. Self pointed to past pre-holiday stumbles-losses to Villanova (2019), Temple (2014), and Nevada (2003)-as cautionary tales.
The common thread? Players with one foot out the door and their minds already on family, food, and a few days of rest.
That’s why Monday’s game matters. A win not only sends Kansas into the break on a four-game win streak, but it also sets the tone heading into Big 12 play, which begins Jan. 3 at UCF.
“I think any time you have a break in games, you want the last one to be a good taste in your mouth,” Self said. “Turkey and ham and your Christmas fixings will taste a little bit better if we’re successful.”
Team Chemistry Holding Strong
Despite the ups and downs, Self has been pleased with how this group has gelled.
“I think everybody likes Tre [White]. I think people like BT [Bryson Tiller].
I think people like Kohl [Rosario]. I think people like Melvin [Council Jr.].
Flory [Bidunga] is beloved. Darryn … everybody likes Darryn.
Everybody likes Mari [Jamari McDowell] and Marko [Elmarko Jackson],” Self said. “You can go down the line.”
That kind of camaraderie matters-especially for a team that’s had to adjust on the fly without its top player. According to Self, this group genuinely enjoys being around each other, and that off-court connection has translated into on-court cohesion.
“Sometimes with teams there are distractions that keep everybody from hanging out together,” Self said. “I don’t think we have those right now. I’m sure guys got girlfriends, but for whatever reason, they seem to hang around each other all the time.”
Final Thoughts
Kansas has a chance to close out its nonconference schedule with momentum, despite adversity and a few early-season bumps. Monday night’s game against Davidson isn’t just another box to check-it’s a measuring stick for where this team stands heading into the heart of the season.
If they can take care of business, they’ll head into the holidays at 10-3, with a healthier roster, a tighter rotation, and a locker room that seems genuinely locked in. And that’s exactly where Bill Self wants them.