Kansas Climbs to No. 17 in AP Poll as Big 12 Play Looms
Kansas men's basketball is starting to find its rhythm, and the latest AP Top 25 reflects that momentum. The Jayhawks jumped to No. 17 this week, riding the energy of a strong two-game stretch that showcased both their depth and resilience. Now sitting at 8-3, Kansas is getting healthier and sharper just in time for the grind of Big 12 play.
A Statement Win and a Survive-and-Advance Thriller
Let’s start with the Border Showdown. Kansas didn’t just beat Missouri - they controlled the game from the opening tip.
The Jayhawks imposed their will early, setting the pace and never letting Missouri get comfortable. It was a complete team effort, with balanced scoring and tight defense leading the way in an 80-60 win that felt as decisive as the score suggests.
Then came the test at NC State - and it was a nail-biter. Kansas escaped Raleigh with a 77-76 win, thanks in large part to Melvin Coucil Jr., who put on an absolute shooting clinic.
Coucil dropped 36 points and buried nine threes, torching the Wolfpack every time they dared him to let it fly. It was one of those performances that leaves a lasting impression, not just for the numbers, but for the confidence and swagger behind each shot.
Head coach Bill Self summed it up perfectly: “They dared him to shoot, and the best thing he did was shoot it. After he made a couple, he started feeling it.
The shots he made in the second half weren’t hesitant. He shot them without thinking.”
That kind of green-light mentality is exactly what Kansas needs from Coucil moving forward. And Self didn’t stop there - he praised Coucil’s motor, comparing his endurance to former Jayhawk standout Brandon Rush.
“He can play all day. He doesn’t get tired.
The last guy we had like that was Brandon Rush. Melvin has that same type of tank that doesn’t seem to run out.”
Getting Healthier, Getting Deeper
Another bit of good news for Kansas: Darryn Peterson is back in the rotation. He’s still working through some cramping issues after a hamstring injury, but having him active again gives Self another dynamic option on both ends of the floor. As Kansas builds toward conference play, having Peterson in the mix - even in limited minutes - adds another layer to this team’s potential.
What’s Next: Two Tune-Ups Before the Big 12 Gauntlet
Kansas returns home for a pair of nonconference matchups that should offer both challenges and opportunities to fine-tune before Big 12 play kicks off.
First up is Towson on December 16. Don’t expect the Tigers to back down - they’re a gritty, disciplined team that will test Kansas’ focus, especially coming off a high-emotion win. This is the kind of game where the Jayhawks’ depth and discipline will need to shine.
Then, on December 22, Kansas hosts Davidson to close out the nonconference slate. It’s the final dress rehearsal before the Big 12 schedule begins - and with how deep and dangerous the league looks this year, every possession will matter.
The Big Picture
At No. 17 in the latest AP poll, Kansas is trending in the right direction - but they’re not satisfied. The top of the rankings is stacked with heavy hitters like Arizona, Michigan, and Duke, and the Big 12 is no cakewalk either, with Iowa State, Houston, and Texas Tech all making noise.
But if Coucil keeps shooting like this, if Peterson gets fully healthy, and if the Jayhawks continue to grow their identity on both ends of the floor, they’ll be in the thick of the national conversation come March.
For now, Kansas fans can breathe a little easier - the team is rounding into form, and the road ahead is starting to look a lot more promising.