Superstar center Hunter Dickinson returning to Kansas Jayhawks for final season

The Kansas basketball program has put together one of the most impressive offseason resumes of any program, landing four marquee transfers after a disappointing finish to the 2023-24 season. Jayhawk starters Dajuan Harris and KJ Adams announced they would return to Lawrence for one more season, but KU fans were more eager to learn the decision of star big man Hunter Dickinson.

After more than one month of contemplating entering the NBA Draft or staying in school, the Michigan transfer has made up his mind. He will exercise his final year of eligibility to finish his college basketball career at KU. The Consensus Second-Team All-American will look to lead Bill Self to his third National Championship.

Hunter Dickinson finishing off career in Lawrence for super senior season

Coach Self and Dickinson orchestrated his return on Twitter, with KU's head coach asking what his decision would be and Dickinson responding that he was coming back. While most people expected him to return, this move solidifies the Jayhawks as a potential preseason No. 1 team. Self later released a public statement regarding the news.

"This is great news. We've had a lot of good things happen since the end of the season and Hunter coming back has definitely added to that. Hunter made a huge impact on our team last year. He played and fought through injuries and was still one of the most consistent players in the Big 12 and nationally. Not only is Hunter a terrific player, he's a great leader and teammate. We expect him to contend for first-team All-American next season."

- Bill Self

Dickinson spent three years in Ann Arbor before transferring to Kansas last offseason. He lived up to his hefty expectations, averaging 17.9 points plus a career-high 10.9 rebounds on 54.8% field goal shooting. While Dickinson was named the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and an All-American, Kansas faltered in the NCAA Tournament due to inconsistent shooting and the absence of All-Big 12 First Team selection Kevin McCullar.

Because he began his collegiate career during the 2020-21 COVID-19 season, the NCAA granted him and over 1,000 other players an extra year of eligibility. Dickinson does not project as a high NBA Draft selection, with most mock drafts having him go undrafted. This made the decision much easier for the 23-year-old.

Kansas officially has its final piece to the 2024-25 squad. Dickinson should be in the running for the Wooden Award with more outside shooters surrounding him and a much more competent supporting cast. 5-star recruit Flory Bidunga will back him up.