Kansas women’s basketball to retain majority of its talent in 2023-24

Kansas women’s basketball is trending in the right direction, as they will return their top five scorers for the 2023-24 season.

After winning the WNIT championship a week ago, even better days could be in store for the lady Jayhawks. Zakiyah Franklin, Taiyanna Jackson, and Holly Kersgieter announced they would return for their super senior season.

It is excellent news for a Kansas team that put itself on the map this year. Although they did not receive the NCAA Tournament bid they desired, the Jayhawks dominated the WNIT and won six games in a row to capture the title.

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Retaining three of a team’s best players for a fifth year can do wonders. They will have four years of experience in the Big 12 while knowing how their opponents play. Franklin is coming off a season where she shot a ridiculous 49.5% three-point percentage, while Jackson averaged 15.2 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game.

If they live up to their expectations, they could be one of the best Kansas women’s basketball teams ever. Not many teams boast a nightly double-double threat and one of the best outside shooters in the country. Wyvette Mayberry and Chandler Prater are also coming back for their senior year. Both players started 31 or more games, so they should be in for a sizeable role once again.

In addition to next year’s stacked squad, a highly touted recruit is also coming in. S’mya Nichols, ESPN’s 34th nationally ranked prospect in the Class of 2023, should strengthen the team immensely.

Considering that Brandon Schneider’s unit did not reach the Big Dance, the season can be viewed as disappointing. They had made a tournament game last year and even advanced to the Round of 32. However, the players seem committed to improving and getting back on track in 2023-24.