Kansas Survives Without Bill Self, Eyes Sunflower Showdown Against Kansas State
Kansas basketball found a way to grind out a win without its Hall of Fame head coach on the sideline. With Bill Self sidelined due to illness and not making the trip, it was former Jayhawk star Jacque Vaughn stepping in to lead the team from the bench. And while the Jayhawks didn’t exactly cruise, they did enough to hold off a gritty Colorado team that refused to back down.
Now, the focus shifts to a rivalry that needs no introduction in the Sunflower State.
Sunflower Showdown Up Next
Kansas heads to Manhattan on Saturday for a high-stakes clash with Kansas State - and recent history hasn’t been kind to the Jayhawks in Bramlage Coliseum. KU has dropped three straight games on the Wildcats’ home floor, and if they want to snap that streak, they’ll need to bring more than just their talent. They’ll need toughness, composure, and maybe a little revenge in their back pocket.
There’s no love lost between these two programs, and Saturday’s matchup promises to deliver another chapter in one of college basketball’s most intense rivalries.
Peterson’s Status in Question
A key storyline heading into the weekend is the health of Darryn Peterson. The standout guard rolled his ankle in the second half of the Colorado game and was clearly limited the rest of the way. He managed just one three-pointer after the injury and was noticeably limping as the game wound down.
Peterson’s availability - and effectiveness - will be crucial. He’s been Kansas’ offensive engine, averaging 22.2 points per game.
If he can’t go, or if he’s limited, the Jayhawks could turn to Jamari McDowell or Elmarko Jackson to step into the starting five. That’s a big ask in a rivalry game on the road, but Kansas has depth and talent.
They’ll need both.
Containing Haggerty is Key
On the other side, Kansas will have its hands full with Kansas State’s P.J. Haggerty.
The Wildcats’ top scorer is averaging 23.4 points per game and is relentless when it comes to drawing contact - he gets to the line 7.3 times per game. That kind of pressure puts opposing defenses in a bind, especially if foul trouble starts to pile up.
The Jayhawks will need a disciplined, physical defensive effort to keep Haggerty in check without sending him to the stripe all afternoon. That starts with perimeter containment and smart rotations - areas where Kansas has shown flashes but still needs to tighten up.
Projected Kansas Starting Lineup
If Peterson is healthy enough to suit up, Kansas will likely roll out its usual starting five:
- Darryn Peterson - 22.2 PPG
- **Melvin Council Jr.
** - 13.2 PPG
- Tre White - 14.9 PPG
- Bryson Tiller - 8.1 PPG
- Flory Bidunga - 14.2 PPG
If Peterson can’t go, McDowell or Jackson will get the call. Both have shown potential, but neither brings the same scoring punch that Peterson provides.
When and Where to Watch
The Sunflower Showdown tips off at 1:00 p.m. CST on Saturday, January 24, from Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan. The game will be broadcast on CBS and is also available for streaming on FuboTV.
What’s at Stake
Beyond bragging rights, this game carries serious implications for both teams. Kansas is trying to maintain momentum in the Big 12 and shake off a recent history of road struggles in this rivalry. Kansas State, meanwhile, is looking to salvage a tough start to conference play and ignite their season with a statement win.
Rivalries like this one don’t need extra fuel - but with Self’s status uncertain, Peterson’s ankle in question, and K-State hungry to defend home court, this one has all the ingredients for a classic.