During this past offseason, Hunter Dickinson made headlines as one of the best college basketball players to ever enter the transfer portal. The former Michigan superstar wound up choosing Kansas basketball over Kentucky, Villanova, Maryland, and others.
Through 11 games in Lawrence, Dickinson has averaged 19.4 points, 12.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.3 blocks with a 61.7/55.5/72.2 slash line. With those numbers, it's safe to say that he has lived up to his hefty expectations, if not exceeded them. Although he was initially thought of as a 'rental' for the Jayhawks, the possibility of him returning to KU for the 2024-25 season might not be too far-fetched.
His collegiate career began in the wacky 2020-21 COVID-19 year, meaning he has a year of NCAA eligibility remaining once he graduates in 2024. At 7-foot-2, 260 pounds, he does lack defensive skills and athleticism. Despite his excellence in college hoops, Dickinson is among the hundreds of past players whose game doesn't 'translate to the NBA,' according to most professional scouts.
As of right now, he probably wouldn't hear his name called at the NBA Draft if he entered for the upcoming one. If league reps don't see a future for Dickinson in the NBA, he might be better off collecting NIL benefits for another year at KU. Considering how lucrative some NIL deals are rumored to be, that might be the most logical decision for both his basketball career and financial situation.
Kansas does have 5-star center Flory Bidunga set to join the team next season, though Dickinson returning likely wouldn't affect his decision to stay or go. Bringing him back along with Dajuan Harris, KJ Adams, and potentially Elmarko Jackson and Johnny Furphy would immediately make up one of the sport's most talented rosters.
We're only one and a half months into the year, so it's hard to tell from this stage. Perhaps people change their minds and he becomes a sure-fire second-rounder by the end of conference play. But Kansas basketball fans should not rule out Hunter Dickinson returning for another year just yet.