But what made things even more difficult during the team’s 6-25 season were Schneider’s living arrangements.

“I didn’t have a house,” Schneider said at Media Day on Monday. “I lived in an apartment all last year while our house was being built. So the team is not coming over and you are not doing all those activities that are really important to me.”

However, this time around that won’t be an issue. Not long after KU was eliminated by Texas in the Big 12 Tournament, Schneider’s house was finished.

And with it, a new foundation was born.

“The house is amazing,” senior forward Jada Brown said. “He was talking it up all last year and he didn’t over exaggerate it at all. His wife actually opens up the door for us whenever he’s not there. He’s told us he will leave the back gate open and let us go swimming when he’s not there. Definitely grateful to have him.”

With the help of team activities at the Schneider residence and playing four games in Europe in August, the team chemistry has blossomed. Schneider noted at Media Day that the chemistry between the players is much better than it was at this point last year.

So much so that it almost feels like a completely different team despite many of the same faces. A squad that featured several young players last year including six freshman and four sophomores now represents a family.

And like every family, they needed a home.

“Going over to coach’s house is one of my favorite things,” junior transfer Jessica Washington said. “It’s just like a family atmosphere. We all get along. He’s got a pool out in the backyard (and a) basketball court. We have such a great time.”

The backyard basketball court is perhaps where the camaraderie has most formed.

It is there, where Schneider’s sons — Cash and Cole — will often challenge the KU squad to a dunk contest. With the goals lowered, the boys usually get the best of the women’s team.

“I’ve been dunked on by Cash or Cole a couple times,” senior forward Caelynn Manning-Allen said. “They definitely team up on when you least expect it. Cash will be in the house and next thing you know he’s coming out and receiving a pass from Cole. They definitely do double team us a lot.”

But the team does so much more than just dunk contests and dips in the pool.

They will watch movies as a team in the home movie theater. They will play with the two family dogs and take advantage of several home-cooked meals by Schneider’s wife, Ali.

It is even open for players to do some laundry.

“He’s just really, really open about having an open-door policy so we can all feel at home,” Washington said.

Tyler Johnson out indefinitely

On Monday, Schneider announced sophomore forward Tyler Johnson will be out indefinitely because of a knee injury that required surgery.

As a freshman, she started in seven contests, including the final four games. Over that four-game stretch, Johnson averaged 9.6 points with 3.2 rebounds.

“We will see how long she is out,” Schneider said. “She’s a player that’s got a chance to have a really good career here. Those are the things that happen.”

Kansas will return to the hardwood for an exhibition match with Fort Hays State on Oct. 30.