Three things that Kansas basketball fans have to be thankful for this year
By Kyle Jones
‘Tis the season to give thanks for the things in your life that you are grateful for. As Kansas Jayhawks fans, there are countless things to be thankful for. As an added bonus this year, we have a football team that is having a very nice season and looks to be on their way to sustained success. However, as good as our football team has been this year, Kansas basketball still reigns supreme in Lawrence. Here are three things that KU basketball fans have to be thankful for this season.
3 Things Kansas Basketball Fans Should Be Thankful For This Year
1. NIL
As soon as it was announced that paying players was being legalized and NIL was established, it was assumed that the Kansas basketball program would be a big spender in that realm. That assumption certainly rang true this past offseason, as the Jayhawks landed the best player to ever enter the transfer portal in Hunter Dickinson.
While I don’t believe the dollar figure has been made public knowledge, the assumption is that the number is safely into seven figures. Maryland was the biggest competitor for Dickinson, given their proximity to his hometown. At the end of the day, though, I have to imagine the dollar amount and the pursuit of a National Championship were the deciding factors for the big man.
Whatever the case may be, Jayhawks fans have to be ecstatic with how Dickinson has played in his first handful of games with the team. He is averaging an incredible 22 points and 11 rebounds through the team’s first five games, including a 27-point, 21-rebound performance against Kentucky in the Champions Classic. If he plays at this level all season, he will likely be one of the frontrunners for the Wooden Award and the Jayhawks will win a lot of games.