When AJ Storr entered the transfer portal, he instantly became one of the most coveted players on the market. His stellar performance for the Wisconsin Badgers during the 2023-2024 season, where he averaged 16.8 points per game as a sophomore in the competitive Big Ten Conference, made him a hot commodity. Standing at 6-foot-7, Storr brings not only scoring prowess but also considerable length, athleticism, and versatility to the table.
Upon joining the Kansas Jayhawks, discussions arose about how and where he would fit into the starting lineup. While he’s listed as a guard, his natural position at the college level likely leans towards the small forward spot. Nevertheless, his size and athleticism enable him to slide into the power forward position, especially depending on matchups and Coach Bill Self’s strategic preferences.
Currently, the projected starting lineup for Kansas features Dajuan Harris at point guard, Zeke Mayo at shooting guard, AJ Storr at small forward, KJ Adams at power forward, and Hunter Dickinson at center. However, if Self opts for lineups that prioritize better spacing and three-point shooting, another configuration could include Dajuan Harris at point guard, either Zeke Mayo or Labaron Philon at shooting guard, Riley Kugel at small forward, AJ Storr at power forward, and Hunter Dickinson or Flory Bidunga at center.
While it’s unlikely to become the primary starting lineup due to Self’s faith in KJ Adams, who has started numerous games in the past seasons, incorporating Storr at power forward during certain stretches of the game could inject versatility into the team’s offense. This adjustment would open up minutes for other wing players, given the team’s abundance of depth in that position.
One common concern with smaller lineups is rebounding, but in this scenario, it’s less of an issue. Both Storr and Adams boast similar rebounding statistics, with Adams averaging 4.6 rebounds per game in 33.4 minutes and Storr averaging 3.9 rebounds per game in 28.8 minutes last season. In these lineups, the majority of rebounding responsibilities would still fall on Dickinson or Bidunga.
Ultimately, whether this lineup variation sees significant use remains to be seen. However, considering the team’s previous lack of depth and three-point shooting, Storr’s versatility and scoring capabilities bring a welcome dimension to the Jayhawks’ roster.
