After a few swings and misses in the transfer portal, Kansas head coach Bill Self connected in a big way this season. The additions of Tre White and Melvin Council Jr. have paid off handsomely, giving the Jayhawks a pair of high-impact newcomers who’ve helped keep KU in the thick of the Big 12 race.
Even with their recent stumble - a lopsided loss at Iowa State that snapped an eight-game winning streak - Kansas remains firmly in contention. With marquee matchups looming against Houston and Arizona, the Jayhawks still have plenty of opportunity to make a statement down the stretch.
But as KU gears up for the home stretch, one of their key contributors has hit a bit of a cold patch.
Tre White: A Small Dip, But Still a Key Piece
Tre White’s recent stretch of games hasn’t quite matched the level he set earlier this season - and that’s saying something, considering how strong he’s been overall. Over the last five outings, White has averaged 8.8 points per game, nudging his season average down to 13.7. That’s not a dramatic falloff, but it’s enough to raise an eyebrow given how consistent he’s been.
The shooting numbers tell the story. Over his last two games, White has gone just 1-for-9 from the field and 1-for-5 from deep, totaling only six points combined. That’s a far cry from the aggressive, downhill scorer Kansas fans have gotten used to seeing.
What’s also notable is how infrequently he’s getting to the line. On the season, White has averaged 4.6 free-throw attempts per game - a solid indicator of his attacking mindset.
But in the last five games, that number has dropped to just two attempts per contest. He’s still converting when he gets there (9-for-10 in that span), but he’s simply not drawing contact or creating those opportunities as often.
Turnovers have crept in as well, with 14 over the last five games. While two of those games saw him commit just one turnover each, the overall trend suggests some lapses in decision-making - particularly with errant passes that hint at a dip in focus or rhythm.
Still, it’s not all negative. White continues to bring energy on the glass, averaging 5.4 rebounds per game during this stretch. And his effort on both ends remains evident - he’s not coasting, just not quite clicking offensively the way he was earlier in the year.
The Bigger Picture
This feels more like a temporary dip than a long-term concern. Part of the shift could be attributed to the emergence of Bryson Tiller, who’s been taking on a larger offensive role.
That’s a good problem for Kansas to have - multiple weapons who can step up. But for White, it’s about rediscovering that balance between sharing the load and staying aggressive.
The best version of Tre White is the one who puts pressure on defenses, gets downhill, draws contact, and finishes through traffic. That version has been on full display for most of the season - and there’s every reason to believe it’ll be back soon.
Kansas is built for a deep run, and White is a big reason why. This recent stretch may be a blip, but it’s also a reminder of how important his presence is to the Jayhawks’ ceiling. If he finds his rhythm again - and history suggests he will - KU’s offense becomes that much more dangerous heading into March.