Bill Self and the Kansas Jayhawks couldn’t have asked for a better start to the new season. Playing in front of a packed house at Louisville, the No. 19 Jayhawks looked confident, connected, and ready for what’s ahead, taking down the No. 11 Cardinals 90-82 in a high-energy exhibition
Peterson Sparks Kansas With Star-Making Performance
The night belonged to freshman guard Darryn Peterson, who dropped 26 points and looked every bit like the star fans have been waiting to see in Lawrence.
Peterson wasted no time making his presence felt. The five-star recruit scored 24 of his 26 points in the first half, drilling six threes and showing off the smooth jumper that made him one of the nation’s top prospects. Every time Louisville tried to make a push, Peterson answered, whether it was a pull-up three, a midrange fade, or a quick steal leading to a fast break. It was the kind of debut that gets fans talking and makes opposing coaches start taking notes.
Kansas Youth Movement Delivers Early Energy
Kansas fans have reason to be excited beyond just Peterson. Sophomore big man Flory Bidunga threw down dunks with authority, finishing with 14 points and six rebounds. Fellow freshman Bryson Tiller made his mark too, scoring 12 points and blocking four shots. He played with the kind of energy that coaches love to see from a young forward learning to handle big-game moments.
Elmarko Jackson, back healthy after knee surgery, added 11 points and looked comfortable running the offense. The Jayhawks built a double-digit lead in the first half, and even when Louisville made a late surge, the young group stayed calm and closed it out. For an exhibition, it felt more like a March-level test, and Kansas passed with plenty of reasons to smile.
Signs Point to a Promising Season Ahead
Games like this don’t count in the standings, but they set a tone. For Kansas fans, this was a glimpse of what they are hoping is a much better season. Peterson looked ready to take over games, Bidunga played with a veteran presence, and the depth behind them gives this roster real balance.
Pat Kelsey and Louisville had its moments as well, but Kansas controlled the tempo and looked like the more complete team.
The Jayhawks will wrap up exhibition play next week against Fort Hays State before the real action begins in November. If this first look was any indication, Kansas fans might be in for a fun ride this season, and Darryn Peterson could be the next star to carry the program’s long standing tradition forward.