The Kansas basketball team found themselves in need of a makeover following a disappointing 2023-24 season, one of the worst in Bill Self’s tenure. Despite starting as the preseason No. 1, injuries, internal issues, and a lack of outside shooting contributed to their downfall.
Coach Self moved swiftly to address these concerns in the transfer portal, securing commitments from guards Riley Kugel, Zeke Mayo, and AJ Storr. With the potential return of Hunter Dickinson, Kansas is poised to enter the upcoming season as favorites for the title.
While they continue to seek additional talent from the transfer portal, Kansas has already had an impressive offseason. ClutchPoints’ Liam Hanley recently highlighted five teams making waves in the transfer portal, with Kansas leading the pack as expected.
The Kansas Jayhawks faced clear challenges during the previous season, including a deficiency in three-point shooting and inadequate depth despite possessing one of the nation’s most talented starting lineups. However, Coach Self saw this setback as an opportunity to reevaluate and embarked on a mission during the offseason. The program successfully addressed these issues by securing commitments from three high-caliber players for the upcoming 2024-25 season, thereby addressing concerns about backcourt depth and enhancing floor spacing.
Coach Self prioritized addressing the backcourt issues and accomplished this goal by acquiring Zeke Mayo, a proven three-point shooter. While Dajuan Harris solidifies the starting point guard position, the team also boasts depth with potential returns from Elmarko Jackson and Jamari McDowell, along with the addition of highly regarded point guard recruit Labaron Philon. Mayo, named the Summit League Player of the Year for the 2023-24 season, brings impressive statistics, averaging 18.8 points per game while shooting nearly 40% from beyond the arc. He aims to emulate the success of previous Summit League Player of the Year recipients Baylor Scheierman and Max Abmas.
Additionally, the Jayhawks bolstered their roster with Riley Kugel from Florida, known for his strong three-and-D play, providing valuable size and shooting ability at the wing position. The centerpiece of the incoming class is AJ Storr, a former Wisconsin wing and Second-Team All-Big Ten selection. Storr led the Badgers with 16.8 points per game as a sophomore and possesses NBA-level potential, capable of scoring effectively from various areas on the court.
With these notable additions during the offseason, Kansas emerges as a top contender for the title in the upcoming season.
