A program like Kansas isn’t built to survive by the skin of its teeth—it’s built to dominate. Yet, instead of cruising past opponents, the Jayhawks have looked unsteady, as if walking a tightrope with no safety net. Their latest escape act against Colorado only reinforced that perception. Despite leading for all but 20 seconds, Kansas never truly put the game away, forcing Hunter Dickinson to play the role of savior. His season-high 32 points and 13 rebounds secured a 71-64 win, but instead of celebrating, fans were left asking a more troubling question: Why did it take Dickinson’s heroics to beat an unranked team in the first place?

According to a post on X by Kansas men’s basketball, “2H – 3:39 to play. KU 62 – 60 CU.” The scoreline told the story of a game that Kansas never truly put away.

While the Jayhawks never trailed for more than 20 seconds, they struggled to assert dominance, teetering on the edge of another collapse. It wasn’t until Dickinson’s late-game surge that they managed to secure the win—but even that felt more like survival than victory.

Kansas, once a fixture atop the AP Top 25, hasn’t claimed the No. 1 spot since Week 7. Now, they’re not even ranked. The decline has been slow but undeniable (especially considering the Jayhawks 19-9 record), and frustration is boiling over. Fans aren’t just questioning the team’s performance—they’re pointing fingers at the highest-paid coach in college basketball, Bill Self.

Fans React: Was Hunter Dickinson Carrying the Jayhawks—Or Covering for Bill Self?

Fans took to social media to vent their frustrations, and rebounding was a major sore point. One fan fumed, “Bruh… can Bill Self please preach one of the basics of basketball?? It’s called boxing out, find a player, and put a body on them! 15 offensive rebounds for CU.” The numbers back up the frustration: Colorado pulled down 18 offensive rebounds, compared to just 5 for Kansas.

Another fan echoed the sentiment, saying, “I really think Bill Self does not have this team do any rebounding drills in practice.”

For a program that prides itself on discipline and fundamentals, getting outrebounded 46-31 is a glaring issue. The Buffaloes capitalized on second-chance opportunities, keeping the game closer than it should have been. Kansas’ inability to secure defensive boards was one of the biggest reasons why the game remained within reach for Colorado.

Even with Dickinson’s heroics, some fans believe this team simply lacks the grit of past Kansas squads. “Worst Bill Self team ever. How does no one fight for the damn ball?” a fan lamented. While Kansas did enough to win, it was far from convincing. The lack of energy on the boards and on loose balls painted the picture of a team still searching for its identity.

Self has built a reputation for tough, hard-nosed teams that thrive in high-pressure moments. Yet, this Kansas squad seems to lack that edge. Dickinson, KJ Adams, and Rylan Griffen all had solid games, but the supporting cast has yet to provide consistent reliability. Without Dickinson’s dominance, Kansas could have easily suffered another damaging loss.

Frustration is inevitable in college basketball, but when a program as prestigious as Kansas struggles, patience runs thin. “Fire Bill Self time,” one fan posted bluntly. While a drastic reaction, it highlights just how much discontent is brewing among the fanbase.

The Jayhawks’ recent slump—losing three of five games before this matchup—already had fans on edge. Dropping out of the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2021 only added to the growing doubts about whether Self can get this team back on track before March Madness.

One sentiment that resonated across social media was that Kansas was saved by Dickinson alone. “Hunter Dickinson saving Bill Self,” one fan put it plainly. Dickinson’s 13-of-18 shooting performance was as efficient as it was dominant. Without his presence inside, Kansas may not have walked away with the win.

With three games left in the regular season, the Jayhawks sit just a half-game behind BYU for fifth place in the Big 12. They have history on their side—winning 22 of their last 23 matchups against Colorado—but history alone won’t be enough to silence the doubts. Kansas faces No. 10 Texas Tech next, a game that could either restore faith or deepen the crisis.

Self has been here before, facing criticism and doubts, only to prove his detractors wrong. But with the tournament fast approaching, the question remains: Can Kansas find the missing pieces in time, or will Dickinson have to keep saving the day?