Kansas basketball news: Awards banquet, Timberlake visit, Self wants McCullar back

The 2022-23 Kansas basketball team had their awards banquet last night and will host one of the most highly coveted transfers today in Allen Fieldhouse for a visit.

Each year following the conclusion of the season, the Jayhawks host a banquet dinner to commemorate the team’s success. The parents of players are also recognized for their commitment to the program.

Most of the team, even players that transferred, attended the dinner. Only Bobby Pettiford, Joseph Yesufu, and Cam Martin (who just committed to Boise State) were absent from the event. Zach Clemence and MJ Rice made it, as did future NBA draft picks Jalen Wilson and Gradey Dick.

Wilson was given the annual Danny Manning Mr. Jayhawk Award for his outstanding play this season. He recently won the Julius Erving Award for the nation’s best small forward.

During his banquet speech, head coach Bill Self voiced his desire for Kevin McCullar to return for his super senior season.

"“I will tell you this. I mean this sincerely, ‘I want you back.”"

McCullar is going through the NBA Draft process but can return to KU by May 31st. He is currently 22 years old and projected as a late second-round pick.

Nicolas Timberlake visit

Towson’s star guard Nicolas Timberlake is set to take an official visit to Kansas this afternoon. Timberlake averaged 17.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists this season and will enter his sixth year of college basketball.

Most publications expect his transferring destination to be Kansas, North Carolina, or Connecticut. He wants to be part of a top-notch program, and Kansas has one of the most storied histories in the sport. Bill Self might be able to lure him to KU and have him commit after his UConn visit.

Bringing Timberlake on board would brighten the outlook of next year’s roster. He would presumably be the two-guard alongside Dajuan Harris at the point.

Other Kansas Jayhawks news

Kansas football has its 15th and final spring practice tonight at 7:00 PM CT. Fans can attend the Spring Showcase free of admission.

Gary Woodland, a Kansas University alum and professional golfer, is participating in the Masters’ Tournament right now.

Kansas has made the final five list of schools for a transfer from Temple University. Jamille Reynolds has also included Cincinnati, Mississippi State, South Carolina, and UCF on his list. The 6’9″ power forward averaged 10.1 points and 1.1 blocks this season.