The Kansas Jayhawks just landed their first addition via the transfer portal on Thursday in former Utah Ute power forward, Keanu Dawes. This comes after a whopping six players entered the portal from KU after the conclusion of the season: Flory Bidunga, Bryson Tiller, Elmarko Jackson, Jamari McDowell, Samis Calderon, and Paul Mbiya.
The former two in Bidunga and Tiller both have taken villainous routes in the eyes of the KU faithful. Bidunga left for a pay bump and took his talents to Louisville, where he will likely hear boos galore when he returns to Lawrence. Tiller followed suit and committed to Missouri, one of Kansas’ biggest rivals, despite having his starting position likely available had he returned.
Meanwhile, Jackson, McDowell, and Calderon all understandably tested the waters in the transfer portal as players with more limited roles at KU. Calderon saw the least amount of playing time of the three and decided to head for the Butler Bulldogs. He will be an intriguing young player for them who has tons of physical tools and potential upside.
Jackson and McDowell on the other hand were established bench players at 17.8 and 17.2 minutes per game. Despite this, both are seeking larger roles at other programs and/or Coach Bill Self is looking for a fresh look off the bench. Jackson will move forward with Georgetown and McDowell will head to Wake Forest.
What does the future hold for Jayhawks’ Paul Mbiya?
Five of the six Kansas players who entered the transfer portal have officially found new homes, however Paul Mbiya’s situation is currently still pending. Some reports indicate that a return to Lawrence feels likely for the 7’0” big man. Negotiations are currently still being had, however, so this is not a given.
KU is apparently still talking with and trying to get commitments from several other centers that are in the transfer portal as well, which would dilute Mbiya’s role next year and could be the cause for the holdup. Cincinnati’s 7’2” center, Moustapha Thiam, and Charlotte’s 7’2” center, Anton Bonke, among others, have been linked to Kansas.
The hope would be that Mbiya stays even if KU adds another big-name center from the transfer portal, as Dawson, Mbiya, and another 7-footer could make for a phenomenal front-court rotation in Lawrence.
Kansas also has a good number of other scholarship spots to offer out at other positions too, so the upcoming weeks should be very active for the coaching staff as they look to round out this roster. Coveted incoming freshman, Tyran Stokes, is a massive domino that could expedite changes around the nation once he finally commits somewhere. KU fans everywhere hope it’s Kansas.
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