Kohl Rosario’s rise, plus worst-case scenario for KU hoops: Kansas Jayhawks Q&A

Kohl Rosario hasn’t worn a KU uniform for long, but he’s already got respect from his teammates.

Fellow freshman star Darryn Peterson speaks highly of Rosario, touting the chemistry the pair have with one another.

He isn’t the only one. Several Jayhawks players raved about Rosario and how he’s stood out during workouts this summer.

And Kansas men’s basketball coach Bill Self? He likes what he’s seen from the talented newcomer.

“We thought he was good, but I didn’t really appreciate his maturity and his commitment to trying to be good,” Self said. “I mean, he tries ridiculously hard every day. Ridiculously hard. You can tell him what he needs to do to get better that day or that week… and he’ll put a conscious effort to work on that so hard until he masters that or at least gets close.”

Not bad for a freshman who reclassified from the class of 2026 to 2025 back in June.

With that, it’s time for another Kansas Jayhawks Q&A. Thanks, as always, for the questions ...

Just glancing at the schedule and assuming a full healthy season for all players, what is the worst win-loss record for the basketball team, realistically speaking. @mikvogel

That’s an excellent question. I think this team will have some growing pains due to the high number of new players and the sheer number of freshmen, so I expect some winnable games to turn into losses in non-conference play.

I expect this team to be better in conference play, but the Big 12 is still loaded with great teams. Right now, KenPom projects Kansas to finish 19-11 and 11-7 in conference play.

After reviewing the schedule, the worst-case scenario is 17-13 and 10-8 in conference.

Is someone going to ask Leipold about all these potential job openings? Cause Wisconsin and Nebraska are likely to be open. @justincoursen1

I’m not sure how much interest either team has in coach Lance Leipold at the moment, but I also don’t think Leipold has much leverage right now.

He’s received multiple raises from Kansas after other schools have inquired about Leipold. But this is a pivotal year for Leipold and KU football.

Last season was a disappointment, particularly given the high expectations that came into it.

Between the $300 million stadium renovations and the fact that the Jayhawks’ schedule is among the easiest in the conference, there’s no excuse for KU not to make a bowl this season.

Not only would it be another disappointing year, but it would waste a special season by Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels.

Simply said, KU football needs to finish the season strong.

When KU is inevitably looking for a new DC this offseason, will they find an up-and-comer with high praise, or resort again to “someone who is available because they were ‘not retained’ by their previous employer” JAndrew_Cochran

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but KU defensive coordinator D.K. McDonald isn’t going anywhere.

Unless he leaves on his own accord, Leipold isn’t firing McDonald after his one season. Leipold is notably loyal to his coaching staff, which results in minimal turnover.

This goes back to his days at Wisconsin-Whitewater. Hopefully, for your sake, the defense improves in the next few games.

What’s the most absurd one-game statistical feat a KU basketball player will pull off this year? I think Kohl Rosario is going to have a double-digit 3-point game, where he goes around 10-12 or something. @ben_h_hooke

Great question. I believe Darryn Peterson is going to score the most points in a game under Self. And I think it happens this season. Currently, that record is held by Andrew Wiggins (41 points).

I think Peterson also has a shot at the record that Wilt Chamberlain set for most points in a game (52), but that mark would be tougher to reach.

If Kansas were to start a tradition, what should its fans throw on the field? @bewarephog

This one made me chuckle.

I’m going to take a page from the Big 12 Conference and not actually answer this question.

Truthfully, I cannot wait for “knife-gate” to be over with.

This story was originally published October 17, 2025 at 10:41 AM with the headline "Kohl Rosario’s rise, plus worst-case scenario for KU hoops: Kansas Jayhawks Q&A."

Shreyas Laddha

The Kansas City Star

Shreyas Laddha covers KU hoops and football for The Star. He’s a Georgia native and graduated from the University of Georgia.