Kyle Cuffe’s transfer allows Kansas basketball to add another player after Hunter Dickinson

Even with the news of Kyle Cuffe departing from the program and Hunter Dickinson committing, the roster haul is not over for Kansas basketball.

Bill Self was not lying when he said he was ready to bring bigger and better things to the Kansas Jayhawks. Earlier today, Hunter Dickinson announced his commitment to the university. The 2023-24 roster is stacked with talent, and when it’s all said and done, it could be one of the best teams in the Bill Self era.

Kyle Cuffe, who didn’t get many minutes during his time at KU, decided to transfer yesterday. He never got his chance to make a mark for the school after tearing his MCL and PCL in shootarounds before the Champions Classic. His decision to leave allows him to succeed elsewhere.

Cuffe’s departure left the Jayhawks with two scholarships left to give out. Kansas self-imposed penalties onto its program following the FBI probe regarding players Silvio De Sousa and Billy Preston. One of the things they did was reduce their scholarship player number from 13 to 12 for three seasons. With Dickinson using one of them today, it leaves Self and his coaching staff with another piece to stride for. Three players are connected to Kansas and could join the team within the next few days.

While some fans would love to see the return of Kevin McCullar, the chances seem unlikely. His invite to the NBA Draft Combine almost secures his position to be a draftee, and he is already considered old for a prospect. It would be great for the Jayhawks to get him back for another season, but it is not something to count on. His defensive prowess and leadership on the court make it difficult to imagine his return.

Jaylon Tyson is another popular name in Kansas basketball news as of late. He spent the last two seasons with Mark Adams at Texas Tech. Tyson is a sharpshooter, shooting 40.2 percent from deep last season. He would provide great depth for the Jayhawks and would be a great fit with Bill Self and his coaching staff.

Tyson may be uninterested due to the additions of Nick Timberlake and Arterio Morris, two fellow guards. Still, he is an upcoming junior who would give the Jayhawks a spark off the bench and potentially in the starting rotation if he develops how the coaching staff wants him to. Chances are grim, though, as two crystal balls were put in for him to attend Cal University on 247sports.

Another highly favorable option based on the currently constructed team is Duke de-commit Mackenzie Mgbako. He is a five-star recruit with a ton of potential in his arsenal. The New Jersey native recently visited Kansas, and there is a gut feeling that Self wants him over everybody else remaining.

Mgbako is a 6-foot-8 forward that can shoot it from behind the arc. He has unbelievable shot-creating ability and is also versatile on the defensive side. If Mgbako commits to Kansas, he would only be a freshman, although one should not expect him to last more than one year. He fits the roster now, as he could slot right next to Hunter Dickinson in the starting lineup. Mgbako could fill the void of Jalen Wilson, who was the rebounding forward who could score at will for KU.

Bill Self and his coaching staff are working their tails off during this year’s recruiting process. It will not be more than a few days before KU’s roster is complete.