The Kansas Jayhawks just sent a message to the rest of college basketball: even without their top scorer, they’re still a force to be reckoned with. After sweeping the Players Era event with wins over Notre Dame, Syracuse, and No. 17 Tennessee, Bill Self’s squad reminded everyone why Kansas is never out of the conversation - no matter who’s on the floor.
These weren’t fluke wins, either. The Jayhawks played with grit, poise, and a defensive edge that’s already among the best in the country.
And they did it all without Darryn Peterson, their star freshman and one of the most electric scorers in the nation. That’s the kind of resilience that turns a good team into a dangerous one come March.
Still, not everyone’s buying in just yet - at least not the analytics. Despite the undefeated run, Kansas sits at No. 20 in the latest KenPom rankings.
That puts them behind Big 12 rivals Iowa State, Arizona, and BYU. For a team that just knocked off a ranked SEC opponent and handled two storied programs before that, it’s a bit of a head-scratcher.
But take a closer look, and the numbers tell a story of a team still finding its offensive rhythm. Kansas hasn’t exactly lit up the scoreboard without Peterson.
Their offensive efficiency is currently outside the top 50 nationally, and many of their wins have been grind-it-out affairs rather than highlight-reel blowouts. That’s not the kind of profile that analytics models reward - yet.
What the metrics don’t always capture, though, is the way this team competes. Players like Melvin Council Jr. and Tre White might not be filling up the box score, but their impact is undeniable.
Council’s energy on both ends, White’s versatility, and the collective toughness of this roster have been the backbone of KU’s early success. It’s the kind of effort that doesn’t always show up in spreadsheets but wins games in March.
And let’s not overlook the defensive numbers. Kansas currently boasts a top-10 defense in the country - and they’ve earned that ranking the hard way.
In just the past week, they’ve faced Duke (No. 5 in offensive efficiency), Tennessee (No. 18), and North Carolina (No. 45).
That’s a brutal gauntlet, and the Jayhawks have come through it looking like a team that can lock down just about anyone.
Their schedule doesn’t get any easier, either. Next up: UConn at Allen Fieldhouse. That’s another heavyweight showdown, and another chance for Kansas to prove that their ceiling is even higher than what we’ve seen so far.
So, while the KenPom ranking might not reflect it yet, there’s no denying the momentum building in Lawrence. Once Peterson returns - and this offense starts clicking the way it’s capable of - Kansas could very well transform from a gritty defensive juggernaut into a complete, championship-caliber team.
For now, the Jayhawks are doing exactly what they need to: winning tough games, building chemistry, and showing the kind of resolve that defines March success. The numbers will catch up. Until then, Kansas is reminding us all why you never count out a Bill Self team - especially one that’s still getting better.