LAWRENCE — Kansas basketball coach Bill Self established a specific recovery timeline for Christian Reeves earlier this summer.
Self indicated that Reeves would only participate in non-contact drills until early-to-mid October. This followed his acknowledgment that Reeves played the previous season with a shoulder injury at Charleston. Consequently, while the 7-foot-2, 260-pound fifth-year center has the potential to contribute this season, he will face a steep climb to secure a starting role alongside the 7-foot, 255-pound junior center Paul Mbiya.
“Will Reeves be ready for the season at full speed? Absolutely,” Self stated midweek as the offseason continued for KU. “I’m uncertain when he will be physically cleared for full contact—whether that falls in early October, mid-October, or somewhere in between, assuming there are no setbacks. However, upon his return, we anticipate he will be operating at full capacity in all non-contact situations and without falling behind on our install.”
Replacing the production of KU’s frontcourt remains a considerable challenge, even with Mbiya returning from last season. The departure of Flory Bidunga, an All-Big 12 first-team selection and Defensive Player of the Year, has left a substantial void. Although Mbiya performed well late in the NCAA tournament, he must make a significant leap forward this season.
Kansas Jayhawks fans are lit in blue before the game against Arizona Wildcats inside Allen Fieldhouse on Feb. 9, 2026.
Kansas has three upcoming home exhibition games scheduled. The Jayhawks will face Pittsburg State on Oct. 16, Louisville on Oct. 21, and Duke on Oct. 25. Each matchup will provide crucial insight into the team’s frontcourt depth and composition.
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- Liverpool Prepare for Wrexham Clash at Yankee Stadium in Pre-Season Friendly</[TITLE]Following Arne Slot’s departure at the conclusion of last season, Liverpool appointed Andoni Iraola to spearhead a tactical evolution at the club.The Basque manager was brought in to reintroduce a high-pressing, attacking philosophy to Anfield. Having had only a fortnight to integrate a squad significantly depleted by post-World Cup absences, the transition has begun with promising indicators. During his debut match against Sunderland, Liverpool demonstrated a more direct approach, utilizing a higher tempo and vertical passing patterns rather than lateral ball movement.Operating from a 4-2-3-1 tactical setup, Iraola was visibly engaged on the touchline, directing play with intense energy. He appeared particularly satisfied with the squad’s cohesive high press, which effectively disrupted Sunderland’s defensive organization. “We enjoyed some productive periods of possession, but we lacked a certain level of intensity. The timing of our movements isn’t quite right yet. We have significant work ahead of us, but this serves as a constructive starting point.”Considering the current squad depth, the early performances have been encouraging.
![Liverpool Prepare for Wrexham Clash at Yankee Stadium in Pre-Season Friendly</[TITLE]Following Arne Slot’s departure at the conclusion of last season, Liverpool appointed Andoni Iraola to spearhead a tactical evolution at the club.The Basque manager was brought in to reintroduce a high-pressing, attacking philosophy to Anfield. Having had only a fortnight to integrate a squad significantly depleted by post-World Cup absences, the transition has begun with promising indicators. During his debut match against Sunderland, Liverpool demonstrated a more direct approach, utilizing a higher tempo and vertical passing patterns rather than lateral ball movement.Operating from a 4-2-3-1 tactical setup, Iraola was visibly engaged on the touchline, directing play with intense energy. He appeared particularly satisfied with the squad’s cohesive high press, which effectively disrupted Sunderland’s defensive organization. “We enjoyed some productive periods of possession, but we lacked a certain level of intensity. The timing of our movements isn’t quite right yet. We have significant work ahead of us, but this serves as a constructive starting point.”Considering the current squad depth, the early performances have been encouraging.](https://i3.wp.com/cdn-media.theathletic.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,height=630,fit=cover/xJnn5cPQ8jDm_4cx8R8p6efAE_1440x960.jpg?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "Liverpool Prepare for Wrexham Clash at Yankee Stadium in Pre-Season Friendly</[TITLE]Following Arne Slot’s departure at the conclusion of last season, Liverpool appointed Andoni Iraola to spearhead a tactical evolution at the club.The Basque manager was brought in to reintroduce a high-pressing, attacking philosophy to Anfield. Having had only a fortnight to integrate a squad significantly depleted by post-World Cup absences, the transition has begun with promising indicators. During his debut match against Sunderland, Liverpool demonstrated a more direct approach, utilizing a higher tempo and vertical passing patterns rather than lateral ball movement.Operating from a 4-2-3-1 tactical setup, Iraola was visibly engaged on the touchline, directing play with intense energy. He appeared particularly satisfied with the squad’s cohesive high press, which effectively disrupted Sunderland’s defensive organization. “We enjoyed some productive periods of possession, but we lacked a certain level of intensity. The timing of our movements isn’t quite right yet. We have significant work ahead of us, but this serves as a constructive starting point.”Considering the current squad depth, the early performances have been encouraging.")
