Big 12 Media Day: Parity, Kansas Uncertain

Big 12 Media Day in Kansas City underscored a deeper, more competitive conference and tempered expectations for Kansas, which was picked sixth after a disappointing 2024–25 season. Kansas coach Bill Self said the roster is uncertain — KU returns only one player who scored last season, Flory Bidunga — but praised freshman Darryn Peterson as an elite, versatile prospect who could make an immediate two‑way impact. BYU drew national buzz as a legitimate title contender, with coach Kevin Young and freshman AJ Dybantsa openly targeting a Big 12 crown and deep NCAA run. Kansas State’s Jerome Tang promoted his overhauled roster, naming newcomers PJ Haggerty and Abdi Bashir among the nation’s top players at their positions. New West Virginia coach Ross Hodge emphasized program tradition and veteran scorers, and multiple preseason honors signaled a wide-open, unpredictable Big 12 season.