Scenario No. 3: Acquire a low-impact backup forward or guard to enhance depth.
Kansas doesn’t need to go all out for its final roster spot. A starting lineup is already set in place, and there are plenty of minutes waiting to be distributed to the bench. Instead of trying to acquire the biggest of names, KU can round out their roster with a veteran who will see limited playing time.
The hypothetical player does not have to be a non-contributor to the team, but they also do not need to put up double digits in the points column every contest. Kansas could pursue a spot-up shooter, a lockdown wing defender, or a guard who can score at will if needed.
This is the most practical and likely scenario for the Jayhawks. We do not know who this player will be, but it won’t be someone as widely known as Nelson or Kaluma — just someone who specializes in a specific part of the game and can be serviceable for KU.
The only question for this scenario is whether Kansas wants him to be a long-term or short-term player. Coach Self could bring in a grad transfer from a different program who will only help the team for one year, or he could recruit a high schooler that he thinks has the potential to bud into something special. Either way, the likelihood is that if Kansas does add another player, his name won’t be very recognized.
Follow @ThroughThePhog on Twitter and like our page @throughthephog on Facebook for more Kansas Jayhawks coverage. You can apply to write for us by clicking the link below.
Want your voice heard? Join the Through The Phog team!