Bill Self's new-look Kansas Jayhawks were clicking for the majority part of the Hawks 80-62 victory over Pittsburgh State on Friday. It marks the university's 58th consecutive Late Night at the Phog win at Allen Fieldhouse, and sets the stage for what is another season with high expectations for one of college basketball's blue bloods.
The biggest storyline, of course, was star freshman forward Tyran Stokes, who showed every bit of potential and reason why he is widely considered to be the top NBA prospect come the draft in June of 2027.
Projected No. 1 pick Tyran Stokes in an exhibition against Pitt State:
— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) October 17, 2026
14 PTS | 4-9 FG | 6-9 FT | 4 REB | 2 AST | 18 MIN pic.twitter.com/aKg567qmsF
Stokes finished with 14 points on 4-9 from the field and 6-9 from the free-throw stripe. He tacked on 4 rebounds and 2 assists in just 18 minutes of play. So for reference, the five-star prospect basically produced a point per minute when on the court in his first real college-level action.
He wasn't the only one to impress.
KU dominates Pittburgh State en route to 58th consecutive Late Night at Phog win
Returning senior Tre White led the team with 16 points off the bench. The two-way guard hit 4-for-7 three-point attempts, as well as grabbing 8 boards and nabbing one steal in 18 minutes. He, along with Melvin Council Jr., is one of the two returning veteran players for Self by way of injunctions provided by separate judges, granting each player another year of college eligibility.
Both opted to return to play for Self and should continue to have a large impact all season in perhaps lesser roles. Council himself led the team in minutes played (22), but did not overly stuff the stat sheet, scoring just 4 points, collecting 4 rebounds, and dishing out a trio of assists.
KU's starting 7-foot center Christian Reeves was a revelation, scoring 14 points in just 11 minutes while grabbing a team-leading 10 rebounds and swatting away 4 blocks. He, along with returning sophomore Paul Mbiya, gives the Jayhawks a real presence in the restricted area, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Mbiya himself had 3 blocks, 6 points, and 3 boards in his 13 minutes.
Despite the win, Kansas did not shoot the ball particularly well with 39-23-59 shooting splits. This was an issue last year for the Jayhawks as well. But after bringing in numerous snipers from deep, rest assured they will have better nights finding the nylon.
KU basketball's second of three preseason games will be held at 6 p.m. CT on Wednesday, the 21st, vs. Louisville once again at Allen Fieldhouse.
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