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

By Andrew Falkner

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)
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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Grant Nelson #4 of the North Dakota State Bison (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Grant Nelson #4 of the North Dakota State Bison (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

1. Grant Nelson

2022-23 season stats (North Dakota State): 17.9 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 2.1 APG, 52.1% FG, 26.9% 3PT

Nelson is a stretch big that can do it all on the floor. He has spent the last three seasons dominating in the Summit League for North Dakota State. Nelson is a projected late second-rounder, though he could stay in the NBA Draft if a team guarantees him a two-way deal.

During his junior season, Nelson averaged just under 18 points per game while shooting 52.1 percent from the field. Nelson can score in the paint, space the floor, and even knock down outside shots. He is extremely agile for a 6-foot-10, 215-pound forward. If he comes to the Jayhawks, he will immediately start next to star center Hunter Dickinson.

KJ Adams and Dickinson would be a great duo down-low, but it would be difficult for Bill Self to start KJ over a player of Nelson’s caliber. Given the opportunity, he and Dickinson could form one of the best frontcourts in the sport. His offensive versatility would make Kansas absolutely unstoppable.

If he pulls his name from the draft pool, Kansas should immediately pursue him. Nelson can be the cherry on top for Bill Self’s already-stacked roster.

Next. Recapping each Kansas player who left for the transfer portal. dark

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