Kansas basketball: Agabji, Wilson’s return improves draft stock

With their 2021 NBA Draft deadline of July 7th approaching in a little over a month, it might be crunch time for decisions from Ochai Agbaji and Jalen Wilson on whether to return with Kansas basketball for another season.

Both Jayhawks found spots on the 2020-21 starting roster and would create an interesting lineup when combined with recent offseason pickups Remy Martin, Jalen Coleman-Lands, and Joseph Yesufu.

Following the addition of Martin and Coleman-Lands, fans may have considered Agbaji/Wilson’s departures a sure thing. However, there are some potential upsides to his return that’ll benefit their eventual jump to the NBA. Returning to an improved Jayhawks’ roster gives Kansas a solid chance at a deep NCAA Tournament run.

Improving their draft stock should be a strong consideration for the pair, which suffered a tough second-round loss to USC in this past season’s tournament. Taking advantage of their remaining eligibility will put them in a more favorable position in the future draft, as well as giving them more college experience.

Wilson should return

Guard Jalen Wilson, fresh off his second season with the Jayhawks, should be expected to return for his junior year. He has been exploring the NBA Draft process, however, it’s hard to believe he’d be taken early in this year’s draft.

Wilson has a lot of talent, and choosing to come back for at least another year will do wonders for his NBA endeavors. He can be an offensive threat, but finding a rhythm was something he struggled with this past season.

Giving Jalen another year to adapt and play in college basketball normalcy should yield some offensive development and allow him the right opportunities to succeed on the court. With it, he’ll be doing himself a major favor and could be an ideal candidate for NBA franchises.

Agbaji boosts the perimeter

Ochai Agbaji led the Jayhawks in three-point field goals this past season, often becoming the backbone of the perimeter. This, combined with his size and experience, makes him a solid NBA Draft candidate.

Despite being a projected second-round pick, Agbaji still brings value to Kansas’ offense. During the Jayhawks’ January 2021 slump, he remained one of the more consistent players on the roster. He would also heat up tremendously during the home finale, Big 12 tourney, and the first round of the NCAA Tournament vs. Eastern Washington.

Should Agbaji decide to return, Kansas will instantly become a stronger three-point shooting team. Considering the additions of Remy Martin and Jalen Coleman-Lands, there will be a decent arsenal with Agbaji’s support.

The NBA Draft is scheduled for July 29th and both Agbaji and Wilson will need to make their call before July 7th. Until then, it seems a decision from either of the two will be coming any day now.