Jalen Wilson shares how Kansas has gotten into repeat position

Kansas forward Jalen Wilson is confident that his team has what it takes to repeat as national champions in 2023. Coming off of last year’s title, the Jayhawks enter this season’s NCAA Tournament as a No. 1 seed.

Wilson knows the road to a second straight title won’t be easy, and Kansas’ opponents will likely give them everything they have. He stressed the importance of taking things one weekend at a time as the team begins its quest.

“It’s a blessing to be back here as a No. 1 seed,” Wilson said. “I don’t think anyone really is looking at it as us repeating. I think it’s us going to win it again. As far as this is something for us. To do that is going to take us winning two games at a time, each weekend, and understand every game is going to be a battle, no matter who we’re playing. Just appreciate the moment that we’re in. Doesn’t come too often that you’re a No. 1 seed so it’s great to have this opportunity in front of us and to go do it.”

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A starter for Kansas each of the past three seasons, Jalen Wilson leads the team with 20.1 points and 8.4 rebounds per game this season. He will hope to help the Jayhawks gain some momentum in their NCAA Tournament journey Thursday in a first-round matchup against Howard.

It’s still unclear whether Kansas coach Bill Self, who was hospitalized and underwent a procedure on his heart, will be back in time for that game. Assistant coach Norm Roberts, who has filled in during Self’s absence, called his status day-to-day. Self missed the entire Big 12 Tournament due to the issue as the Jayhawks finished runner up to Texas.

Last year’s national championship was the second for Self in his tenure at Kansas to go along with six Final Four appearances. The Jayhawks enter the tournament hungry to defend that title and add to the prestigious history of the program. They’ll even have added motivation after the Big 12 title loss.

Tip-off for the matchup against Howard is set for 1 p.m. CT on Thursday in Des Moines, Iowa.