Storylines to Watch: Louisville vs Kansas

Even though tonight’s exhibition matchup does not count towards either team’s record, there are plenty of storylines. This is the return exhibition game from a season ago when the Jayhawks came to the KFC Yum! Center and beat Pat Kelsey’s Cards 90-82. Louisville and Kansas advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament a season ago with each team’s eyes set on bigger goals for 2026-2027.

Tipoff is set for 7 pm tonight on ESPNU. With only a few hours until tip, here is what you should watch for in tonight’s matchup:

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Flory Bidunga and Tre White

Louisville forward Flory Bidunga was the No. 1 player in the transfer portal during the offseason. He played his first two seasons at Kansas, before deciding he did not want to “waste” another year. In his two tournament runs with the Jayhawks they were knocked out in the first round by Arkansas and second round by St. John’s. Bidunga is the reigning Big XII Defensive Player of the Year. He averaged 13.3 points, 9 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game a season ago.

Many Kansas fans are bitter about the departure of a budding talent with such accolades.

KU guard Melvin Council Jr. even fired a warning shot towards Bidunga:

Tre White is a fifth year forward entering his second season with the Jayhawks. He has been a journeyman through his college career, participating for four different programs (Illinois, USC, Louisville & Kansas). White suited up for the Cards in the final year of the two-year abomination that was the Kenny Payne era at Louisville. While Louisville fans hold no ill will towards White and no players or coaches currently on the sideline for Louisville were around during his time in the Derby City, it still is a former player on the other side.

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White averaged 13.5 points and 6.7 rebounds per game for the Jayhawks last season. In his lone season in Louisville he averaged 12.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per contest.

Mar 22, 2026; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Tre White (3) reacts after a loss against…

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Publish date : 2026-10-21 19:36:00

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