With just two scholarships remaining, Kansas basketball must cut ties with Kyle Cuffe Jr.

Many Kansas basketball fans were eager to see what Kyle Cuffe Jr. is capable of when healthy, but the time for him to go has come.

Kansas self-imposed several infractions on its program prior to the start of 2022-23. One of them was to limit the number of scholarship players per year from 13 to 12 for the next three seasons. Although it was the right thing to do, it also complicates how they will assemble next year’s roster.

With the commitment of Nicolas Timberlake official, the Jayhawks have ten scholarship players on their hands:

• Dajuan Harris
• Nicolas Timberlake
• KJ Adams
• Ernest Udeh Jr.
• Elmarko Jackson
• Zuby Ejiofor
• Kyle Cuffe Jr.
• Marcus Adams Jr.
• Jamari McDowell
• Chris Johnson

Assuming none of the aforementioned parties have a falling out with the university or redshirt, that leaves Kansas with two available scholarships. Several transfers are on KU’s radar, such as Hunter Dickinson, Harrison Ingram, Arterio Morris, and Jaylon Tyson.

Although Zuby Ejiofor is a transfer candidate, likewise is Cuffe. The latter does not have a route to playing time, as he is behind a five-star prospect and one of the best pure points in the country. Meanwhile, Ejiofor could readily see minutes behind KJ Adams whether Dickinson commits or not. Cuffe also is entering his third year at Kansas and has not showcased much potential thus far.

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A critical decision from Kevin McCullar is looming, and the commitments of Dickinson or Ingram could come soon. And even if one or both of those guys head elsewhere, Self will find replacements. Kansas has far too much guard depth for Cuffe to become a consistent contributor. If they keep him around, he will take up a spot that could be awarded to a valuable wing or big man.

His father played at St. John’s under assistant coach Norm Roberts, so there are connections that must be considered. However, if Self wants to bring on a fourth guy or McCullar returns, Cuffe’s spot will be in jeopardy.

Kyle Cuffe always has a cheerful demeanor on the sidelines and stayed positive throughout a difficult two-year stretch. Unfortunately, he could be the odd man out due to the university’s restricted scholarship number.