Although it is an unlikely scenario, Kansas basketball has not ruled out Kevin McCullar returning for his super senior season.
The transfer from Texas Tech was one of the team’s most vital pieces in his lone season as a Jayhawk. McCullar was a semifinalist for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award and one of the best on-ball defenders that Bill Self has ever had.
Most people assumed he was a lock to enter the NBA Draft after the Jayhawks’ season ended vs. Arkansas in the Round of 32. However, Bill Self’s comments in his press conference yesterday morning suggest that he is still considering his decision.
There are several reasons why McCullar could declare for the draft right now. For one, most mock drafts project him to be selected at the back end of the second round after he was not considered to be drafted a season prior. He improved his draft stock severely at KU. Additionally, he would be entering his sixth season of college, making him 23 years old at the time of next year’s draft. A prospect this old would have trouble finding minutes on an NBA roster unless he is a top-notch player.
KUsports.com writer Matt Tait spoke to Bill Self about the matter.
"“I think there’s no question that (he) could help himself by staying. But for him to come back, it would be his 6th year. I’ve talked to Kev & he’ll make the decision when the time’s right. But he’s certainly going to go through the process.”"
Considering that he went through with Senior Night festivities and made it known this was likely his last year playing college basketball, these are encouraging words from Self. A super senior season for McCullar would cement him in the Kansas basketball history books. If his offense improves, he could be one of the best players in the Big 12 conference.
The deadline to enter the NBA Draft is April 23rd, and McCullar is unquestionably going to do so. However, the deadline to rescind your name and retain college eligibility is May 31st, so it could be over a month until we know McCullar’s final decision. We know he must do what is best for him, but if you are like me, you are selfish and want him back for one more season in Lawrence.