LAWRENCE, Kan. — The University of Kansas men's basketball team generally boasts one of the toughest schedules in the nation and 2020-21 is no different.
The Jayhawks released the non-conference portion of their schedule on Wednesday.
Just dropped on 𝗝𝗮𝘆𝗵𝗮𝘄𝗸 𝗝𝗮𝗺𝘀 🕹Introducing our 2020-21 #KUbball Nonconference schedule!
— Kansas Basketball (@KUHoops) May 13, 2020
Read more ➝ https://t.co/xkyu9wWu1M pic.twitter.com/WqfKTIcadB
KU opens with Kentucky in the Champions Classic in a Chicago. It's a match-up of the two winningest programs in college basketball history.
The Jayhawks first home game of the season is Friday, November 13, against Southern Utah. It will be the first meeting on a basketball court between the two schools.
Dates with Eastern Illinois and Stony Brook universities follow before a trip to Anaheim, California, to play in the Wooden Legacy Tournament. Georgetown, UCLA, and the University of Virginia are the other powerhouse programs invited to that event.
December sees back-to-back visits from Omaha schools: the Creighton Bluejays on Dec. 3 and the Omaha Mavericks on Dec. 8.
Of course, the highlight of the non-conference schedule is the much-anticipated resumption of the Border Showdown series on Saturday, December 12, at Sprint Center. The University of Missouri and KU haven't played on the hardwood since 2012. The series dates back to 1907.
The following Saturday, the Jayhawks are back home to host the University of Southern California out of the Pac-12. Then, just before Christmas, KU hits the road for its first non-conference road game of the season at Colorado. The Buffaloes are coached by former KU guard Tad Boyle.
KU closes out the calendar year at home against Harvard.
The Jayhawks' opponent in the annual Big 12/SEC Challenge will be their final non-conference game of the season.
Kansas Men's Basketball 2020-21 Non-conference Schedule
Nov. 10 (Tues.) – Kentucky (Champions Classic, United Center, Chicago)
Nov. 13 (Fri.) – SOUTHERN UTAH
Nov. 16 (Mon.) – EASTERN ILLINOIS
Nov. 20 (Fri.) – STONY BROOK
Nov. 26-27 – TBD (Wooden Legacy Tournament, Anaheim Arena, Anaheim, Calif. – Georgetown, UCLA, Virginia)
Dec. 3 (Thurs.) – CREIGHTON
Dec. 8 (Tues.) – OMAHA
Dec. 12 (Sat.) – MISSOURI (Border Showdown Series, Sprint Center, Kansas City, Mo.)
Dec. 19 (Sat.) – USC
Dec. 22 (Tues.) – at Colorado
Dec. 29 (Tues.) – HARVARD
Jan. 30 (Sat.) – at TBD (Big 12/SEC Challenge)
