Kansas basketball player's appearance at event could signal return to Jayhawks

After losing three starters and several bench pieces to graduation, the Kansas basketball team must make significant changes to its roster. Nearly 75% of the 2024-25 group's production has finished their collegiate careers, while the remaining players could still enter the transfer portal soon.

A top transfer candidate is KU guard Rylan Griffen, who had a down year this past season. He was expected to be a sharpshooting 3-and-D wing for Bill Self and Co., but he underwhelmed on both ends of the floor during his first year in crimson and blue. Despite his struggles, Griffen is clearly still considering returning to the Jayhawks, as he was seen watching incoming freshman Darryn Peterson competing in Lawrence.

Rylan Griffen could still return to Kansas for his senior year

Griffen was a rising star at Alabama, averaging 11.3 points and shooting nearly 40% from beyond the arc as a sophomore. He helped the Crimson Tide make a Final Four run and was supposed to provide similar production for the Jayhawks. But if he was planning on transferring again, why would he watch a player who won't play a game in a Kansas uniform for several months?

Both Griffen and fellow transfer AJ Storr are the two players that many fans anticipate leaving in the offseason. Neither lived up to their expectations at KU, and with just one year of eligibility remaining, it may be best for them to explore new opportunities before graduation.

Competing alongside a player like Peterson could certainly change Griffen's mind. With a true creator orchestrating the offense, the Jayhawks should conduct more of a run-and-gun offense, similar to the one that Griffen flourished in at Alabama.

Perhaps we are reading too deeply into this, but Griffen would be welcomed back with open arms if he decides to return. He can still be a high-impact player like he was in Tuscaloosa in the right system.