Many people across the country consider the Kansas Jayhawks to be the nation's best basketball team, and tonight KU gets their first opportunity to defend their number.

 

The Jayhawks open the season against North Carolina Central from Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence. This game kicks off the inaugural McLendon Classic, honoring legendary former coach John McLendon.

 

Jayhawks coach Bill Self says he wants to see his team play loose tonight.

 

Kansas has won 50 consecutive home openers, and return three key starters from last season in Dajuan Harris Jr., Kevin McCullar Jr, and KJ Adams Jr. The Jayhawks also landed the nation's best available transfer in former Michigan star Hunter Dickinson.

 

This will be the first meeting in the history of the two programs. Coverage begins at 5:30 p.m. with tip at 7 on Greatest Hits 104.1 FM.