Kansas basketball transfer Rylan Griffen looks impressive in practice video

Kansas basketball enters the 2024-25 season with Big 12 title hopes and championship aspirations after a disappointing campaign the previous year. Head coach Bill Self assembled an incredible roster, bringing back All-American center Hunter Dickinson, Dajuan Harris and KJ Adams, and transfers AJ Storr, Zeke Mayo, Diggy Coit, Shakeel Moore, and Rylan Griffen.

While Storr and Mayo are considered the top two additions and potential members of the starting five, Jayhawk fans shouldn't overlook Griffen. He is a terrific wing defender and can shoot the three at a high clip. The Kansas social media account on X released a video of the Alabama transfer knocking down some treys in a practice scrimmage, and his jumper looks smooth as butter:

Kansas basketball fans given a sneak peek of transfer guard Rylan Griffen

While we don't know how well he is playing behind the scenes, it's certainly encouraging to see Griffen knocking down shots from downtown on a Kansas team that struggled with spacing last season. He joins a Jayhawk roster loaded with talent but should compete for significant minutes in the 20-25 range.

After playing off the bench as a freshman, the Dallas native averaged 11.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists for the Crimson Tide a year ago. He shot 45.4% from the field, 39.2% from 3-point range, and 81.0% from the charity stripe. He helped propel Alabama to the Final Four and had his best game in the Sweet 16 vs. UNC, scoring 19 points and hitting 5-of-8 attempts from beyond the arc.

Griffen played well in an off-ball role last year and will continue to do so in Lawrence, serving as a reliable outside shooter. Harris or Dickinson can dish it to. His ability to defend guards and forward should also not be understated.

KU supporters will get their first live look at Griffen in game action during Late Night in the Phog on Oct. 18. The squad will travel to Fayetteville to play new head coach John Calipari and the Arkansas Razorbacks for a preseason scrimmage on Oct. 25. The regular season opener is on Nov. 4 against Howard.