In today's era of college basketball, there is no "sure thing" for any player to return to their school anymore. Bill Self and the Kansas basketball program, who lost seven players to the transfer portal last offseason, know that better than anyone else.
Nothing about his effort on the court would suggest KJ Adams was contemplating the transfer portal, but his comments after KU's season-ending loss to Gonzaga raised some eyebrows. Adams told reporters he did not know if he would return to the Jayhawks for a senior year.
Despite the controversy that his words sparked, fans now know the answer to that question. The athletic forward confirmed on Instagram yesterday that he would return to Kansas for the 2024-25 season.
Never was leaving.#rockchalk❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/HWyFgJ9108
— KJ Adams (@kj_atx) April 2, 2024
Fan-favorite KJ Adams to spend final year of eligibility at Kansas
The Texas native who was the Big 12 Most Improved Player as a sophomore is staying home. He will exercise his final year of eligibility with the Jayhawks, meaning he will have spent all four years at the same school — something that cannot be said about many players anymore.
Adams has been a staple in Bill Self's rotation for two straight years, playing all 34 games (32 starts) in 2023-24 with averages of 12.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.1 steals on 60.1% field goal shooting. He was the starting center in a small ball lineup last season before switching to his natural position at the four.
One of the most athletic players in the nation, Adams does most of his damage on cuts, alley-oops, and putbacks. He is a hustle player who puts his heart and soul on the line every game, making him a valuable asset on the court and a beloved figure in Lawrence.
His role could look slightly different next year, as Bill Self might want to switch some things up after a disappointing end to the campaign. Regardless, Kansas will return a player who can jump out of the gym, defend several positions on the defensive end, and most importantly, loves the University of Kansas.