I am so glad to see KU Men's Basketball back

What was that thing out on the court the previous two seasons?

Seriously, though...

The drive, the grit, the "can do" attitude, and - even for the transfers and freshmen - the pride of place in being a part of one of the most consequential programs - if not THE most consequential program, and I'd argue it is - in college hoops history shows in these young men. Even Darryn, the guy EVERYONE In the media wants to talk about, whether he's been in the game of not*, comes back to the locker room and highlights the KANSAS on his jersey.

And ironically, it seems it is first year senior transfer Melvin Council, Jr - DAWG Council - setting the tone with his energy and leadership and joie de vivre! Self has repeatedly commented on the infectious impact of the youngster. And the reality that he has come through for the team time and time again only solidifies his place with his teammates and his fans. Paraphrasing Self, "the best 6 of 25 performance by a point guard" he's ever seen and "we don't win without him!" (Here's hoping he gets one more year!)

And Flory, too, smiling all the time as if he knows something we don't - and then stepping out and showing everyone something.

And Bryson and Tre and Elmarko and Jamari (I'm beginning to think every KU squad should have a Jamari on it!) and even Kohl (not letting his shooting woes affect the rest of his game) and Big Paul (sittin' in as needed) all seem to be groovin' together!

Yes, I'm on a high after the DP-less win over Arizona and looking forward to having Darryn back for the second game against ISU, but doggone it, it is just soooo nice to enjoy watching the games again.

Win or lose, these young men don't quit, they hustle, they scrap, they bring it and they never stop until the clock has run out. They rep KU well!

They are rare birds, these birdDAWGS, but do they make great JAYHAWKS!
Coach, for goodness sakes, please go find some more!

AND BEAT IOWA STATE!
Damn the "Hilton Magic", full speed ahead!

ROCK CHALK!



*"Guys, Kansas is a helluva team, let's not make this about Darryn Peterson. He didn't play because he was sick. They beat the #1 team in the country at home tonight. They did a helluva job, and their coach did a helluva job. *That* should be the story."
- Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd after KU defeated UA 82-78 on Monday night, 2026-02-09.

As if we needed more to get us all pumped up for today’s game…now we’re all ready to run through a wall for KU!

Good pregame pep talk, Coach Dawson!

Even today's loss does not dent my enthusiasm for this team.

ISU was going to be tough in Ames anyway, we all knew that.
We hoped for a better result with DP back, but he clearly is not back to form after his illness.
Plus there is the issue of him and the team gelling together, which clearly hasn't happened yet.

Then there is also the fact that previously rock steady Tre is wobbling.
But we learned that he has been fighting a tooth infection for some time, there was a root canal (which I believe was actually some time ago, and the infection is an aftermath) and he had more work done after the Arizona game to help with the problem. As a result he did not practice until Friday, and clearly he was not up to his usual self again today.

There is also the DP "heart" issue.

Lots of folks shaking their heads as he sits out 40% of the game again.

People remembering Monday night's images of Bryson Tiller on the sidelines getting treated for cramps and then minutes later back on the court and finishing the game. A striking contrast.

I am beginning to wonder if he really has heart.

I hope I am wrong and he is just so subpar with his illness that he cannot perform as he is used to doing.

The Stillwater road game isn't until Wednesday and the Cincy game is in AFH on Saturday.

I guess time will tell.

Your gotta have hope... and heart...