Jesse Edwards committing to WVU signifies Kansas basketball is locked in on Dickinson

After the news broke that Syracuse transfer Jesse Edwards would transfer to WVU, it confirmed that KU’s number one target is Hunter Dickinson.

Kansas basketball was included in Edwards’ final three list of schools a few days ago, along with Gonzaga and West Virginia. He was looked at as an alternative if KU could not reel in Hunter Dickinson. The graduate transfer averaged 14.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks for the Orange this year. He is the best rim protector on the market, but he decided to head over to the Mountaineers for his final year of school.

Although it marks yet another player off the board for Kansas, it also signifies that Bill Self is zoned in on acquiring star big man Hunter Dickinson. Most people did not think KU would seriously consider Edwards unless they missed out on their top target.

Considering Edwards made his decision rather quickly, it means one of two things — he was set on the Mountaineers all along, or Bill Self told him that he would not have much wiggle room to play after Dickinson commits. Ultimately, WVU does not offer anything that KU does not beside a clear path to playing time.

As long as everything stays according to plan, the Jayhawks should pick up commitments from Harrison Ingram and Dickinson within the next few weeks. One or two additional spots will also need to be filled — Nicolas Timberlake and Primo Spears seem out of the running for Kansas, but a name should surface soon enough. Kevin McCullar’s decision to stay in the NBA Draft or return as a super senior will also influence KU’s roster decisions.

Edwards might wreak havoc on the Jayhawks in conference play this season, but fans should be content if Dickinson lands in Lawrence. Kansas was connected to him at the last minute, so nobody should be surprised that he is heading elsewhere.