Kansas basketball put together a strong recruiting class in 2024. Now, head coach Bill Self is looking to do the same for the upcoming graduating year. The Jayhawks have been in close contact with several high-profile prospects over the past few months, and decision dates for some of their targets are looming.
While fans have an idea of which players might pledge to Kansas, On3.com recruiting analyst Jamie Shaw provided some insight as to which recruitments the Jayhawks lead in. Shaw has projected that the Jayhawks are well-positioned to secure commitments from two 5-star recruits and are also a 'threat' for another. Either of these players would immediately make KU's class one of the best in the nation:
Jamie Shaw projects Darryn Peterson, Bryson Tiller to commit to Kansas basketball
According to Shaw, Kansas will land a pair of elite recruits this year. Peterson (ranked No. 3 in 247 Sports) and Tiller (ranked No. 20 in 247 Sports) are both 5-stars who could make an immediate impact in Lawrence. Meanwhile, Kansas is a 'threat' in the recruitment of Nate Ament (ranked No. 4 in 247 Sports).
Peterson is a senior at Prolific Prep, where he just transferred this past offseason. He is arguably the best player in the 2025 class and can score at all three levels. Last year, he became the first high school athlete to sign an NIL deal with Adidas, and scouts have connected him to Kansas ever since. Shaw has reiterated multiple times that the Jayhawks are the favorites.
Tiller has played for the City Reapers in Overtime Elite for two seasons, averaging 12.2 points and 9.4 rebounds a year ago. He is a 6-10, 235-pound forward who can space the floor and score inside. His length makes him capable of playing as a small-ball center. While his perimeter game still needs improvement, Tiller has shown flashes of a jump shot and should continue to become stronger in the paint.
If Kansas can secure commitments from both Peterson and Tiller, the Jayhawks will add two incredibly versatile players capable of transforming their lineup next season. Both are NBA hopefuls who will be pushed hard by Coach Self. A recruiting foundation must be laid once stars such as Hunter Dickinson, Dajuan Harris, and KJ Adams graduate.