So What's Next

I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. Coming into the season, I was really hoping this might turn into another 2022-type run—but that team felt completely different. They were connected, tough, mature and you could see the identity. It did take some time to develop with Remi but overall it just felt different. If I'm being honest, I didn't know if a title run was in the mix but it certainly was a team with the right pieces. This year just felt… off. One of the stranger seasons I can remember as a KU fan. The whole situation with Darryn Peterson stood out to me. At times, it honestly felt like the team flowed better without him than with him. When he was on the floor, other guys seemed to disappear. Where was Trey White yesterday? He didn’t make a basket until what, three minutes left? How does that even happen? That kind of inconsistency just isn’t what we’re used to but we saw it a lot this year.

Which brings me to the bigger question a lot of us are probably asking: what’s next for Kansas basketball? Over the last few years, especially since Bill Self missed the 2023 tournament with his health issues, this hasn’t looked like the Kansas we’re used to. For nearly two decades, we walked into games expecting to win. Now it feels like we’re just hoping to stay competitive. That’s a major shift.

To be fair, there are a lot of factors:

The NIL and transfer portal era has completely changed roster building
The Big 12 is deeper and tougher than it’s ever been
Continuity is harder to maintain year over year

But it’s also hard to ignore the timing. Since 2022: Early tournament exits (Round of 32, Round of 64) - A noticeable drop in Big 12 dominance compared to the 15 straight titles - Less consistent identity and cohesion

It makes you wonder if Self’s health scare didn’t at least play some role, maybe not the only factor, but something that accelerated a transition point in the program. So if we’re being honest, we have to at least ask the question: if Self were to retire, who is the guy? When Roy Williams left, it felt decisive. Bill Self was the clear choice and it happened quickly. I’m not sure that’s the case this time.

For me, a few names stand out:

Todd Golden — young, modern, already proven he can win at the highest level in today’s game
Nate Oats — consistent winner, strong system, feels like a safe but still high-upside hire
Tommy Lloyd — elite regular season success, great offensive system, though March results are still a question

As much as I love Jacque Vaughn, I just don’t think the résumé is there yet for a job like Kansas. This isn’t a place to take a chance, it’s a place to sustain excellence. I know we took a chance on Roy but I think times are different now.

It’s honestly hard to even imagine KU without Bill Self. But at the same time, what we’ve seen the last few years just doesn’t feel like Kansas basketball.

Curious what others think, am I overreacting, or is it time to start seriously thinking about what’s next?