Kansas basketball checks out as one of the nation’s most experienced teams
Kansas basketball reeled in its fair share of newcomers, but they’re still expected to be one of the most experienced teams in the nation.
No matter where you look, the Kansas Jayhawks are a projected top 2-ranked team heading into the preseason. They acquired the No. 1 transfer in the portal, Hunter Dickinson, and returned defensive stud Kevin McCullar. KU has also made several other moves that should contribute to next season’s success.
Unlike other blue bloods, Kansas does not typically haul several 5-star prospects in each recruiting class. However, after bowing out of the NCAA Tournament in the Round of 32 and missing time due to a heart ailment, head coach Bill Self has come back as vicious as ever in the transfer portal.
In ESPN’s preseason Top 25, the Jayhawks project as the third oldest roster with an average age of 22.6 (at the time March Madness begins). Dajuan Harris and McCullar enter their fifth year of college basketball, whereas Hunter Dickinson will be their age by the time the Round of 64 arrives in March. Meanwhile, Santa Clara transfer (and brother of ex-KU superstar Christian) Parker Braun will turn 24 in January.
The oldest player on the roster is Towson transfer Nick Timberlake, who turns 25 in August and will be approaching 26 by the time of the tournament. What’s even more absurd is that he might not even start for Kansas with how much talent they have.
Even with the transfer portal booming and several guys returning, KU still has its fair share of youngsters. Three incoming freshmen are set to join the team — 5-star Elmarko Jackson, 4-star Marcus Adams Jr., and 4-star Jamari McDowell. All three players could have sizeable roles with the team.
Coach Self still wishes to bring in another player via the portal, and if it’s a grad transfer, he could bump up KU’s average age even more. Having experienced players is always vital in college basketball, and the Kansas Jayhawks will have no shortage of them heading into the 2023-24 season.
Next. 5 overreactions from KU's first scrimmage. dark
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