For as long as I can remember, the Kansas Jayhawks have been a staple of college basketball greatness.  Since Bill Self was hired in 2003, the Jayhawks have racked up a whopping 17 Big 12 titles as well as two National Championships.  Despite this success, the last two seasons have been a bit of a step down from the usual year-after-year dominance.  While they did receive a one seed in the 2023 NCAA Tournament, that excitement was short lived as they were upset by eighth-seeded Arkansas in the second round.  They followed this up with arguably the worst season Kansas has ever had under Bill Self.  Now, it is important to understand that when I say “worst season ever under Bill Self”, that still entails a 23-11 record and a four seed in the 2024 NCAA Tournament.  Nevertheless, the banged-up Jayhawks had their lowest finish in the Big 12 since 2000 and were blown out by Gonzaga in the second round once again.

However, going into the 2024-25 season, the Jayhawks are not only poised for a bounce-back year but could also have one of the best rosters they’ve ever had under Bill Self.  With arguably the best transfer class in the country, talented returning production, and two high-level freshmen coming in, the Jayhawks may just have National Championship or bust expectations once again….

the transfer class

In the new era of college sports, the transfer portal is not only useful for building an elite roster but also seems to be essential for success.  The Jayhawks class is headlined by former Wisconsin and Saint John’s guard AJ Storr.  Storr averaged 16.8 points per game (PPG) and shot 43% from the field for the Badgers in 2023-24.  Standing at 6’7, Storr also offers exceptional length as a guard and should more than hold his own on the defensive side of the ball. 

Forward Rylan Griffen also transfers in from Alabama.  Following a season that saw Griffen average just over 11 ppg and have a crucial role on an Alabama team that made the Final 4, Griffen surprised everyone when he entered the transfer portal.  However, while Alabama has built a pretty respectable roster on their own, Griffen has found a new home in Lawrence and is poised to have another huge role as a starter for the Jayhawks. 

These two transfers as well as the additions of guards Zeke Mayo (South Dakota State) and Noah Shelby (Rice) give Kansas a new core of talent to build around moving forward.  

Returning production

One trend in terms of the best Bill Self coached teams is elite returning production.  Whether it be Udoka Azubuike and Devon Dotson coming back in 2019 or Ochai Agbaji and David McCormack returning in 2021, the best Kansas teams have veteran talent leading their squads.  The same can be said with the 2024-25 roster.  Center Hunter Dickinson returns for his fifth and final season in college basketball after averaging a double-double for the Jayhawks in 2023.  Veteran guard Dajuan Harris also returns for his fifth season after averaging 8.5 ppg and 6.5 assists per game.  Harris looks to quarterback what should be one of the most dynamic offenses in the nation.  Finally, 6’7 forward KJ Adams also returns after averaging double figures and shooting a ridiculous 60% from the field for the Jayhawks.  With these star veterans alongside the talented transfers, it’s hard to imagine anybody matching up with Kansas this season.

Young talent

While the starting lineup may be set with all of the solidified, proven talent the Jayhawks have, there are still important roles to be filled off the bench.  The two incoming commits the Jayhawks have signed will look to fill those vital roles.  First, Flory Bidunga, a five-star, 6'8" center from Kokomo, Indiana, should see early minutes for Kansas.

If Bidunga can tap into that athletic potential, the Jayhawks will have yet another weapon in their arsenal.  The other commit in their 2024 class is Rakease Passmore, a four-star guard out of Asheville, North Carolina.  Passmore projects to be an explosive slasher who uses his athleticism to be a top defender as well.

With a star-studded starting five and elite newcomers coming off the bench, don’t be surprised if Kansas appears at the top of almost all preseason Top 25 lists going into next season.  With confirmed non-conference games including Michigan State, Missouri, and Creighton, we will see early in the season if Kansas is as good as they project to be and if they can potentially bring home Bill Self’s third National Championship.