Oklahoma State transfer hears from Kansas Jayhawks and other top programs

The Kansas Jayhawks brought in two transfer portal guards shortly after the season ended. Riley Kugel and Zeke Mayo figure to take on an extended role next season as Bill Self looks to improve upon KU's disappointing finish in 2023-24.

However, with Kevin McCullar and Nick Timberlake running out of eligibility, Johnny Furphy likely leaving for the NBA, and Jamari McDowell and Elmarko Jackson potentially transferring, Kansas might need to bring in another guard next season. They have been linked to several players, the most recent being a transfer from the Big 12.

Kansas basketball reaches out to Oklahoma State transfer

Former OSU and East Carolina guard Javon Small recently entered the transfer portal in search of a new school in his final year of college ball. The 6-foot-2 guard started all but one of the Pokes' games this season, averaging 15.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2.0 3-point makes on 44.1% field goal shooting.

Some teams that have reached out to Small include Texas, Louisville, Michigan, and Kansas. The Jayhawks saw him in game action twice this year, though he struggled in both of those outings. He recorded just two points and seven assists on 1-for-10 shooting in his first matchup with KU and posted eight points on 3-for-10 shooting in the second meeting.

The Indiana native is a strong finisher at the rim for his size and can shoot the 3-ball at an efficient clip. On 5.3 attempts from beyond the arc, Small connected on 37.4% of his threes this year despite shooting 31.3% from long-range at East Carolina. He has also made strides as a playmaker, making him a capable combo guard.

Kansas presumably has its starting shooting guard in Mayo, but bringing in Small could give him more competition and reinforce the depth in the backcourt. This is a move that seems very possible for KU if McDowell and/or Jackson transfer in the next few weeks.