The transfer portal is officially open for business, and the ever-changing college basketball landscape is about to get chaotic. With only six players officially on the roster for next season (subject to change), Bill Self has plenty of work to do in the transfer portal.
As Kansas awaits a decision from No. 1 recruit Tyran Stokes and a potential reclassification from five-star commit Javon Bardwell, the Jayhawks may have to build their roster without knowing either outcome.
Currently in the transfer portal, a trio of SEC big men should expect to hear from Kansas in the coming days.
JP Estrella
The young man who made a name for himself in Knoxville over the past three years is now in the NCAA transfer portal. With two seasons of eligibility remaining, Estrella is sure to draw significant interest from Bill Self and the Jayhawks.
This year, the 6-foot-11 forward from Maine averaged 10.0 points and 5.4 rebounds while shooting an efficient 59.6% from the field. His offensive game improved as the season progressed, revealing his potential. If Estrella can strengthen his defense and stay healthy—his two biggest liabilities—he could emerge as one of the top big men in the country next season.
Off the court, Estrella is widely regarded by Tennessee fans and staff as a fantastic locker room presence, often the last to sign autographs for fans. He also frequently volunteered his time to improve life on campus. He’s exactly the type of player Kansas has been searching for over the past few seasons since the departures of colorful personalities like Ernest Udeh Jr. and Gradey Dick.
Estrella would be a key piece for the Jayhawks if Bill Self can land him in the portal.
Aiden Sherrell
Next up is the Alabama transfer with two years of eligibility remaining. Sherrell became one of Alabama’s key players this season and continued improving as the year went on, confirming he can make an immediate impact wherever he lands.
The 6-foot-10 stretch forward from Detroit would be a dream addition for the Jayhawks. This season, he averaged 11.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 2.2 blocks while shooting 53.9% from the field for Nate Oats’ Crimson Tide squad. With unusual agility and fluidity for his size, Sherell does a bit of everything—capable of knocking down 33.8% of his three-pointers, protecting the rim, and serving as a lob threat—skills Bill Self covets in his players.
Kansas is expected to aggressively pursue the former five-star recruit, whose upside is off the charts.
Somto Cyril
Since entering the portal, Cyril has been strongly linked to Kansas. He would slot in perfectly as a Flory Bidunga replacement after an all-defensive season in the SEC. The former OTE standout is one of the most efficient bigs available and is attracting attention from top programs across the country. With two years of eligibility left, he won’t come cheap—but compared to what Bidunga is asking, Kansas can likely make it work.
Before playing at Georgia—and even before committing to Kentucky out of high school—Cyril had already been in contact with Kansas. That changed when the Jayhawks landed Flory Bidunga in the class of 2023 and stepped away from his recruitment. The connection may have faded from the headlines, but it’s still alive—and it could finally come full circle very soon.
The transfer portal just opened, and the bidding war for Cyril is already heating up—expect Bill Self to push hard for the Nigerian big man.
Obviously, not all three players will end up in Lawrence next season, but at least one likely will. Until we get more clarity on the roster, Jayhawk fans can speculate about who they want Bill Self to target in the portal.
Which former SEC big man do you want to see donning the Kansas uniform next season?
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