Kansas basketball has pursued numerous recruits in the 2024 class, but the consensus was that Bill Self was content with his three-man group of Flory Bidunga, Rakease Passmore, and Labaron Philon. But with the recent news of 5-star recruit Liam McNeeley decommitting from Indiana, the Jayhawks' roster construction plans for the upcoming campaign might shift significantly.
The 6-foot-7, 210-pound forward — who attends Montverde Academy in Florida and is ranked No. 15 in the country — committed to the Hoosiers over Kansas in October. His name was mentioned from time to time within the Jayhawk fanbase due to the struggling nature of Indiana, but he is officially re-opening his recruitment and could make a decision before the season concludes.
Naturally, when a recruit as highly touted as McNeeley hits the market, potential destinations start popping up everywhere. However, it isn't often that two crystal balls are placed in favor of a new school. Jeff Ermann and Michael Swain of 247 Sports locked in their prediction for McNeeley to commit to Kansas with a confidence level of seven.
Shortly before those crystal balls were created, anonymous college basketball insider Trilly Donovan posted a tweet that clearly has a deeper meaning behind it.
Bill Self is a f***ing gangster.
— Trilly Donovan (@trillydonovan) March 8, 2024
All of social media is throwing subtle hints as to where he might be headed, but 247 is among the most reputable recruiting sites. Additionally, the experts there do not put crystal balls in without good reason, so there could be something going on behind the scenes that the public is unaware of.
Other schools such as Texas and Alabama have been linked to McNeeley early in the process, but Kansas is in a good position because it was one of his two final choices when he made his initial commitment. Additionally, KU has the upper hand with its ability to develop wings with similar play styles to McNeeley in recent years.
If McNeeley were to commit to the Jayhawks, that would signify head coach Bill Self is anticipating Johnny Furphy to declare for the NBA Draft. But considering that was already the likelihood, KU fans should be excited if the coaching staff lands the uber-talented wing.