He sat out his 1st semester with KU basketball. Finally, his return date is set
Bryson Tiller of Atlanta’s Overtime Elite youth basketball program left Georgia for Lawrence on Jan. 6, hoping to practice with the Kansas Jayhawks second semester of the 2024-25 school year and, in effect, gain a head start on the 2025-26 campaign.
Unfortunately, a nagging left ankle injury kept the 6-foot-10, 240-pound, 19-year-old Tiller on the sidelines, ultimately resulting in surgery to repair a bone fracture the first week of March.
“The last time I played competitive 5-on-5 basketball was March 17 (2024) in our last game of the OTE Finals,” said Tiller. He scored 14 points with six rebounds and two blocks in 28 minutes in his City Reapers OTE 71-68 victory over RWE OTE in the league’s title game.
With Tiller on board, his OTE team actually won the league crown two years in a row.
“It’s definitely been a rough patch. There have definitely been some ups and downs. There’s no point in being down about it. I’m still doing my rehab, slowly progressing to get back on course. I keep that mindset (to) do all I can every day to get back on the court. I’m working every day to get back where I was — even better,” Tiller added.
The good news Tiller shared with media members Tuesday during an interview session at Bill Self’s basketball camp for youths is he’s been involved in non-contact drills at practice and been given a target date of July 1 for his full return.
“No rush at all. I’m going to be good for the season, going to be good for the summer, so I just can’t wait to get back with the guys,” said Tiller, who arrived in Lawrence last winter as the No. 21 overall prospect in the country by Rivals.
Tiller — he has a 7-foot-3 wingspan — chose KU over Auburn, Houston, Indiana, North Carolina and 15 other programs as a recruit.
“He’s a pro,” KU coach Bill Self said simply. “He’s much more of a 4-man that can play center, more so than a center that can play forward, which we’re excited about. He shoots the ball well. He’s got great feet. He’s very skilled, a passer who can score.”
Tiller sees himself as “a versatile defender, versatile offensive player and someone who can do it all, really.”
“I like to use the word dominance,” Tiller stated confidently in an interview with 247Sports. “I mean, being out for this past year basically (15 months), it’s taken away the game I love. And this year I’m coming for a lot of heads and I’m just going to be super grateful to be out there.”
Tiller was named to all-Overtime Elite second team in 2023-24 after averaging 12.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game. In the 2023-2024 playoffs, he averaged 15.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks while shooting 50% from the field.
“I see myself fitting into coach Self’s system,” Tiller said. “A lot of what he does for guys at the 3, 4 position will benefit me very well. He lets their guys pick and pop, pick and roll. Playing mid-post, high post, being able to make plays all over the court … I feel me being a very versatile player will suit me very well.
“I feel every time I step on the court I just want to make my presence felt. I definitely like to get my teammates involved. The biggest thing I want to do is win every time. I like making people smile, making people happy.”
Tiller has an advantage starting out at KU in that he was in Lawrence second semester 2024-25 and has a thorough knowledge of the playbook and what Self expects from his players.
“He is demanding,” Tiller said of KU’s 23rd-year coach. “I feel that’s what I need to get to the next level. I’ve seen him coach, seen him in the locker room. I feel I definitely know what to expect.”
Tiller’s dad, Tony, is a former football cornerback who played college ball at East Tennessee State and also has been a member of the NFL’s KC Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons, plus the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders. Hamilton Tiger-Cats and BC Lions.
“When I played I understood what a work ethic really means,” Tony Tiller told Sports Stars of Tomorrow. “I think there’s levels to it. Bryson is at a very, very high level, which is why he’s able to do the things he’s able to do.
“I love the versatility. I love the fact he understands how to play the game the right way. He understands how to play the game without the basketball. He understands how to play the game being on the ball. He understands how to set screens. Bigger than anything, he understands how to play defense.
“The first thing (in coming to KU) is, ‘Keep the main thing the main thing.’ That’s the No, 1 goal,” Tony Tiller added. “Things can get in the way. Our circle is extremely small. He focuses on basketball. Bryson can go as far as he wants to go as long as God grants him with health and strength. I think the future and the ceiling is unlimited.”
Bryson Tiller said his main goal at KU is “really to win a national championship. Everyone says it. It’s very hard to accomplish it. I feel this year we can really do it.”
He is enthused about playing for a basketball blue blood.
“I’ve only been here six months. I take a lot of pride in our program. Our rivals are Mizzou and K-State. I take a lot of pride in those games. I definitely am excited to be a Jayhawk. I can’t wait to get started,” Tiller stated.
Hopefully on July 1.
