Kansas Jayhawks Q&A: Bill Self’s transfer pitch, Darryn Peterson & Flory Bidunga
After the worst season of the Bill Self era, the Kansas Jayhawks’ roster will look almost entirely brand-new in 2025-26.
Not only did six KU players enter the transfer portal; Kansas enters the weekend with eight open roster spots.
On top of that, not a single player that set foot on the court last season in a Jayhawks uniform is set to return … unless Flory Bidunga or Rakease Passmore take their names out of the portal. (Neither has shut the door on a return to Kansas.)
Bidunga’s guardian, Dillon Craft, told The Star that Bidunga’s decision could come as soon as the end of this week. Still, there’s no set timeline for his decision and the process could take longer depending on whether Bidunga wants to schedule school visits.
Kansas is still in the running, but as 247Sports’ Travis Branham reported, KU might not be in the lead.
Something of note: The Star has spoken to multiple transfer portal players that Kansas is interested in, and the players have said that Self and his staff haven’t mentioned Bidunga in those conversations.
The big topic of discussion on those calls is how these players will fit alongside the new face of Kansas basketball: Darryn Peterson.
For better or worse, the incoming 5-star freshman will have a relatively new roster around him. How that plays out remains to be seen.
With that, it’s time for another Kansas Jayhawks Q&A. Thanks, as always, for the questions!
Just want to confirm that Bill Self does plan on adding players at some point … right? @MediumRareChris
I understand the anxiety at the moment, but I don’t think it’s necessarily bad that the Jayhawks are being patient and selective when adding players.
The next season is the most critical season for KU in a long time. Not only does Kansas have a likely top-3 NBA Draft pick on the roster in Peterson, but Self isn’t getting any younger.
We saw how heralded transfer prospects like AJ Storr and Rylan Griffen didn’t exactly live up to expectations this past season.
So, yes, Kansas will pick up players. It may take a little longer than other seasons, but finding the right fit around Peterson is the most important thing. So, in short, keep your faith in Self.
Friday evening update: Kansas has added its first player of the recruiting cycle in Loyola Chicago guard Jayden Dawson. The Jayhawks still have seven spots remaining.
Seems to me in the NIL era (most eras) that schools have to be more judicious with how they allocate between football and basketball. Do we think the heavy investment in KUFB is affecting KUBB? @Schaumby
I’d be shocked if that were the case at KU. The brand of Kansas basketball is very strong; in fact, it’s perhaps what KU is known for best.
Whenever I tell anyone not from Kansas about my job, I get a lot of questions about Kansas basketball and Bill Self. There’s usually no mention of the football team.
That’s anecdotal, but the point is that the KU athletic department knows where its bread is buttered. Kansas basketball is a machine that brings the school revenue, exposure and notoriety. Self is a Hall of Fame coach, and the No. 1 NBA Draft pick could be on the roster next year.
KU football simply isn’t there yet, even though it’s certainly growing under Lance Leipold.
What is your expected timeline on portal additions? @daytona_jr
I don’t have specific dates, but I think there will be some additions soon.
I keep hearing from players, parents and agents that many players are rushing to sign to new schools before the House settlement comes in on April 7.
I wouldn’t be surprised if KU gets a couple of transfer portal commitments by that date.
Are we even going to finish .500 next year? @Jedwards_radio
I know KU’s roster seems uncertain right now, but I believe Kansas will be better than last season.
Peterson’s talent is good, and the fit around him will be better than how the pieces worked last season. Keep in mind, the Jayhawks were building around a non-shooting trio of Hunter Dickinson, KJ Adams and Dajuan Harris. That will look different next year.
Simply said, Peterson is just that good. Exciting things are ahead in Lawrence.
My colleague Sam McDowell, in fact, wrote about the mass exodus and why that could end up being a good thing for the Jayhawks.
How’s your basketball abilities? May need you to suit up in the fall? @NickSpringer29
I don’t mean to brag, but I averaged 8 points per game in the University of Georgia Intramural circuit. Most of those points came from driving to the hoop and occasional mid-range, but I could make a 3-pointer … sometimes.
The downside is I’m 5-foot-9 on a good day. I simply cannot defend players that much taller than me and I think I’d contribute to some spacing issues.
I also have a killer hook shot. Unfortunately, I don’t think I can use it against Big 12 players … or any college players.
Anyway, sign me up. I’d love to play at Allen Fieldhouse (and likely embarrass myself).
This story was originally published April 4, 2025 at 12:07 PM.
