Three Kansas Players Who Could See Less Playing Time With Tre White’s Return

Tre White’s return to Kansas came as a major boost to Bill Self and the Jayhawks with the regular season just around the corner. The All-Big 12-caliber wing gives KU a proven roster piece despite spending the past few months preparing without him.

While White’s arrival gives this squad more flexibility to shuffle things around, it also creates a complicated numbers game for several players who were anticipating bigger roles. These three Jayhawks will be affected the most by White’s return, whether it comes to their spot in the starting five or their overall workload.

Mar 22, 2026; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Tre White (3) reacts after a loss against the St. John’s Red Storm during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

3. Paul Mbiya

Mbiya and White may not play the same position, but White’s workload could have a direct effect on the big man’s role. His return could force the coaching staff to consider a small-ball rotation – at least in short spurts – which would allow Kansas to use an extra guard or wing instead of a true center. That would hypothetically leave Mbiya or Charleston transfer Christian Reeves outside the starting five.

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Even if Coach Self does start a big man like Mbiya or Reeves, there are only so many minutes to distribute with another prominent wing in the mix. With an abundance of talent in the backcourt, Kansas could prioritize stretches where it plays smaller and faster, which would naturally cut into Mbiya’s opportunities.

2. Kohl Rosario

Rosario initially entered his sophomore campaign with high expectations to finally break out and tap into the potential he showed in 2025-26. However, White’s return may throw a wrench in those plans.

The Miami native is already competing with several players for minutes on the wing, and now, a premier player has come in to take a starting spot. That makes him the third or fourth player off the…

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Publish date : 2026-09-27 11:00:00

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