Samis Calderon’s Quiet Start at Kansas Hints at Bigger Things to Come
Adjusting to college basketball is no small feat-especially when you’re a freshman trying to earn minutes on a loaded Kansas roster. For Samis Calderon, the path to playing time has been more marathon than sprint. But if you look closely, you’ll see the flashes of why the Jayhawks brought him in and how his game could blossom in the seasons ahead.
Calderon, a freshman forward and the No. 84 recruit in the Class of 2025, is still finding his footing in Lawrence. Sharing a class with high-profile teammate Darryn Peterson only adds to the challenge. But Calderon isn’t just another name on the roster-he’s a long-term investment with serious upside.
So far this season, Calderon has appeared in seven games, with his most extended run coming in Kansas’ 73-49 win over Towson, where he logged 14 minutes. His stat line across those appearances is modest-five points on 2-of-5 shooting, two steals, three blocks, four assists, three fouls, and two turnovers-but those numbers don’t tell the whole story. What stands out is the way he moves on the court: active hands, smart rotations, and a defensive presence that’s hard to ignore.
Before arriving at Kansas, Calderon made his name with the Cold Hearts in Overtime Elite, and that experience is starting to show. During the 2024-25 OTE regular season, he averaged 8.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game.
But it was in the playoffs where he really turned heads-upping his production to 14.2 points, 6.8 boards, 2.8 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game. He had two 20-plus point performances in that playoff run, helping lead his team to the semifinals.
That kind of jump when the lights are brightest says a lot about Calderon’s mentality. He’s not just a role player trying to survive-he’s a competitor who raises his level when it matters most.
Physically, Calderon brings tools that are hard to teach. At 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, he has the kind of length and athleticism that make coaches take notice, especially on the defensive end. He’s already shown flashes of being a disruptive force-both at the rim and in passing lanes-and that’s something Kansas head coach Bill Self can build on.
Right now, Calderon is in a developmental phase, and that’s perfectly fine. Kansas doesn’t need him to be a star just yet. But with his physical gifts, defensive instincts, and a proven ability to elevate in big moments, there’s every reason to believe Calderon will be a key contributor for the Jayhawks down the line.
Kansas opens Big 12 conference play against UCF on January 3rd at 1 p.m. CT.
The game will be streamed on Peacock, and while Calderon may not see heavy minutes, don’t be surprised if he finds ways to make his presence felt. He’s not just learning the ropes-he’s laying the foundation for what could be a breakout sophomore season and beyond.