Kansas basketball: 3 names to watch before the NBA Draft deadline

Kansas basketball: 3 names to watch before the NBA Draft withdrawal deadline

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - MARCH 10: Julian Phillips #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers drives towards the basket against the Missouri Tigers in the first half during the quarterfinals of the 2023 SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 10, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Carly Mackler/Getty Images) /

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Arthur Kaluma #24 of the Creighton Bluejays (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

2. Arthur Kaluma

2022-23 season stats (Creighton): 11.8 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.6 APG, 42.3% FG, 31.1% 3PT

Kaluma is a more realistic target for Kansas. Unlike Phillips, there is no consensus on whether he will return to school or stay in the draft. However, most mock drafts don’t include Kaluma’s name, indicating that withdrawing his name might be the smartest move.

He is another option that the Jayhawks can pursue with their last available spot on the roster. Don’t let the size fool you — despite being 6-foot-7, he plays more extensively than expected while also having the athleticism of a guard.

Kaluma has played for the Creighton Bluejays the previous two seasons, meaning he would come into Kansas as a junior. In 68 collegiate games played, he averages 11.1 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.

He is not a superstar, but again fulfills a need for a missing depth spot on this Kansas roster. Kaluma might not start over KJ Adams but would be a fantastic player for the Jayhawks if he was willing to take on a sixth-man role.

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