With four open scholarships on the Kansas basketball roster, Bill Self and the Jayhawks still have holes to fill to ensure that the upcoming season does not turn out like the past few have. Which of KU's recruiting and transfer portal targets must it prioritize for next year?
3. Paul Mbiya
Kansas is severely lacking big man depth, with just Flory Bidunga and Bryson Tiller serving as the centers on the roster. Mbiya would quickly fill that. He is a Congolese 7-footer from the NBA Africa Academy who has tremendous defensive potential with a 7-foot-4 wingspan.
According to Dushawn London, Mbiya is in the process of setting a visit to Kansas while he explores his options in the NBA Draft. Like Bidunga was out of high school, Mbiya is still inexperienced in basketball, playing for just four years. He could be a long-term project, meaning a backup role would be perfect for him in year one.
2. Cedric Coward
Despite missing most of the 2024-25 season with a shoulder injury, Coward is one of the most coveted players in the portal. His list of final schools includes powerhouses such as Kansas, Alabama, Duke, and Florida.
In limited time at Wazzu, Coward was otherworldly. He averaged 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. What is most impressive is his efficiency, as he is a lifetime 59.5% field goal shooter (38.8% 3-point) at the Division I level.
Coward would be the perfect 1B option alongside Peterson. The question is whether he is still strongly considering the Jayhawks, considering Alabama appears to be the frontrunner in his recruitment.
1. Tyran Stokes
While Stokes is a member of the 2026 recruiting class, many outlets have speculated the possibility of him reclassing up one year. Adding a player of his caliber would immediately form one of the best freshman duos in Kansas basketball history.
A 6-foot-7 explosive athlete, Stokes could immediately transform into a star at the collegiate level. He already maintains an NBA-level frame and can score in transition like very few Jayhawks in the past.
The Jayhawks have gone all-in on their backcourt this offseason, but Stokes would be the finishing touch to what would be a menacing starting five. Pairing two freshman phenoms together would be exhilarating for the fanbase and a welcomed change after watching veteran-ridden squads over the past few years.