Bill Self has stated that he plans on bringing three or four transfers to the Kansas basketball program this offseason. The coaching staff must form a plan in case Johnny Furphy leaves for the NBA Draft in addition to Kevin McCullar's departure for graduation.
The Jayhawks have already added two guards from the portal thus far in Zeke Mayo and Riley Kugel, but there is still one scholarship open with potential spots opening in the future. Another transfer portal add could be imminent with this recent news.
One player KU has focused on in recent days is former Alabama guard Rylan Griffen. According to Jayhawk Slant on Twitter, Kansas conducted an in-home visit with Griffen this weekend.
I’m hearing that Kansas conducted an in-home visit/met with Alabama transfer Rylan Griffen this past weekend. #kubball
— JayhawkSlant (@JayhawkSlant) April 15, 2024
Kansas coaches meet with Alabama transfer Rylan Griffen
This is a massive development in the ongoing situation. Kansas was reportedly one of the first schools to contact Griffen after he went portaling, but things seem to be moving extremely quickly. KU and Griffen have met in person after a few days.
Griffen averaged 11.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists with the Crimson Tide in the 2023-24 season, helping lead them to the Final Four. He shot 45.4% from the field and 39.2% from 3-point range on 2.1 makes per game. His outside shooting will be gladly welcomed by a team that struggled to stroke it from long-range this past year.
The Dallas, Texas, native has two years of eligibility remaining with real NBA upside. He is a lengthy 6-foot-5 guard who excels off the ball and finds open jump shots. His well-rounded game would suit the point guard-center tandem of Dajuan Harris and Hunter Dickinson perfectly.
While Kansas was expected to be a major player for Griffen, it's possible that he will make his college decision within the next few days. As of right now, it appears that the Jayhawks are at the forefront of this race and could have their minds set on next year's starting wing. KU fans should continue to monitor this situation this week.