The Kansas Jayhawks have wrapped up a bruising non-conference slate with a 10-3 record and a No. 17 ranking in the latest AP poll - and they’ve done it largely without their most hyped freshman. That’s no small feat, considering the caliber of competition they’ve faced.
Losses to North Carolina, Duke, and UConn - all blueblood programs with championship pedigree - are nothing to hang your head about. And with Big 12 play looming, Kansas looks like a team that’s been forged in fire and is ready to make noise.
The most intriguing part of this early-season run? Darryn Peterson, the five-star freshman with sky-high expectations, has only played in four games.
When he’s been on the floor, he’s looked every bit the part, averaging 19.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.3 steals in just over 26 minutes per game. But it’s been a limited sample size, and Kansas has had to learn how to win without him.
So far, they’ve done exactly that.
The Jayhawks roll into conference play on a four-game win streak and winners of seven of their last eight. They’re not just surviving without Peterson - they’re growing. And that growth is showing up across the stat sheet.
Kansas’ Statistical Leaders Heading into Big 12 Play
Let’s break down who’s been carrying the load.
Scoring
Flory Bidunga leads the team at 14.7 points per game, showing off the kind of interior presence that can anchor an offense.
Right behind him is Tre White at 14.5, who’s been as consistent as they come. Melvin Council Jr. rounds out the top three with 12.9 - a balanced trio that gives Kansas scoring options at every level.
Rebounding
Bidunga’s dominance doesn’t stop at scoring.
He’s pulling down 9.2 boards per game, nearly averaging a double-double. White chips in with 7.0, while freshman Bryson Tiller adds 5.8, giving KU a frontcourt that can rebound and run.
Shooting Efficiency
Bidunga is finishing at a scorching 62.3% clip from the field - that’s elite-level efficiency, especially given the physicality he faces down low. White is shooting 51.9%, and Tiller is at 46.8%, both solid marks that show this team isn’t forcing bad looks.
Three-Point Shooting (min. 10 attempts)
Tre White is hitting 43.2% from deep, which is huge for spacing the floor.
Jamari McDowell is right there at 42.4%, and Council Jr. adds a respectable 36.0%. Kansas may not be living and dying by the three, but when they shoot it, they’re making it count.
Free Throw Shooting (min. 15 attempts)
White continues to impress with an 85.7% mark from the line - clutch in close games.
Elmarko Jackson (75.0%) and Council Jr. (72.7%) round out the top three, giving the Jayhawks reliable options at the stripe.
Playmaking
Council Jr. has emerged as the team’s top facilitator, averaging 5.2 assists per game.
White adds 2.3, while Bidunga chips in 1.8 - not bad for a big man. The ball is moving, and this team is sharing the load.
Defense
Council Jr. leads in steals with 1.0 per game, showing he’s not just an offensive threat.
White (0.8) and Jayden Dawson (0.7) contribute on the perimeter. In the paint, Bidunga is swatting 2.2 shots per game, with Tiller adding 1.6 - a shot-blocking duo that can change games.
Turnovers & Fouls
White leads in turnovers at 2.1 per game, followed by Bidunga (1.9) and Tiller (1.7).
That’s manageable, especially considering their usage. On the foul front, Bidunga (2.2), White (2.1), and Tiller (2.1) are staying disciplined - a good sign as the physicality ramps up in Big 12 play.
The Core Has Stepped Up
With Peterson sidelined, Kansas has leaned on its trio of Bidunga, White, and Council Jr. - and they’ve delivered. Bidunga has been a force inside, White has provided scoring and versatility, and Council Jr. has taken on a major role as a playmaker and perimeter threat. Add in contributions from guys like McDowell and Jackson, and this team has depth, balance, and chemistry.
The Jayhawks aren’t just waiting for Peterson to come back - they’re building something right now. And when (or if) he returns at full strength, Kansas could be even more dangerous. But even without him, this is a team that’s battle-tested, well-rounded, and ready to make a serious run in the Big 12.