Kansas Survives Utah, But Eyes Are Already on Arizona - And Flory Bidunga is Leading the Charge
Kansas may have gotten the win over Utah, but head coach Bill Self didn’t sugarcoat what he saw from his team: it wasn’t their best effort. In fact, outside of one standout performance, Self called the showing “average at best.”
That one bright spot? Freshman big man Flory Bidunga, who continues to evolve into one of the most impactful players on both ends of the court.
“He was our best player by far,” Self said postgame. And the numbers back it up: 17 points, 10 rebounds, 7 blocks, and 3 assists. It was a stat-stuffing performance that showcased not only his physical tools, but also his growing maturity on the floor.
Flory’s Defensive Growth Is Real
Bidunga’s defensive presence was undeniable, and Self made a point to highlight just how far the freshman has come. Earlier in the season, Flory was a gambler - lunging for steals, chasing blocks out of position.
But now? He’s staying grounded, using his length and timing instead of relying on instincts alone.
“He stays down. He plays to his length,” Self noted.
“Before, when you tell a guy ‘don’t go for the steal,’ they hear ‘go for the steal.’ He’s doing a much better job with that.”
That kind of discipline is what separates raw talent from elite defenders, and Self didn’t hesitate to call Bidunga “the best defender in America.” And it’s not just about the blocks.
It’s the switches, the closeouts, the ability to stay with guards on the perimeter. That versatility is what makes him such a difference-maker heading into a high-stakes matchup against Arizona.
Council’s Return Brings a Needed Spark
Melvin Council Jr. added a dose of toughness when Kansas needed it most. After taking a hit that required six stitches under his chin, Council returned to the game and immediately made an impact - scoring and forcing a turnover in quick succession. It was exactly the kind of jolt the Jayhawks needed during a flat stretch.
“When we were duds out there, we need him for his energy,” Self said. “He’s a good competitor, no doubt.”
Council’s return wasn’t just about guts - it was about timing. With Kansas struggling to find rhythm, his energy helped stabilize a shaky performance.
Peterson’s Up-and-Down Week
Darryn Peterson has been a key piece of the Kansas puzzle, but this past week was a mixed bag. Self praised his first-half performance against BYU and solid showing versus Texas Tech, but against Utah, the energy just wasn’t there.
“He got through it today, but there was not much pop or energy like there needs to be,” Self said. “He’s got to be a lot better. We all do.”
Still, Peterson logged 33 minutes for the third straight game, which is a positive sign from a health and stamina standpoint. And his explosive dunk late in the Utah game showed he’s still got that burst when it matters.
“The best thing about it was that he could explode like that after 27 minutes,” Self added.
Looking Ahead to Arizona
Let’s be honest - Kansas had one eye on Monday’s matchup with Arizona even before tipoff against Utah. Self admitted as much, noting the team’s lack of focus and energy might’ve been tied to looking ahead.
“You hear ‘trap game’ all the time, but mature teams don’t have trap games,” he said. “Saturday, sun through the windows, perfect day to play. We have to be more mature and handle that better.”
And it’s not like Arizona is just another game on the schedule. Self called it “the most fun game we’ve had so far this year,” and it’s easy to see why. Arizona’s physicality inside, their ability to dominate the paint, and their depth make them one of the toughest matchups Kansas will face.
“They dominate people inside,” Self said. “We have to play bigger, tougher, stronger and smarter.
They guard. We have to give them something to defend on the other end.”
The Jayhawks did some light prep for Arizona last Wednesday, focusing on post defense and ball screen coverage. But with only one day to fully lock in, Kansas will need to rely on experience and execution to slow down a team that’s already racked up impressive wins away from home.
“They’re terrific,” Self said of Arizona. “Their big guy is a stud. When you let B Visier get away because you’ve got another guy back there with just as much upside - they’re pretty talented.”
Lessons from West Virginia
Kansas’ earlier stumble against West Virginia still lingers as a reminder of how quickly things can unravel. Self pointed to that loss - along with struggles against UCF and TCU - as a wake-up call for his team’s defensive effort.
“We didn’t guard anybody the first 10 days of conference season,” he said. “The key to good seasons is making sure the other team doesn’t play well. We’ve been quite a bit better since then.”
That improved defense will be tested in a big way Monday night.
Halftime Frustrations
Even with a seven-point lead at halftime against Utah, Self wasn’t exactly thrilled. Missed layups, lack of free throw attempts, and general sloppiness left points on the table.
“We could have been up 12 if we handled some situations better,” he said. “When Mel came back and I knew DP was good to go, I felt like we were in decent shape.”
What Comes Next
There’s no question Kansas got the job done against Utah, but this wasn’t a performance they’ll be putting on the highlight reel. The energy was off, the shooting was cold, and the focus wavered. But in the middle of a long season, sometimes surviving is enough - especially when you’ve got a showdown like Arizona on the horizon.
With Flory Bidunga emerging as a dominant two-way force, Melvin Council Jr. bringing toughness, and Darryn Peterson pushing through heavy minutes, Kansas has the pieces. Now it’s about putting it all together - and Monday night, they’ll need every bit of it.