All eyes are on Allen Fieldhouse this weekend, and for good reason. The No.
14 Kansas Jayhawks are set to host the No. 13 BYU Cougars in a matchup that’s got everything you could want: two top-15 teams, a raucous home crowd, and a pair of future NBA lottery picks in Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa who are already drawing serious draft buzz.
But if you ask Bill Self, don’t get too caught up in the headlines.
Yes, Peterson vs. Dybantsa is the kind of one-on-one battle that gets scouts salivating and fans glued to their screens.
These two have been electric all season, and both have the ability to flip a game on its head in a matter of possessions. Peterson has already shown that gear in big-time wins over TCU and Baylor, and Dybantsa?
He’s second in the nation in scoring, fresh off a 43-point explosion in BYU’s win over Utah. The hype is real.
Still, Self made it clear during his pregame media availability: this game is bigger than just two names.
“We’ve made that point many times in the past, but we sure will do that,” Self said. “The objective of the day is to try to win the game. That’s the only thing I’m thinking about, and that’s all the players should be thinking about as well.”
And he’s absolutely right. Because while the spotlight may shine brightest on Peterson and Dybantsa, the outcome will likely hinge on the supporting casts - and both teams have plenty of firepower beyond their headliners.
For Kansas, Melvin Council Jr. has quietly been one of the most effective two-way guards in the country. He’s averaging 13.7 points and 5.2 assists per game, and he’s the kind of player who can control pace, create offense, and make life miserable for opposing ball handlers. Add in Tre White and Flory Bidunga - both of whom have proven they can impact the game on both ends - and you’ve got a Jayhawks squad that’s deeper than it gets credit for.
BYU, meanwhile, isn’t just riding Dybantsa’s scoring wave. Richie Saunders and Robert Wright III are each averaging over 17 points per game, and they’re part of a Cougars offense that ranks 17th nationally in scoring at 86.7 points per game. This team doesn’t just play fast - they play smart, and they’ve got multiple guys who can hurt you from anywhere on the floor.
So yes, Peterson vs. Dybantsa is the headliner.
But if you’re tuning in just for that, you’re missing the bigger picture. This is a clash between two balanced, high-octane teams with legitimate March aspirations.
It’s a coaching chess match. It’s a test of depth, execution, and composure.
And it just might be one of the best games we see all season.
Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m. CT on Saturday in Lawrence. Expect fireworks - and not just from the stars.