Kansas basketball: 3 advantages and disadvantages for Kevin McCullar if he returns to KU

Advantage No. 2: He might be drafted with a higher pick next season rather than a late second-round pick or an undrafted free agent.

Most mock drafts have McCullar being selected between picks 50 to 60 or not at all. Unlike teammates Gradey Dick and Jalen Wilson, he might have to sweat out until the final hour to hear his name called by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver at the podium.

Returning to Kansas and showing significant improvements could make him a sure-fire NBA Draft selection. While there are underdog stories where undrafted players become respectable role players in the league, it is probably best for McCullar not to go down that route. He will have to climb his way up from the bottom if he does so.

Scouts at the Draft Combine will be telling him the general vicinity that a team will select him. If they cannot guarantee him a rookie contract, McCullar is better off returning to Kansas and working his way up to an early second-round draft pick in 2024.