Kansas is swiftly revamping its basketball roster following a disappointing conclusion to the 2023-24 season. Head coach Bill Self’s Jayhawks secured a transfer commitment from Alabama standout Rylan Griffen, marking their fourth major transfer acquisition since their exit from the NCAA tournament in March. Griffen notably contributed to Alabama’s journey to the Final Four, showcasing his prowess with impressive performances in crucial games.
Griffen, who played a significant role in Alabama’s postseason success, boasts solid statistics, averaging over 11 points per game and displaying a commendable 39% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc. Kansas, which struggled with three-point shooting, recognizes Griffen’s potential to enhance their offensive capabilities, ranking outside the top 200 nationally in three-point shooting percentage.
In addition to Griffen, Kansas has secured commitments from other notable transfers, including Zeke Mayo from South Dakota State, AJ Storr from Wisconsin, and Riley Kugel from Florida, all highly regarded by Rivals. Mayo, ranked fifth in the transfer portal, brings scoring proficiency, while Storr adds depth with his scoring average of 12 points per game from the previous season.
These acquisitions aim to bolster Kansas’ roster, addressing depth concerns highlighted by injuries to key players like Kevin McCullar and Hunter Dickinson in the preceding season. With a stronger bench anticipated for the upcoming season, Kansas eyes a potential return to dominance, potentially reclaiming the top spot in national rankings.
Furthermore, Kansas is poised to benefit from the potential return of standout center Hunter Dickinson, who retains one more year of eligibility. Dickinson, alongside returning players like KJ Adams and Dajuan Harris, could form a formidable core complemented by the incoming transfers and highly touted freshmen Flory Bidunga and Rakease Passmore.
Should Dickinson opt to return, Kansas would solidify its status as the favorite for the national title in the upcoming 2024-25 season. The blend of experienced veterans, promising transfers, and talented freshmen positions Kansas as a formidable contender aiming to reclaim their status as the premier team in college basketball.
