AJ Storr has potential breakout performance in KU’s win over TCU

This offseason, AJ Storr was one of the most heralded recruits in the transfer portal. The transfer guard from Wisconsin was a Second Team All-Big Ten performer last year for the Badgers, and the hope was he could build upon that here at Kansas.

However, that is not how things have gone for the talented junior thus far this year.

Storr has struggled to find consistent minutes on the floor for KU and his willingness on the defensive end has left a lot to be desired. That is, until Wednesday night’s game against TCU.

Storr played his best game of the season in the Jayhawks’ 74-61 win against the Horned Frogs, scoring 12 points on 6-of-10 shooting. He also chipped in six rebounds and one assist in 22 minutes on the floor.

Head coach Bill Self was impressed with his performance.

“He was more aggressive driving the ball, and everything else, and scoring the ball,” Self said after the game. “And that’s probably the longest stint he’s been able to play through mistakes, so I thought he was really good tonight.”

What was perhaps the most impressive part of Storr’s game was the effort he showed on defense – particularly in the second half. He was active in the passing lanes and finished the game with three steals.

If we’ve learned anything about Self over the years, it’s how much he values toughness and defense. Storr showed a lot of both on Wednesday, and that could help him maintain minutes even after KJ Adams Jr. returns from injury.

“In order for us to be really good, AJ Storr needs to come through,” Self said after the game. “Rylan Griffen needs to come through. So maybe this’ll be the first step tonight.”

If KU can get this version of Storr on a more consistent basis, KU’s ceiling as a team can skyrocket – and perhaps, they can start to live up to the No. 1 ranking they held coming into the season.