Kansas Jayhawks land Alabama basketball transfer Rylan Griffen to augment title hopes

Bill Self and the Kansas basketball program have already proved to fans around the country that they are not taking last season's struggles lightly. The Jayhawks quickly assembled one of the best transfer portal classes in the country, adding AJ Storr, Zeke Mayo, and Riley Kugel over the past month. However, this recent piece could be the final piece of the puzzle for KU's roster.

Alabama transfer Rylan Griffen and Kansas had been interconnected since he was in high school. When he entered the portal this month, college basketball fans knew Kansas would be a player to get him. After weeks of speculation and several crystal ball picks, Griffen officially committed to the Jayhawks this morning.

Bill Self lands fourth transfer portal player of Kansas basketball offseason

That's right, Jayhawk fans. Griffen will don the crimson and blue for his junior and potentially senior seasons, solidifying Kansas as one of the best teams in the country. Could this roster become any more stacked? 

The Dallas, Texas, native was a pivotal role player for Alabama's Final Four team. He started 33 of his 36 appearances, averaging 11.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists on 45.4%/39.2%/81.0% shooting splits. Griffen is a 6-foot-5 wing who can play off the ball and defend guards or forwards.

Outside shooting was a dire need for the Jayhawks this offseason, and Self addressed it immediately. Mayo and Griffen combined to sink 166 3-pointers last season near a 40% clip, which should improve KU's floor spacing tremendously. While neither Storr nor Kugel excel from beyond the arc, they both hold a 3-point percentage above 34% in their respective collegiate careers.

KU supporters should expect Griffen to immediately take over Johnny Furphy's place in the starting lineup as he shifts his gears to the NBA Draft. He is a proven scorer against high competition and should only continue to become a better player under Coach Self. 

There are plenty of reasons to be excited about the upcoming campaign if you're a Kansas basketball fan. Self is not taking his quest for his third National Championship lightly.