The new season brought challenges for the Jayhawks. The 2017-18 season began with KU pegged in the top 5 of preseason rankings. That is when the trouble started. Billy Preston has still not played a minute of college basketball. One is left to wonder if he ever will, although Bill Self remains optimistic.
Even without Billy Preston, the paper-thin front-court held its own in the first few games as the Jayhawks marched to 7-0 record. During this stretch, the Jayhawks won against a talented but young Kentucky team, and over a well coached Syracuse team in Miami.