Kansas Prepares for Players Era Opener Against Notre Dame in Vegas
Kansas is gearing up for its next challenge as the Jayhawks head to Las Vegas for the Players Era tournament, and first up on the slate is a matchup against Notre Dame. After a rocky start to the season, including tough losses to North Carolina and fifth-ranked Duke, the Jayhawks enter this game with a 3-2 record, looking to build momentum and showcase their potential.
Despite the setbacks, there were encouraging signs in the Duke game. With just five minutes left, Kansas trailed by only three, and players like Flory Bidunga impressed with his agile post moves, Tre White created scoring opportunities with his dynamic shot-making, and Melvin Council Jr. delivered a strong second-half performance. However, Kansas will once again be without freshman star Darryn Peterson. Coach Bill Self noted that while Peterson is progressing in practice, he isn’t yet ready to handle multiple games in quick succession. His absence leaves the team needing to rely on other players to step up during critical moments.
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“Without Darryn, we’ll have to focus on defense, steals, and fast-break opportunities,” Council said. The tournament presents more than just basketball challenges — it’s also a chance for the team to bond off the court. Spending long hours together in practice, film sessions, and travel creates an environment that fosters team chemistry, something Self emphasized as invaluable for the young squad.
On the other side, Notre Dame comes in as a strong, albeit unfamiliar, opponent. Coached by Micah Shrewsberry, the Fighting Irish boast talent in key areas. Markus Burton, a 6-foot guard, was a scoring machine last season, averaging 21.3 points per game with strong shooting percentages from both the field and beyond the arc. Carson Towt, a 6-foot-8 forward, dominated the boards at Northern Arizona and continues to be a force inside. Freshman wing Jalen Haralson, despite an early-season injury, has already shown his scoring ability, putting up 17 points on perfect shooting in a recent win. Shrewsberry’s son, Braeden, rounds out the backcourt with his sharpshooting, giving Notre Dame a balanced attack.
Coach Self highlighted the challenge the Irish present: “They’ve got two really good perimeter scorers and a big guy who’s powerful, a great screener, and an excellent rebounder. Their personnel is impressive.” The matchup is historically rare, with the two programs not meeting since 1988, but Kansas will be tested by Notre Dame’s size, skill, and depth.
Kansas will need contributions from multiple players. Tre White continues to show flashes of being a Swiss army knife, capable of scoring inside and out, while KU’s big men must avoid foul trouble to maintain their presence against Notre Dame’s frontcourt. The Jayhawks also need outside shooters like Kohl Rosario and Jayden Dawson to find their rhythm early, as consistent perimeter scoring will be critical against a team of Notre Dame’s caliber.
The game tips off Monday at 2:30 p.m. Central at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, broadcast on TNT. With the Players Era tournament underway, Kansas hopes to harness its lessons from early-season challenges and demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and growth against a formidable Fighting Irish team. The stage is set, and the Jayhawks are ready to make their mark.
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