Bill Self has been able to bring in two players from the transfer portal, but he is still in need of some size out of the transfer portal. While the news of 7-footer Paul Mbiya returning is great, he didn't have a lot of time on the court to potentially take over as the main big man next season. Self needs experience at the position, and there is one target that would be a perfect fit.
Kansas has been after Moustapha Thiam since he entered the transfer portal, and there has been mutual interest. However, Thiam did take a visit to the reigning champs, Michigan, and things seemed to go well, however, Self isn't backing down.
Michigan basketball felt good about Moustapha Thiam’s visit earlier this week. Now, the Wolverines are trying to hold off other powers like St. John’s, Kansas and Arkansas for their top big target.
— Tony Garcia | Detroit Free Press (@RealTonyGarcia) April 23, 2026
“Really good people, great kid, think our goals align.”https://t.co/3Q599AM7Le
Kansas isn't the only team in the fight for Thiam, so if St. John's and Arkansas, but Self could have some money to spend. If Kansas loses out on Tyran Stokes, that will free up a lot of money to pay other transfer portal players, something that Self needs right now.
Thiam would add the experience that Kansas needs at the center position, and also be a great counterpart to Mbiya. The experiences sophomore 12.9 points per game and 7.1 rebounds this season after a stellar freshman season at UCF.
According to reports, Thiam's visit went well at Michigan, and the coaching staff thought he was a great kid. However, there is still a lot that needs to be done before he puts on a Michigan uniform. It feels like Thiam is leaning towards keeping his options open right now, but Self needs to make a push if he wants a commitment.
Self needs to start making more moves in the portal, but it seems like the waiting game for Stokes is getting in the way of bringing in transfers. While Stokes can be a generational players, continuing to put off bringing guys in could hurt Kansas next season, especially if they miss out on his commitment.
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