What the Exhibition Between Two Blue-Blood Programs Revealed About Both Teams
In a high-profile exhibition matchup between two blue-blood programs, Kansas and Louisville gave fans an early glimpse of what’s to come this season. The Jayhawks left with plenty to celebrate, and a few questions, while Louisville showed flashes of potential despite offensive inconsistencies. Kansas led for most of the game and ultimately won 90-82, thanks to an all-around performance. Both Bill Self and Pat Kelsey should expect their teams to make deep runs in the tournament, and neither team should be hanging their heads.
Kansas: Star Power on Full Display
Freshman phenom Darryn Peterson, the projected number one pick in next year’s NBA Draft, lived up to every bit of the hype. The first-year star poured in 24 points, including six three-pointers and five steals, setting the tone on both ends of the floor. Peterson’s combination of shot-making, defensive instincts, and composure stood out, confirming why scouts view him as a generational talent. Behind Peterson, Melvin Council stepped into a critical secondary ball-handling role. Though he was a bit loose with the ball at times, Council’s defensive performance was elite, locking down Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr. Council also provided much-needed scoring in the second half, repeatedly getting to the free-throw line. Freshman Kohl Rosario struggled to find his rhythm and was ultimately benched after a tough start, while Tre White embraced the glue-guy role with trademark defensive effort and energy. Flory Bidunga, despite battling foul trouble, made his presence known around the rim with several highlight-reel lobs and strong rebounding. Meanwhile, Elmarko Jackson, returning from a broken patella, shook off early rust to finish with double-digit points and clutch free throws down the stretch. His steady playmaking was critical, especially once Peterson left the floor late with a calf cramp. The breakout performer, though, was Bryson Tiller. Besides Peterson, Tiller was arguably Kansas’s most valuable player — scoring in double figures, blocking shots, finishing alley-oops, and showing why he’ll be a major piece of this year’s rotation. Jamari McDowell also provided Kansas with productive bench minutes, offering energy and spacing. Overall, Kansas impressed with its athleticism, speed, and defensive intensity. While the Jayhawks’ offense occasionally stalled without Peterson initiating, Tiller and Jackson stepped up in key moments. If this exhibition was any indication, Kansas has the makings of an elite two-way team capable of overwhelming opponents with length and pace.
Louisville: Flashes of Promise, Room for Growth
For Louisville, Ryan Conwell was the offensive bright spot, leading the way with 20 points. However, the Cardinals struggled to find consistency elsewhere. Isaac McKneely and Mikel Brown Jr. couldn’t find their shooting touch, and Louisville’s heavy reliance on the three-point shot exposed a need for more inside-out balance. J’Vonn Hadley attacked the rim aggressively and showed good energy, though he couldn’t string together enough baskets to shift momentum. Khani Rooths started strong but faded due to defensive lapses, while Aly Khalifa emerged as a steadying force. Khalifa’s court vision and passing from the post stood out, making him the team’s early-season glue guy. For head coach Pat Kelsey, the key question moving forward will be whether this group can score efficiently without depending on perimeter shooting. The talent is clearly there, especially with Brown’s ability to create, but shot selection and execution will determine whether Louisville can contend in the ACC.
Final Thoughts
Both teams showed why they’re expected to be among the nation’s top programs this season. Kansas flashed championship-level defense and star power led by Peterson, while Louisville demonstrated depth and competitive spirit, even if offensive consistency remains a work in progress. If this exhibition was any preview, both squads are on track for big seasons — with Kansas already looking like one of the most dangerous teams in college basketball. I would feel great as a Kansas fan finally seeing the hype live to be true, and for Louisville fans, I’d hang my head high and understand that it’s October and they’ll be just fine.
