Kansas basketball’s NCAA Tournament run came to a heartbreaking end with a buzzer-beating loss to St. John’s in the second round. Now, the Jayhawks await word from Bill Self on his coaching future due to the heart issues he’s been battling since 2022.

On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM), columnist Sam McDowell discusses what’s in store for the Jayhawks this offseason and how the program might handle a coaching search.

Also, opening day for the Royals is Friday and beat writer Jaylon Thompson breaks down the roster, where the team has improved over last year, and how Royals players’ success in the World Baseball Classic — there were many — can carry into the upcoming season.

Rundown (timestamps are approximate)

1:20 — The struggles that led to KU’s early March Madness exit

9:57 — Is this the end of the Bill Self era?

20:08 — The Royals players who shined at World Baseball Classic

33:36 — What else is on Blair’s radar?

Kansas freshman sensation Darryn Peterson has had anything but a dull season. At times, he’s looked like the best player in college basketball. At others, he’s frustrated fans — and possibly his coach — by missing games for any number of ailments.

So what’s going on behind the scenes with Peterson? Has his NBA Draft stock fallen? And what’s the deal with the cramping that has persisted for almost the entirety of his freshman year?

The Star’s Shreyas Laddha dove into these topics — and more — in a feature on the KU basketball star. We discuss Peterson’s tumultuous season on SportsBeat KC, the podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR.

Rundown (timestamps are approximate)

1:16 — Why did Peterson miss so much time this season?

6:45 — Peterson’s NBA future

8:48 — Is KU on upset watch vs. Cal Baptist?

The Chiefs have found their backup quarterback in a trade — Justin Fields — with the hope that he doesn’t have to play in games.

After all, that would mean Patrick Mahomes’ knee injury has lingered and he can’t open the season. As it is, Fields, acquired from the NY Jets, will play a critical role while Mahomes recovers.

Beat writer Pete Sweeney breaks down the trade, along with other standout roster moves in free agency over the previous week and how they’ll impact the team’s approach in the NFL Draft on the latest SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR.

Also, columnist Vahe Gregorian shares his thoughts on the draws for Kansas and Missouri for the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers appeared to get a kiss from the selection committee, the Jayhawks a slap.

Rundown (timestamps are approximate)

1:02 — What Justin Fields brings to the Chiefs

8:50 — A breakdown of Chiefs’ free agency pickups

16:03 — How Mizzou got a lucky draw. KU, not so much

33:22 — What else is on Blair’s Radar?