The No. 1-ranked Kansas basketball team has opened the season on a high note, winning each of its first five games of the season. Bill Self's Jayhawks will look to continue those fortunes this Tuesday against Duke, a game that could be the toughest on the nonconference schedule. However, there is certainly still room for improvement in Lawrence.
Two players who have yet to find their footing are transfer guards Rylan Griffen and AJ Storr. While they have both contributed to KU's success, their impact has been minimal compared to what they offered at their former schools. Coach Self put it bluntly during his postgame press conference after Kansas defeated UNC-Wilmington earlier this week.
Bill Self thinks Rylan Griffen and AJ Storr are still finding their footing
"I still think Rylan and AJ aren't comfortable yet."Bill Self
For those who have watched the Jayhawks this season, these comments should not come as much of a surprise. Storr and Griffen respectively rank fifth and sixth on the squad in minutes played, but they have not been the best versions of themselves through the campaign's first five contests.
Storr was perhaps the most highly touted transfer addition of the offseason. After spending one year at Wisconsin, the 6-foot-6 wing committed to the Jayhawks and was expected to assume a spot in the starting five immediately. However, he has come off the bench in all five games, seeing his points per game average drop from 16.8 to 9.4.
While Griffen earned a spot in the starting rotation, he is looking to find his rhythm. The former Alabama guard has been vulnerable on the defensive end and limits his game to being a spot-up shooter on the offensive end. Griffen has not yet displayed his potential as a shot-creator and often looks timid.
KU's depth in the backcourt is extensive, so the Jayhawks have not suffered from their lack of production. However, Kansas will be a much better team when Griffen and Storr are able to put things together.