The offseason has been an electric one for Kansas head coach Bill Self, and after announcing his return, he was dealt quite a tough hand with the transfer portal. Losing some key players to the portal is something every coach needs to be prepared for now, but Self probably wasn't expecting a mass exodus as his welcome back.
So, with the heart of the offseason coming and the transfer portal starting to slow, here are three way-too-early concerns about Kansas and Bill Self for the 2026-2027 season.
Power conference experience
Looking at the roster for Kansas with the offseason still in its early stages, there is not a lot of power conference experience. Now, that kind of experience isn't everything, just take a look at Melvin Council Jr., who came from a mid-major conference and was one of the Jayhawks top players.
However, Kansas is going to have a very young roster with six new incoming freshmen, a few of whom could very well be starters for Bill Self next season. Of the transfers Self has brought in, Keanu Dawes, Christina Reeves, and Dennis Parker Jr. all have power conference experience, but not much.
Dawes brings the most experience with multiple years at Utah and Parker, and Reeves brings at least one year for both. With a younger roster, Self will have some work cut out for him, but nothing he hasn't dealt with before.
Big man presence in the paint
Losing both Flory Bidunga and Bryson Tiller was not ideal for the Jayhawks this offseason, but Self has done his best to find some sort of replacements. The news of Paul Mbiya staying is good, but he doesn't bring a lot from last season adn will need to make a big jump this season for more playing time.
Christian Reeves is the biggest acquisition for Self when it comes to a presence in the paint, especially when rebounding, but he must work to score more effectively. Tyran Stokes isn't the big man Kansas needs, but he will certainly be a factor for defenses in the paint.
Bench depth
This was a problem that plagued Bill Self last season with the lack of bench depth, and it could become a problem for the Jayhawks yet again. Self needs to be able to rely on his bench next season, but with the inexperience and the youth, he may have his hands tied yet again.
Add us as a preferred source on Google