Full Breakdown
Kansas Jayhawks Kick Off Basketball Season with Late Night in The Phog
10/18/2025, 3:13:13 PM
Overview of Late Night in The Phog
The University of Kansas hosted its 41st annual Late Night in The Phog event on October 17, 2025, at Allen Fieldhouse, marking the unofficial start of the college basketball season for the Jayhawks. This year, the event featured scrimmages from both the men's and women's teams, but notably lacked a musical guest, opting instead for dueling DJs. The women's Crimson team narrowly defeated the Blue team 24-22, while the men's Crimson team triumphed over the Blue team 27-23.
Attendance and Atmosphere
Despite the significance of the event, attendance was lower than expected, with many corner seats remaining empty throughout the night. Factors contributing to this lackluster turnout may include the absence of a musical artist and the potential for fans to watch the scrimmage via streaming or television. Coach Bill Self expressed surprise at the low turnout, especially given the presence of highly touted freshman Darryn Peterson, projected as a top NBA draft pick.
Performance Highlights
Darryn Peterson led the men's scrimmage with 12 points on 6-of-12 shooting, although he struggled from beyond the arc, finishing 0-for-4 on three-point attempts. The team's overall shooting performance raised concerns, as they combined for just 2-of-15 from three-point range. Coach Self commented on the shooting woes, stating, “I don’t know I liked the shot selection, for the most part,” indicating that the players were not executing effectively.
The women's scrimmage showcased standout performances, particularly from Elle Evans, who scored 11 points and demonstrated her shooting prowess. The event also included entertaining elements such as acrobatic dunks and dance performances by players, contributing to the festive atmosphere.
Key Players and Expectations
Kansas's roster features several new faces, including Corbin Allen, a local product with a promising high school career. Coach Self highlighted Allen's potential, stating, “Corbin will be a nice addition to our program.” The team is also counting on the contributions of Tre White, who is expected to play a significant role this season after transferring from multiple schools.
Self emphasized the importance of team chemistry and unselfish play for the upcoming season, expressing optimism about the team's potential. He stated, “This year’s team has a real chance if we like each other, if we enjoy each other, if we play well together.”
Official Statements and Responses
Coach Bill Self addressed the crowd during the event, reflecting on the previous season's performance and setting expectations for the current team. He remarked, “Last year’s team did OK, but OK at the University of Kansas is not good enough.” Self's comments underscore the high standards associated with the Kansas basketball program.
Criticism and Concerns
Despite the excitement surrounding the event, concerns about the team's shooting efficiency and overall performance were evident. The low attendance and lack of a musical guest were also points of criticism, suggesting that the event may need to adapt to maintain its appeal in future years.
Conclusion
Late Night in The Phog remains a significant tradition for the Kansas Jayhawks, serving as a kickoff to the basketball season. While the event faced challenges this year, including attendance and performance issues, the enthusiasm for the upcoming season persists among players and fans alike. As the Jayhawks prepare for their exhibition game against Louisville, the focus will be on improving shooting and fostering team cohesion to meet the high expectations set by the program.
