Kansas Jayhawks Q&A: How KU basketball roster fits + latest on Darrion Williams
It’s no secret that Kansas basketball is interested in Texas Tech transfer Darrion Williams.
The Jayhawks have four open roster spots and Williams could fit a clear need — a true wing — for Kansas.
Williams averaged 15.1 points and 5.5 rebounds for the Red Raiders last season. He shot 34% on 3-pointers last season and has shot 37.9% on 3s for his career.
Kansas still lacks quality shooting, so Williams would help alleviate that need. But a potential commitment may take some time.
The Star texted with Aman Dhesi, president of PNW Sports Group (Williams’ agency), about the Tech standout. Dhesi told The Star that Williams is currently focused on chasing his NBA dreams.
It’ll be interesting to see if that could change in the coming days, but it certainly sounds like playing in the NBA is Williams’ preferred choice.
According to most NBA Draft experts, Williams is projected as a late second-round pick or undrafted free agent.
With that, it’s time for another Kansas mailbag. Thanks, as always, for the questions!
Generally, can either or both (KU football or basketball) get back to being competitive in their upcoming seasons? If neither is, then there are serious, important questions we need to ask. @MrBradleyTodd
This is a very fair way to feel. Let’s call it what it is, last season was disappointing for both KU football and basketball.
Relative to expectations, the programs greatly underachieved. For KU basketball, it was a second straight season of underachieving, which is a little alarming.
Still, I’m optimistic both teams will be better next season.
KU basketball’s roster configuration is much better this upcoming season. Kansas has done a nice job of building around incoming 5-star freshman Darryn Peterson.
It’s clear the Jayhawks have prioritized fit over flash with their transfer portal adds, which is a good thing. Still, Kansas needs to add two player types — a wing and a backup big — before the Jayhawks can feel fully comfortable.
And there’s still the wild card: If guard Zeke Mayo could return, that would be a huge for the Jayhawks. He entered the transfer portal on Monday.
Mayo is one of many players lacking eligibility to enter the portal, as they await potential court rulings or NCAA waivers that grant another year of eligibility. He’s open to a return, but going pro remains his first option.
Meanwhile, KU football has done a nice job of reloading the roster after more than three dozen seniors left the program.
Kansas brought in 22 players from the transfer portal and is still adding at the moment. KU’s schedule (as of right now) also appears to be significantly easier next season, so the goal should be to make a bowl game.
Excited to see how it all plays out.
What’s the plan with the remaining roster spots for #kubball ? Feels like they’re still short some shooting and veteran wing play, maybe another backup big too @jbertels00
I think the Jayhawks will add a starting-caliber wing and at least a backup big man for Flory Bidunga.
With the last two roster spots, KU could fill out with Jaden Nickens, who plays both football and basketball. Then, Kansas could add a walk-on from last season or perhaps Mayo returns to KU.
Self going high-low 2-big next year or 4-around 1? @JAndrew_Cochran
Looking at the Jayhawks’ roster construction, the most likely outcome is four-out, one-in.
Flory Bidunga will be the player inside. The starting lineup (as of right now) is likely Darryn Peterson, Melvin Council Jr., Jayden Dawson, Tre White and Flory Bidunga.
On paper, every single player outside of Bidunga can shoot … even if it’s low-volume and the percentages aren’t great.
Still, KU is too undersized — at the moment — to play double-big. The Jayhawks don’t have another big on the roster who is ready to start. I believe Bryson Tiller and Samis Calderon will be good players, but I don’t expect them to start Game 1.
That said, the Jayhawks still desperately need shooting.
It feels like the logical outcome is that KU adds a wing who can shoot (Williams would be great) and hopes a player like Mayo, who shot 42% from deep on about six attempts per game, can return for another season.
That would allow KU to play four-out, one-in with ease.
Anyone going to Green Bay for the draft? I’ll be there!! @ryman_justin
I wish. The NFL Draft looked like a great time Thursday night. I’m very interested to see where various Jayhawks go in the draft, with some projected as early as the third round.
Still, I anticipate that Day 3 is when we’ll see the first KU player come off the board.
