The Kansas Jayhawks are going to be suiting up with unfamiliar faces next season. In the era of constant roster rebuilds and departures to the NBA, this is becoming more and more common. But with the jump from this past season’s roster to what fans will be seeing come the peak of Fall, things feel a little sharper.
So far, next season’s roster will contain just two players who are upperclassmen, in transfers Keanu Dawes and Christian Reeves. Both four-star transfers are set to keep the low block protected. The only problem is, Dawes is at least for now enlisted in the NBA Draft Process.
Dawes hit the portal away from the Utah Utes in late March, while also declaring for the NBA Draft. It took just about half a month for Dawes to commit to the Jayhawks. Since then, there has been a cloud over his head on whether or not he would stay in the draft process or make the move to Kansas for his final year.
According to On3 outlet Jayhawk Slant on X, there may finally be an answer.
Utah transfer @keanu_28 just told me that he plans to make the move to Lawrence on May 30. #kubball
— JayhawkSlant (@JayhawkSlant) May 20, 2026
“I can’t wait to get to work,” Dawes told JayhawkSlant.con
Why retaining Dawes is a massive get for the Jayhawks
For one, as previously mentioned, this is going to be a very young Kansas team, meaning any experience they can get is a massive bonus. But beyond leadership, Dawes spent last season becoming one of the Big 12’s strongest power forwards, notching 12.5 points 8.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists on a 54.6% rate from the field.
Funnily enough, one of Dawes’ best games from last season came against the Jayhawks in what turned into a strong 22-point outing on a stellar 10-13 mark from the field to go along with 12 rebounds in the eventual Kansas 71-59 win.
When Dawes was announced via a press release by head coach Bill Self, the legendary coach said of Dawes, “I've had the chance to coach against Keanu the last two years and he is a very versatile perimeter forward," Self said. "At 6-foot-9, he is extremely athletic and his skill set is improving. He's a four-man that can stretch the defense,” quoted Self.
According to John Hollinger’s game score metric, Dawes finished last season with an 11.3 score. For reference, a 10 is labeled as “average,” meanwhile, a score the likes of 40 is tabbed as “outstanding.” For a Utah team that finished 10-22, Dawes' score is by no means unimpressive.
“We are very excited about his versatility. We think he can guard one through five and see him as being an immediate impact player for us. Keanu has been very well coached, well drilled, and has a unique feel for a player his size."
Why would a player commit to a college while entering the NBA Draft?
Several players typically go through this process and pull out days before, which is what seems like Dawes will be doing. It is typically used for NBA hopefuls to gauge their current skill level and what they may need to focus on during their final year(s) of college.
For example, former Jayhawk Flory Bidunga hit the portal to Louisville while also declaring for the draft, and earlier Wednesday, it was reported that Bidunga had officially signed with the Cardinals, likely meaning he will be making his move to the ACC.
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