Kansas Basketball’s 2026 X-Factor: Underrated Players Poised to Break Out
Three overlooked roster members may become key contributors for the 2026 Kansas Jayhawks, offering depth and surprise as the season unfolds.
Aug 11, 2026
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Bill Self
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Bill Self across Basketball.
Bill Self Eyes Another Title Run with Kansas’ Revamped Roster
Kansas head coach Bill Self enters his 24th season with a squad that blends returning standouts and high‑profile transfers, positioning the team as a serious contender for another national championship.
Aug 9, 2026
Washburn Coach Brett Ballard Seriously Injured in Kansas Crash
Brett Ballard, head coach of Washburn University’s men’s basketball team, was seriously injured in a single‑vehicle accident near Topeka, Kansas, on August 4, 2024.
Aug 9, 2026
Kansas Eyes Jaxon Kohler to Fill Center Void Ahead of Title Push
Coach Bill Self is searching for a new starting center after injuries to Christian Reeves and Paul Mbiya. Former Michigan State star Jaxon Kohler, a 6‑9 stretch big with elite shooting and rebounding, is a top target. His potential commitment could reshape Kansas’s interior and bolster its title aspirations.
Aug 8, 2026
Melvin Council Jr. Pursues Extra College Season to Boost NBA Draft Prospects
Melvin Council Jr. has filed a lawsuit in Kansas to gain an additional year of collegiate eligibility, a move that could reshape his path to the NBA while raising broader questions about NCAA rules.
Aug 7, 2026
Kansas Basketball Locks In Multi-Year Players Era Deal Through 2030-31
Kansas basketball has extended its partnership with the Players Era through 2030-31, promising high-profile games, NIL benefits and the continued rise of top prospect Tyran Stokes.
Aug 5, 2026
Washburn Coach Brett Ballard Seriously Injured in I-70 Crash
A single‑vehicle collision on Interstate 70 left Washburn University’s head basketball coach Brett Ballard with severe injuries. The university has issued a statement of support while details of his recovery remain limited.
Aug 5, 2026
Players Era Extends Partnership with Kansas Basketball Through 2031
The extension guarantees Kansas' participation in the Players Era Men's Championships through the 2030‑31 season, reinforcing the program's status as a premier college basketball brand while delivering enhanced fan experiences and athlete benefits.
Aug 4, 2026
Kansas Basketball’s Late Night in the Phog Gets a Revamp for 2024
Separate Late Night events for the men’s and women’s teams will debut this fall, featuring new opponents, a refreshed schedule and a commitment to preserving tradition while boosting engagement.
Aug 4, 2026
Bill Self Hails Darryn Peterson’s Summer League Promise Amid Health Concerns
Kansas basketball coach Bill Self praised Darryn Peterson’s performance in the NBA summer league, noting his potential despite health issues. Peterson, a 2026 NBA Draft second overall pick, averaged 20.2 points and 4.2 rebounds in college. Self highlighted Peterson’s ability while acknowledging his inconsistent shooting.
Aug 3, 2026
Bill Self Hails Darryn Peterson’s NBA Potential
Kansas head coach Bill Self praised Darryn Peterson’s performance in the NBA summer league, noting his adaptability and shooting prowess while acknowledging the health challenges that shaped his college season.
Aug 3, 2026
Kansas Coach Bill Self Sees Leroy Blyden Jr. as Potential Devonte’ Graham Successor
Kansas head coach Bill Self has compared transfer guard Leroy Blyden Jr. to former Jayhawk Devonte' Graham, highlighting shared shooting range and offensive rebounding prowess. With the team eyeing a stronger rotation, Blyden's development could follow a trajectory similar to Graham's breakout season.
Aug 3, 2026
Colorado Judge Clears Path for 2022 Graduates to Extend College Careers
A recent court decision opens the door for fifth‑year athletes to return for another season, reshaping roster strategies across the country and putting BYU in the mix for a high‑profile recruit.
Aug 3, 2026
Kansas Basketball’s Center Conundrum Ahead of 2026‑27 Season
Kansas must replace All‑Big 12 First Teamer Flory Bidunga, and the health of transfer Christian Reeves and the eligibility of Mihailo Mušikić leave sophomore Paul Mbiya as the primary candidate to anchor the paint.
Aug 2, 2026
Jaxon Kohler weighs 2026‑27 return as elite programs eye the versatile forward
A recent court ruling grants an additional season of eligibility to 2022‑23 players, prompting Michigan State forward Jaxon Kohler to consider a return while top programs such as Kentucky, Kansas and BYU line up for his services.
Aug 2, 2026
Jaxon Kohler Eyes Fifth-Year Return as BYU, Kansas, Kentucky Vie for Transfer
A recent court decision has unlocked a fifth year of eligibility for college athletes, prompting former Michigan State forward Jaxon Kohler to consider his next move, with BYU’s NBA‑style system emerging as a key factor
Aug 2, 2026
Kansas Basketball Coach Bill Self Looks Ahead to Revitalized Roster
Coach Bill Self discusses the team's summer development, highlighting key players, roster changes and his own recovery as the Jayhawks aim for a stronger postseason performance.
Aug 1, 2026
Bill Self Sees Paul Mbiya as Key Starter for Kansas Basketball
Coach Bill Self believes sophomore center Paul Mbiya is ready to start, citing his summer improvements and the team's evolving roster.
Aug 1, 2026
Bill Self Eyes Starting Role for Paul Mbiya as Kansas Basketball Prepares for New Season
Coach Bill Self believes Paul Mbiya is poised to earn a starting spot this year, citing his offseason development and the departures of key big men.
Aug 1, 2026
Kohl Rosario’s Second Year at Kansas Brims with Potential
After a challenging freshman season marked by limited minutes and inconsistent shooting, Kansas guard Kohl Rosario is poised for a breakout under Coach Bill Self’s optimistic outlook for the 2026‑27 campaign.
Aug 1, 2026
BYU’s Pivot: Adding Elite Big Men Amid NCAA Eligibility Shift
A recent NCAA injunction makes 2022 high‑school graduates eligible for the 2023‑24 season, prompting BYU to target top big‑man prospects and reshape its roster under new scholarship and NIL constraints.
Aug 1, 2026
Bill Self lauds JHX Hoops’ run in The Basketball Tournament despite loss
Kansas coach Bill Self praised JHX Hoops' effort and highlighted standout performances after their 78‑65 defeat to La Familia in the TBT alumni finals.
Jul 31, 2026
Kansas Jayhawks Stun Kansas State with Late Floater to Capture Second Title
The Jayhawks rallied from a massive first‑half deficit, tightened defense, and rode a game‑winning floater from Agbaji to secure the championship and spark a coaching overhaul for the Wildcats.
Jul 31, 2026
Four Years, One Legacy: A KU Sportswriter Looks Ahead
A veteran KU sportswriter reflects on four years at The Kansas City Star, gratitude for fans, and predictions for the upcoming basketball and football seasons.
Jul 31, 2026