Here are Kansas basketball’s best- and worst-case scenarios for its 2024-25 season

LAWRENCE — Kansas basketball has enjoyed numerous instances of success during head coach Bill Self’s tenure with the program, which began a little more than two decades ago.

Although last season didn’t reach the heights many expected, the Jayhawks aren’t far removed from their last Big 12 Conference regular season title, which they won during the 2022-23 season. They aren’t far removed from their last Big 12 tournament title, which they won in 2022. They aren’t far removed from their last national championship, which they also won in 2022.

So, considering the players Self’s staff brought back from last season’s squad, what could the 2024-25 season look like? Considering the talent Kansas added through the transfer portal, and from the high school ranks, will it be back at the top of the Big 12? Expectations are high for the preseason No. 1 team in the nation.

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Here are the hypothetical best-case and worst-case scenarios for the Jayhawks, with their regular season opener Monday at home against Howard:

Best-case scenario

The month of November includes a few tests, as Kansas’ non-conference slate sees it play North Carolina at home, Michigan State in Atlanta and Duke in Las Vegas. The Jayhawks are able to protect home court against North Carolina and other opponents who travel to Allen Fieldhouse, and although they come up short against Duke they are able to top Michigan State and head into December at 6-1. Kansas then sweeps through its remaining non-conference matchups, including road victories at Creighton and Missouri to enter Big 12 play at 10-1.

The Jayhawks tip off their league slate on Dec. 31 at home against West Virginia, and show just to what extent they’ll be a force in the conference. January includes some tough road matchups, and Kansas comes up short at both Iowa State and TCU, but it’s still a quality month. The Jayhawks pick up wins like at Cincinnati,…

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Author : The Topeka Capital-Journal

Publish date : 2024-11-02 08:01:00

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