KU basketball’s defense + some musing about Darryn Peterson: Kansas Jayhawks Q&A
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- KU defense has faltered in conference play as opponents exploit its switch scheme.
- Coach Self urges better communication and fewer switches to close defensive gaps.
- Peterson’s cramps raise durability concerns, though optimism about NCAA run remains.
After an excellent start to the season, the Kansas Jayhawks’ defense has struggled since the start of conference play.
Perhaps most alarming, opposing teams are exploiting KU’s switch-heavy defense — a defense that’s helped make coach Bill Self’s squad one of the best in the country at defending the perimeter.
Against both UCF and TCU, Kansas struggled to stop the opponent from scoring. In fact, TCU shot a blistering 66.7% from 3-point range in the second half.
Self has called out his team’s defense multiple times in the last week or so. He talked Thursday about what KU can do to combat the way Big 12 competition attacks the Jayhawks’ switches.
“Maybe don’t switch as much,” Self said. “A lot of it is poor communication. We screwed up some non-switches the other day when all they did is dribble the ball from one side of the floor to the other.
“Two guys — one of them thinks there is a switch, one of thinks there is not. They have an advantage when they haven’t done anything. So we certainly can tighten that up.
“For the most part, up until the last two games, our defense has been pretty good, but the last two games it hasn’t been at all.”
KU’s defense will get a chance to bounce back on Saturday against West Virginia in Morgantown, W.Va. Tipoff is set for 11 a.m. Central Time and the game will be broadcast on FOX.
With that, it’s time for another Kansas Jayhawks Q&A. Thanks, as always, for the questions ...
I know KU will probably stay tight lipped on the DP cramping issue - my question is was this a pre-existing condition? If my memory is correct, Novak Djokovic experienced similar cramping issue early in his career - I’m guessing KU has left no stone unturned as to the cause. @FerdKU85
I’m not sure if I’d call it a pre-existing condition, but Peterson had a cramping issue before this season began. He also experienced a toe cramp in his senior year at Prolific Prep during a game against AJ Dybantsa’s team.
I was told that Peterson ate a mustard packet and was good to go. As for KU, it seems like the Jayhawks have tried a lot of different things to help him. When I asked Self about it recently, he said they’ve talked to a lot of medical staffs all around the country in hopes of solving the issue.
Is this the year Self gets the purple monkey off his back and can actually sweep KSU? Would be much needed after that football butt whoopin’? @JAndrew_Cochran
I want to say yes, for two reasons. First, this K-State team is simply not very good. I know that usually doesn’t mean much, but KenPom ranks the Wildcats No. 74 in the country and their best win is against No. 67 Creighton.
Secondly, I think Darryn Peterson is just that good. He’ll ensure the Jayhawks come away with a sweep this season.
When will 2026 Big 12 football schedule be released? @CaseyOld
Typically, it comes out in late January or early February.
At this point in the season, are you more or less optimistic about KU’s chance of a deep NCAA tourney run than before the season began? @ChrisKansasCity
Man, this is a great one. I’ve been thinking about this question for couple of days and here’s where I am at: I think I’m slightly more optimistic about this team now compared to the preseason.
My issue coming into this year was whether KU had enough scoring outside of Peterson. And would there be enough accurate shooting? I can now say that the answer to both of those questions is “yes.”
Now, my concern is Peterson’s health and whether he can finish a full game. He’s played six college games and is yet to be fully healthy. That said, Self this week said Peterson “feels good and he’s full speed.”
Self has said similar things in the past and Peterson has still come out of games. So I am a little skeptical, but I am also encouraged that he did play 32 minutes vs. TCU. I believe he will hover around that mark the rest of the season.
I think that will be enough for KU to at least get out of the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
This story was originally published January 9, 2026 at 8:57 AM.
