Former Michigan big man Dickinson outlines several reasons he’s glad to be a Jayhawk
Hunter Dickinson’s desire to win — and win big — during his fourth and likely final season of college basketball fueled his decision to transfer to the University of Kansas.
“I feel like if you want to be on a winning team, why not choose the most winningest program in college basketball history?” Dickinson, a two-time first-team all-Big Ten selection from Michigan said Thursday after announcing for KU over Kentucky, Villanova, Maryland and others.
“That’s what I came here for is to try to win another championship for Kansas,” the 7-foot-1, 260-pound Dickinson said. “I feel we’ve got the players to do it. I don’t think we are all the way done yet with the roster. But right now with the current roster we have I can totally see why we’d be up there as one of the favorites to win (the 2024 national title).”
Of course there were some other reasons Dickinson, whose Michigan teams went 23-5, 19-15 and 18-16 in his three years at the Big Ten school, chose KU as his transfer destination. He’d been debating the pros and cons of his finalists since entering the NCAA transfer portal on March 31.
“Defensively I think they are the team that will allow me to improve and showcase my defensive abilities,” said Dickinson. He blocked 60 shots in 34 games as a junior.
On the offensive end, Dickinson — he averaged 18.5 points a game in 2022-23 on 56% shooting — figured he’d thrive in Lawrence accepting passes from a pass-first point guard in Dajuan Harris.
“A lot, that’s for sure,” Dickinson said asked how much having Harris as a teammate “played into his decision.”
“We saw film when I was on my (campus) visit. That’s a point guard I can definitely play with for sure,” Dickinson added.
Also regarding the offensive end, he’s been told he’s welcome to shoot the three at KU. Dickinson last season hit 24 of 57 threes for 42.1%.
“He (Self) is all for it. He wants to be a part of developing my game even more,” Dickinson said. “It’s definitely going to be part of my game next year … expanding my range. He wants me to shoot even deeper threes. That’s what we’ll be working on this offseason. It is something I definitely want to showcase next year. I think I shot a pretty good percentage this year from three but only 1.7 attempts. I’ll try to increase that number.”
Self informed Dickinson he’d be a big part of the Jayhawk attack.
“I think I am pretty familiar with it (KU offense). The film they have shown me shown every time we’ve met is pretty expansive,” Dickinson said. “I think I have a good sense how we are going to play. Coach also said he’s working right now on developing ways on how we are going to be effective next year.”
Dickinson, who said he “can’t wait to play in the fieldhouse,” indicated KU’s development of big men was another factor in his decision-making process.
“It was on my mind. I knew that was a possibility,” he said of his considering entring the 2023 NBA Draft pool after his junior year at Michigan. “I felt a goal of mine is not just get to the NBA but to stay in the NBA. If I want to be in the NBA I could have left after my freshman year but I want to make sure I am the most ready when I get there. I knew Kansas would be very good at helping me develop my skills while I was there (at KU).”
Dickinson noted that he already feels a close connection with 20th-year KU coach Self. That’s why Dickinson asked Self to fly Wednesday to Washington, D.C., near Dickinson’s home in Alexandria, Virginia.
He informed Self of his transfer decision in person Wednesday night.
“I wanted to do it so he could see my face. I could see his reaction and all that,” said Dickinson, who hugged Self after informing the coach he’d chosen KU. “He was definitely relieved. He said he was hoping he wouldn’t be coming all the way out here for a ‘No.’ At least that was good for him. Coach Self definitely made it known how bad he wanted me and kind of my points and how much I could help this program win.”
Dickinson noted he’d miss Michigan and the Big Ten Conference. He has thanked Wolverine coaches, teammates and fans on social media.
“I will miss it, going to all the opposing fan bases was super fun.” Dickinson said. “They (opponents) didn’t like me too much but I I loved it. I love competing against the Big Ten. I feel it’s one of the best leagues in the country with some of the best coaches. It will be sad to leave it. I think we’ve got a couple Big Ten teams on the schedule (including a trip to Indiana).”
Dickinson said he’d definitely be in Lawrence for summer school workouts in June and July.
“I want to be there as soon as possible,” he said, noting the excitement of choosing KU likely “won’t hit me until I move into McCarthy Hall.”
This story was originally published May 4, 2023 at 2:23 PM.
