Sunflower Showdown Preview: Tang, Self Set to Meet as Kansas State Hosts Kansas in Big 12 Clash
When Kansas State and Kansas meet on the hardwood, the rivalry always delivers intensity. But ahead of this latest Sunflower Showdown, the focus briefly shifted away from basketball-and rightfully so.
Kansas head coach Bill Self, a fixture on the college basketball scene and the architect of two national championship runs, missed his team’s last game due to a health-related precaution. He’s expected to return to the sidelines Saturday night in Manhattan, a welcome sight not just for Jayhawks fans, but for anyone who appreciates what Self brings to the game.
“My prayers go out to Coach Self,” Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang said after his team’s win over Utah. “College basketball is better with Bill Self involved.”
That mutual respect will be put aside-at least for 40 minutes-when the Wildcats and Jayhawks tip off in Bramlage Coliseum. This is Kansas State’s seventh conference matchup, and they’ll look to build on the momentum of snapping a five-game losing streak.
The win over Utah was powered by standout performances from P.J. Haggerty, Nate Johnson, and freshman David Castillo-three guards who will need to shoulder even more of the load with Abdi Bashir Jr. and Khamari McGriff unavailable.
For Kansas, the big question is the health of star guard Darryn Peterson. The explosive scorer is questionable with an ankle injury, but the Jayhawks have proven they can still operate at a high level without him. Melvin Council Jr. and Tre White have stepped up in Peterson’s absence, giving Kansas a steady backcourt that can defend, rebound, and create offense.
Let’s break down what to watch for in this rivalry clash.
🔥 Game Info
- Tip-off: Jan. 24, 8:00 p.m.
EST
- Location: Bramlage Coliseum, Manhattan, KS
- TV: FOX Sports
🏀 Projected Starters
Kansas State Wildcats
- G P.J. Haggerty - 23.4 PPG | 5.2 RPG | 4.5 APG *One of the most dynamic scorers in the Big 12, Haggerty’s ability to create off the dribble is the engine of K-State’s offense. *
- G Nate Johnson - 11.6 PPG | 4.9 RPG | 4.1 APG A steady two-way presence, Johnson plays with poise and contributes across the board.
- G David Castillo - 11.8 PPG | 2.6 RPG | 2.1 APG The freshman is coming into his own, showing flashes of elite shot-making and court vision.
- G Taj Manning - 3.3 PPG | 4.1 RPG | 0.6 BPG Manning brings toughness on the wing and will be key in defending Kansas’s perimeter threats.
- C Dorin Buca - 3.4 PPG | 3.4 RPG | 1.4 BPG The rim protector in the middle, Buca’s shot-blocking could be a factor against Kansas’s frontcourt.
Kansas Jayhawks
- G Darryn Peterson - 21.6 PPG | 4.6 RPG | 1.9 APG *If he plays, Peterson gives Kansas a go-to scorer who can take over games.
If not, his absence will be felt. *
- G Tre White - 15.0 PPG | 7.5 RPG | 2.2 APG White’s size and rebounding ability make him a mismatch problem for most guards.
- **G Melvin Council Jr. ** - 13.5 PPG | 4.5 RPG | 4.8 APG *Council’s all-around game has been critical, especially with Peterson sidelined. *
- F Bryson Tiller - 7.9 PPG | 5.7 RPG | 1.4 BPG Tiller is a high-motor forward who does the dirty work and contributes on both ends.
- F Flory Bidunga - 14.1 PPG | 8.9 RPG | 2.7 BPG One of the most dominant bigs in the conference, Bidunga alters shots, controls the glass, and finishes with authority.
📊 Key Team Stats
Kansas State Wildcats
- Scoring Offense: 85.3 PPG (5th in Big 12)
- Scoring Defense: 80.2 PPG (13th in Big 12)
- 3-Point Shooting: 37.5% (3rd in Big 12)
- Opponent 3-Point Shooting: 32.4% (9th in Big 12)
- Rebounding: 36.7 RPG (12th in Big 12)
- Opponent Rebounding: 35.8 RPG (14th in Big 12)
Kansas State can light it up offensively, especially from deep. But their defense-particularly on the glass-has been a weak spot. If they’re going to contain Kansas, it’ll take a concerted team effort to limit second-chance points and close out on shooters.
Kansas Jayhawks
- Scoring Offense: 77.8 PPG (14th in Big 12)
- Scoring Defense: 67.6 PPG (5th in Big 12)
- 3-Point Shooting: 36.2% (8th in Big 12)
- Opponent 3-Point Shooting: 28.8% (1st in Big 12)
- Rebounding: 39.5 RPG (4th in Big 12)
- Opponent Rebounding: 35.8 RPG (13th in Big 12)
Kansas thrives on defense, especially in guarding the perimeter. Their ability to limit opponents from beyond the arc will be tested against a K-State squad that ranks among the conference’s best from deep. The battle on the boards will also be key-Bidunga and Tiller will be tasked with keeping K-State’s guards from crashing in for rebounds.
🧠 What to Watch
- **Will Peterson play? ** His status could swing the balance of this game.
Even if he suits up, how close to 100% will he be?
- **Can Kansas State’s guards replicate their Utah performance?
** Haggerty, Johnson, and Castillo were electric last time out. They’ll need to be sharp again, especially with two starters out.
- **Which defense bends first? ** Kansas State scores in bunches but gives up a lot.
Kansas defends well but hasn’t been as explosive on offense. This will be a classic case of strength vs. strength.
This rivalry rarely disappoints, and with both teams carrying storylines into the matchup-Self’s return, Peterson’s injury, K-State’s bounce-back-it’s shaping up to be another memorable chapter in the Sunflower Showdown.