Next year’s roster is full of unknowns, but Dajuan Harris, KJ Adams, and Ernest Udeh Jr. should have solidified their role for 2023-24.
As painful as it is to say it, the Jayhawks season has come to a close. It was a very disappointing outcome in what was otherwise a very winnable game.
Many Kansas fans wonder where it went wrong in last night’s loss to the eight-seeded Arkansas Razorbacks. It could have been the lack of shooting, players in foul trouble, or the scarcity of bench scoring. Bill Self must address multiple issues when he assembles his roster for next season.
With the basketball program officially entering its offseason, we can now look to the Jayhawks roster for the upcoming season. Jalen Wilson, Gradey Dick, and Kevin McCullar have all played their final games at Kansas, with several players expected to weigh entering the transfer portal.
Nothing is guaranteed, but Dajuan Harris has already announced that he will return to the Kansas basketball team. With his enlarged role and winning Big 12 Most Improved Player, KJ Adams should be a mainstay in next year’s rotation. Additionally, Ernest Udeh Jr. should return for his sophomore season after showing some promise as a freshman.
Harris has already talked about being a five-year player for Bill Self. He has had a terrific career for Kansas, operating as the starting point guard for their national championship-winning team. Now, he has made tremendous leaps offensively and improved his decision-making.
It is a Kansas team, so Bill Self will probably reel in a highly coveted transfer. Harrison Ingram of Stanford or Jaykwon Walton of Wichita State would be excellent additions to the squad.
The growth of our bench players will be crucial. Kansas had one of its worst benches under Self this year and in the nation.
Joseph Yesufu, Bobby Pettiford, Kyle Cuffe Jr., Zuby Ejiofor, and MJ Rice could all have a sizeable role in the offense next year if they can improve. But not all players are cut out for Kansas basketball — Rice, Pettiford, and Zach Clemence are all transfer candidates.
Elmarko Jackson and Chris Johnson are two highly recruited guards coming to Lawrence. They will have the opportunity to prove themselves and potentially become starting-caliber players, just as freshman Gradey Dick did this season.
Kansas fans freak out about how next year’s roster will look every year. And despite all of the panic, Bill Self always puts out a top-notch squad. It remains to be seen who is KU’s missing puzzle piece for 2023-24.