KU Kicks Off Season Against Green Bay on Monday
The Kansas Jayhawks men’s basketball team is set to kick off their season against the Green Bay Phoenix on Monday, October 30, 2023. This highly anticipated matchup will take place at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas, beginning at 7 p.m. Head coach Bill Self has expressed uncertainty about his team’s readiness as they enter the new season. His assessment follows mixed performances during recent exhibition games, including one against Fort Hays State.
Kansas’ Season Opener Against Green Bay
The Jayhawks will host the Phoenix, a squad from the Horizon League coached by Doug Gottlieb. Gottlieb, once a point guard at Oklahoma State, is now balancing his coaching responsibilities with a national talk radio show. Last season, Green Bay struggled, finishing with a record of 4-28, which included losing their top player, guard Anthony Roy, due to injury.
Returning Players and Key Additions
- Marcus Hall: A forward who averaged 13.9 points and 4.2 rebounds last season.
- Preston Ruedinger: A guard who has potential coaching responsibilities next season.
- C.J. O’Hara and Mac Wrecke: Other key returning guards for the Phoenix.
- LeBron Thomas: A junior-college All-American and significant addition to the team.
- Ramel Bethea: Another impactful junior-college transfer with past military service.
Green Bay also saw a recent victory against Division III St. Norbert College, where they won 75-48, showing signs of improvement as the season starts.
Expectations for the Jayhawks
Coach Self is hoping for a strong performance against Green Bay after expressing concerns about the team’s focus and practice habits. He noted that practice has shown “a lot of slippage,” urging his players to elevate their performance. As the team prepares for the opener, the return of freshman Darryn Peterson is also a focal point. Despite limited playtime in past exhibitions due to cramps and illness, expectations are high for Peterson’s debut.
Additionally, Kansas is counting on Kohl Rosario, a freshman wing, to contribute as one of the team’s primary shooters. However, his shooting performance has been below expectations so far. Another player to watch is Paul Mbiya, whose size and potential make him a key asset for the Jayhawks moving forward.
Broadcast Information
The season opener will be aired on ESPN+, and local radio coverage will be provided by the Jayhawk Radio Network, including KLWN AM 1320 and FM stations in Lawrence.
Historical Context
Kansas has a formidable record in home openers, boasting 52 consecutive wins, including all 22 under coach Bill Self. The matchup against Green Bay offers the Jayhawks an opportunity to assert their dominance early in the season.
As KU kicks off their season against Green Bay, fans are eager to see how this new roster will perform and how quickly they can establish their identity on the court.
