Kansas Jayhawks Climb in Power Rankings, But Bill Self Isn’t Celebrating Just Yet
The Kansas Jayhawks are rising in ESPN’s college basketball power rankings - and on paper, that’s cause for optimism. But inside the program, it’s clear that head coach Bill Self isn’t ready to hand out any gold stars just yet. Not with the way things are going on the bench.
Despite the team’s overall success, Self has been vocal about one of the more frustrating realities of the season so far: the lack of production from his reserves. In a program that prides itself on depth, development, and consistent contributions across the board, Kansas has yet to find reliable answers beyond its starting five.
And then there’s the Darryn Peterson situation - or, more accurately, the lack of clarity around it. The highly touted freshman's availability remains a question mark, and it’s starting to wear on the team’s rhythm.
Peterson was expected to make an early impact, but whether it’s health, eligibility, or something else entirely, he hasn’t been able to suit up. For a team that could use a spark off the bench, his absence is being felt more with each passing game.
Self’s frustration isn’t just about one player, though. It’s about a bench unit that hasn’t stepped up when called upon.
Kansas has the kind of top-tier talent that can hang with anyone in the country, but come March, depth matters. Whether it’s foul trouble, fatigue, or just needing a different look against a tough opponent, you’ve got to be able to trust more than five guys.
Right now, that trust is shaky.
Still, the Jayhawks are winning - and winning enough to move up the rankings. That’s no small feat, especially in a chaotic college basketball landscape where consistency is rare.
But Self knows that rankings don’t win championships. Production does.
And if Kansas wants to be cutting down nets in April, the bench will need to find its footing - and fast.
For now, the Jayhawks are in a good spot. But there’s work to be done.