When Hunter Dickinson committed to Kansas basketball in May, the consensus was that he would be a one-year rental for Bill Self and the Jayhawks. However, there is still a possibility he will return for one more season because the COVID-19 year granted him extra eligibility.
Dickinson joined analyst Jeff Goodman and UNC basketball star Armando Bacot on a podcast on Friday. The three men talked for an hour about various topics. During the interview, the former Michigan Wolverine shed some light on his future in the NCAA.
“The extra year is there for a reason, and so the door is open for it,” Dickinson said.
Although he is posting All-American numbers in his first year at Kansas, there are still concerns regarding his athleticism and defensive ability. Dickinson does not project as an NBA Draft selection if he were to enter.
Overseas deals can become lucrative if he decides he wants to continue pursuing basketball, but nobody knows how much he is making in NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals at KU. One report in the offseason suggested he was offered close to $3 million to attend Kansas.
He did mention some factors that could play into his decision — one being how far his squad goes in March Madness.
“Obviously, if we win , there aren’t many more times when you get to leave on the highest of highs,” Dickinson later added. “College is fun. I’ve had a ton of fun in college. That’s one of the main reasons why I’ve stayed.”
Right now, his mind does not seem made up, but it is clear he has not ruled out a return for his super senior year. The Kansas basketball team would gladly welcome him back in 2024-25 with fellow Jayhawk star Kevin McCullar set to graduate.
You can watch the full podcast below.
SPECIAL: Armando Bacot (@iget_buckets35) and Hunter Dickinson (@H_Dickinson24) talk college basketball with @GoodmanHoops! | PRESENTED BY @BetMGM https://t.co/XxtWhw8f2E
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) January 19, 2024