Kansas basketball head coach Bill Self shouldn't want Bryson Tiller to leave KU. Tiller announced Monday that he would be entering his name in the transfer portal. He will join Flory Bidunga and Paul Mbiya in the portal if the former doesn't stay in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Tiller had an injury and missed his senior season in high school. He joined the Jayhawks in January 2025 but was unable to practice until the summer due to that injury. Even though he started 32 games, he struggled at times, especially with his strength, aggressiveness, and three-point shooting.
Those are all things that can improve with experience and development. His potential is obviously high, and Kansas doesn't want to lose him.
Tiller's possible exit means KU must venture into the portal
Tiller was surely a big part of Bill Self's plans for the Jayhawks next year, with or without Bidunga. Tiller is a true stretch four but has the size and athleticism to also be a terrific rebounder and rim protector.
Despite some uneven play as a freshman, Tiller averaged 7.9 points per game, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks. These numbers just scratch the upside Tiller has, and Self knows it.
It would make sense that Self wants Tiller to stay. Now, in this world of collegiate athletics, Tiller may also just be leveraging for a higher NIL deal. So it doesn't mean Tiller won't return, but the soon-to-be sophomore obviously wants to test his market.
His skill set is enticing, and there is sure to be plenty of interest from other schools. If KU wants to retain him, it will probably require a matching or better offer. Consider what it might cost to keep Bidunga or even Mbiya, not to mention what Kansas will have to pony up for Tyran Stokes. Quite a bit of the school's NIL resources could be tied up in just a few players.
Self and his staff need to find a way to retain more of their players. Digging the available portal options each year is a tough business model, as Self well knows. It would behoove Kansas to do whatever it can to keep players like Tiller around if at all possible.
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