Kansas Jayhawks targeting two talented big men in transfer portal

Kansas basketball has made two additions via the transfer portal since its season ended in the Round of 64 (three if you consider Flory Bidunga’s departure and subsequent return). But with six scholarships available for the upcoming campaign, there is plenty of work remaining in terms of roster construction.

Hunter Dickinson and KJ Adams were often criticized by fans over the past couple of years, but they took up most of the Jayhawks’ frontcourt minutes. Besides Bidunga, Kansas does not have any other players with size on the current squad. However, two names have recently popped up on Bill Self and Co.’s radar as potential depth pieces.

Kansas a possible destination for Malique Ewin and Shawn Phillips Jr. 

On Thursday, Malique Ewin announced that he would cut his list of schools to five. That list included Kansas, along with Auburn, Arkansas, Mississippi State, and Virginia.

A 6-foot-10 big man, Ewin was excellent at Florida State in 2024-25. He averaged 14.2 points and 7.6 rebounds on 59.6% field goal shooting, which led the ACC. Ewin is a crafty scorer around the rim with an array of post moves.

The next day, Arizona State transfer Shawn Phillips Jr. revealed he was also trimming his list of schools to five. He has spent the past two seasons in a reserve role, averaging 18.0 minutes per contest last year. Despite limited playing time, he still averaged over one block an outing during his time in Tempe.

Ewin is expected to visit Arkansas and Mississippi State this week. Kansas may not sit at the forefront of his recruitment, but Phillips is an extremely realistic addition due to his familiarity with the Big 12 and playing a backup role.

While Flory Bidunga figures to have the starting center position locked up, either of these players would be tremendous complementary pieces to back him up. Given KU’s lack of frontcourt depth, the team figures to add another big man at some point during the offseason, even if it is not Ewin or Phillips.