The Kansas basketball program still has four scholarships to fill. Flory Bidunga will enter the season as the team’s starting center, but there is uncertainty surrounding who will back him up. Redshirt freshman Bryson Tiller is unproven at the college level, and no other bigs are on the roster.
Head coach Bill Self is clearly looking for a replacement backup center with the departures of Hunter Dickinson, KJ Adams, and Zach Clemence. According to JayhawkSlant, KU has its sights set on a veteran big man in the transfer portal. Patrick Suemnick reportedly completed an official visit to Lawrence this weekend.
Kansas targeting Patrick Suemnick in the transfer portal
A 6-foot-8, 230-pound forward/center, Suemnick has played at the NCAA level since 2020. He is an experienced frontcourt piece who has drawn constant praise for his high motor and competitive spirit.
This past season, Suemnick played his first and only campaign at Oklahoma State, where he averaged 2.9 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 0.3 assists per game in 34 contests (one start). He shot 52% from the field, playing 11.7 minutes a night, though his 44% free throw percentage is quite concerning.
Prior to his stint in Stillwater, Suemnick spent time at West Virginia, Triton College (JUCO), and Robert Morris. Suemnick has embodied the "journeyman" role quite well throughout his collegiate career.
While his numbers are not eye-popping, the Jayhawks need a big who can handle big moments in Allen Fieldhouse. Now that he has taken a visit to campus, it would not be surprising for him to make a commitment announcement soon.
Suemnick would be a terrific veteran who could fill in occasionally as a paint presence. Given his familiarity with the Big 12 and experience at the college level, Suemnick appears to be a reasonable target to fill in for 10-15 minutes per game.