Darrion Williams’ timeline + fresh look at KU’s hoops roster: Kansas Jayhawks Q&A
All eyes will be on Texas Tech transfer Darrion Williams for the next couple of weeks.
Kansas is interested in Williams, but he is currently going through the pre-NBA Draft process.
Landing Williams would be huge for the Jayhawks, as he would be the first true wing on coach Bill Self’s roster for the 2025-26 season.
Williams averaged 15.1 points and 5.5 rebounds for the Red Raiders last season. He shot 34% from 3-point range in 2024-25 (he’s 37.9% from deep for his career).
On Saturday, The Star spoke with Aman Dhesi, president of PNW Sports Group (Williams’ agency), about the now-former Texas Tech standout.
Dhesi told The Star that Williams is currently focused on chasing his NBA dreams and will spend much of May going through the pre-draft process.
As for where Williams stands on NBA Draft boards? One NBA Draft evaluator told The Star he has Williams pegged as a second-rounder. He noted that Williams possesses decent skills but needs to work on his body.
The evaluator was indifferent about whether Williams should return to school, noting that it would depend on his NIL situation.
With that, it’s time for another KU Q&A. Thanks, as always, for the questions!
Shreyas opinion... what percentage are we at with getting Williams? @gohawkgo3
This is an excellent question. If Williams returns, the Jayhawks will have a good shot at nabbing him.
There are two complications: His camp has told me multiple times that the NBA is his first option. And because of that, his timeline could be prolonged, which worries me slightly.
The Jayhawks have already been linked to Dame Sarr, one of the top international players in the class of 2025. I don’t see a scenario where KU brings in both Sarr and Williams.
I’d place KU’s percentage chance of landing Williams at about 30%, but it would go up instantly if he returns from the NBA Draft process sooner rather than later.
Gonna need Darrion signed by end of week. @C_Money05
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I don’t see a resolution coming anytime soon.
I think the earliest we will hear anything definitive one way or the other is after the NBA Combine (set for May 11-18).
Saw a CBS article that listed Shak as a returning player. Isn’t he like Zeke, waiting for an eligibility ruling? Or did I miss something @MediumRareChris
You’re correct. Like Mayo, he’s awaiting a waiver to return to Kansas.
Mayo remains focused on turning pro but hasn’t ruled out a return to Lawrence — if such a thing were to become possible.
“Chances have increased of getting that extra year, so I don’t really know what to expect, but it’s kind of a backup option,” Mayo told The Star. “I mean, returning to Kansas is always going to be an option.”
How bad will KU lose to Duke the next time they play? @george_marinos
Well, George, I appreciate the trash talk as a fan of neither team. That said, a pretty underwhelming KU team beat Duke last season, and the Blue Devils almost made it to the national championship game.
I look forward to these teams’ next matchup during the upcoming season.
