Even in the summer months and workouts beginning in Lawrence, Kansas, head coach Bill Self still has an unfinished roster. With a few spots still open, Self even admitted earlier in the week that he isn't closed off to adding a few more pieces, and he certainly shouldn't be.
Kansas needs to build a stronger bench for this next season after Self barely used it last season. It didn't seem like a big deal when Kansas was at full strength, but that lasted all of two seconds at the beginning of the season, with Darryn Peterson quickly falling to injury. Even when he came back, a nagging cramping problem kept him on the bench often, forcing Self to go to his bench.
The legendary Jayhawks coach sparingly used his bench, using more of a two or three-man rotation rather than going deep in his roster. So, going into next season, with a few roster spots still open, Self needs to fill them and fast.
Kansas has already begun summer workouts, so getting players in the building and creating chemistry with this new roster is key. There are still plenty of players in the transfer portal for Self to choose from, and here are three he could easily go out and get.
Myles Rice - Maryland guard transfer
Myles Rice is now looking for his fourth school in as many years, starting at Washington State, then transferring to Indiana, and playing his most recent season at Maryland. Rice had his best season with Washington State in the 2023-2024 season, averaging 14.8 points per game, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. Since then, the numbers have steadily gone down, with his last season being his worst.
Rice didn't get to play in as many games as he planned, with a persistent ankle injury keeping him on the bench most of the season. Rice averaged a measly 5.6 points per game, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. Here is the thing, though: Rice doesn't have to come to Kansas and be 'the guy' for the Jayhawks.
Rice can come to Lawrence and be that side character who can still bring a lot of experience and playing time to Kansas. Rice could be a solid get for Self, especially with a very young roster this next season.
James Nnaji - Baylor center transfer
James Nnaji is not the high-experience player Self would be bringing in, having just finished his freshman season with Baylor. Nnaji also saw limited action on the court with the Bears, but that isn't what is intriguing about him as a transfer.
Nnaji could come to Kansas and bring some serious height as a 7-foot center. Now, some will sit there and say the Jayhawks have Paul Mbiya, who has already spent a season in Bill Self's system, which is true, but the NCAA's latest guidance on international players with professional European playing experience could put his playing status with the Jayhawks in jeopardy.
It wouldn't be a horrible idea for Self to have some backup height, especially for a young player with a lot of potential.
Robert Miller III - LSU forward transfer
Robert Miller III is the final transfer that Self could go out and get in order to help round out his roster for next season. Miller is a good old-fashioned bench player who saw good minutes at LSU, but doesn't jump off the stat sheet.
This is perfect for Self and the Jayhawks, as Kansas simply needs some supporting cast on the bench that can be reliable when the young core is struggling or simply needs some minutes sitting. Miller averaged 4.5 points per game last season with 3.1 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 32 games, averaging 15.7 minutes of play per game.
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