The Kansas Jayhawks are heating up at just the right time. Sitting at 9-2 in Big 12 play and 19-5 overall, they’ve ripped off eight straight wins and are firmly planted in third place in the conference. But with seven games left on the regular-season slate, the road ahead is anything but smooth.
Kansas still has to face Iowa State, Houston, and Arizona-two of those teams currently sit above them in the Big 12 standings. These are the kind of matchups that define a season. If the Jayhawks can snag at least two wins from that trio and avoid any unexpected slip-ups, there’s still a realistic path to a Big 12 title.
And if they’re going to get there, it starts with the core trio that’s been carrying the load: Melvin Council Jr., Flory Bidunga, and Tre White.
Council, Bidunga, and White: The Engine That Drives KU
Let’s start with Melvin Council Jr., who’s become the emotional heartbeat of this team. He plays with an infectious energy that jumps off the screen-and clearly resonates with his teammates.
He’s not just out there hooping; he’s embracing the Kansas jersey with pride and passion. That kind of leadership matters, especially when the pressure ratchets up down the stretch.
Then there’s Flory Bidunga, who’s taken a massive leap since his freshman year. The talent was always there, but now the opportunity is too-and he’s running with it.
Bidunga leads all regular rotation players in scoring at 14.9 points per game, and he’s a force on the glass and in rim protection. His presence in the paint gives Kansas a reliable interior anchor on both ends of the floor.
Tre White’s recent dip in scoring might show up in the box score, but don’t let that fool you-he’s still making winning plays. Yes, he’s turned the ball over a bit more and had just four points against Arizona, but he’s rebounding, defending, and doing the little things.
Case in point: he calmly knocked down two clutch free throws late in that Arizona win. That’s the kind of composure that coaches love and opponents hate.
All three average north of 14 points per game, but it’s their mindset that sets them apart. They’re locked in, focused, and unfazed by the noise-whether it’s swirling around Darryn Peterson’s availability or anything else.
They just hoop. And when they’re all clicking, this Kansas team looks like a contender.
Depth Stepping Up at the Right Time
The supporting cast isn’t just filling in the gaps-they’re stepping up in meaningful ways.
Bryson Tiller is playing his best basketball of the season right now. He’s more assertive, more confident, and it’s showing in his production.
Jamari McDowell is carving out a role as a defensive stopper who can also knock down a timely three. And Elmarko Jackson?
He’s the kind of glue guy every winning team needs-making hustle plays, setting the tone, and leading by example.
But make no mistake: this team’s identity starts with the big three. When Council, Bidunga, and White are locked in, Kansas plays with a blend of toughness, joy, and cohesion that’s hard to match.
They’re not just playing hard-they’re playing together. And that’s when the Jayhawks are at their best.
Looking Ahead
The final stretch of the regular season is going to test this group. There are no easy outs in the Big 12, and matchups against Houston and Arizona loom large.
But Kansas has shown it can win with or without Darryn Peterson. That’s not just a testament to talent-it’s a reflection of culture and chemistry.
The Big 12 crown is still within reach. It won’t come easy, but with Council, Bidunga, and White leading the charge-and a supporting cast that’s rounding into form-Kansas has a real shot at making something special happen.
This team isn’t just winning-they’re building momentum. And if they keep playing like this, the rest of the conference better take notice.