The expectations for the Kansas basketball team are always high, and after four disappointing seasons in a row, head coach Bill Self hopes he can turn things around. He's constructed a team that, on paper, looks like it can be as competitive as any KU has had since winning the national championship in 2022.
Self had to build a roster with only Kohl Rosario and Paul Mbiya returning from last season's team. The Hall-of-Fame coach has added an enticing mix of experienced transfers and a bevy of athletic freshmen. He still has room for two more additions if he finds the right players to fill them.
Still, several questions remain. The last few rosters have looked good on paper in May, too, and haven't delivered on their promise. This roster looks like it can challenge for a Big 12 title and contend nationally, but several things have to fall into place to reach that ceiling.
Six questions to be answered for the Kansas basketball team to reach its full potential
No. 1: Can the two point guards play up to the next level?
Self has two point guards on the roster, and both look great on paper. Taylen Kinney is a five-star player ranked 19th overall and as the 3rd best point guard in the class by 247Sports. He has both the ability to score and also to create opportunities for his teammates.
Leroy Blyden Jr. had a terrific freshman year at Toledo before jumping to Kansas. He averaged 16.4 points and 4.5 assists last year, but can he make the jump from the MAAC to the Big 12 and produce the same types of numbers?
If both prove they can play at the necessary level needed in the Big 12, then the Jayhawks will have a dynamic duo of scoring playmakers. It will be interesting to see if they play together a lot or if it will be more of a tag-team situation, but their potential is exciting.
No. 2: Can the transfers hold their own in the Big 12?
Keanu Dawes is a proven commodity in that he has two years under his belt as a productive player in the Big 12 at Utah. Last season, he scored 12.5 points and had 8.8 rebounds. Blyden is leaping from Toledo to Kansas but already has coaches around the Big 12 nervous, according to The Field of 68 podcast.
Still, it is a big leap from the MAAC to the Big 12. Kansas did have success with Melvin Council Jr., who was at St. Bonaventure before starring at KU last year. It can be done.
Christian Reeves transferred from the College of Charleston, and Dennis Parker Jr. played at Radford last season. Both were successful, with Reeves averaging 11.1 points and 7.8 rebounds and Parker averaging 18.3 points and 5.9 rebounds.
While these successes took place at mid-major schools, both started their careers at ACC programs. Reeves played two seasons at Duke and another at Clemson, while Parker started his career at NC State. Neither had much success at those schools, but have clearly improved their games and know what it takes to play on big stages.
These four players will be counted on to play big minutes and be productive this season. KU's success depends on it.
No. 3: Will Kohl Rosario and Paul Mbiya improve enough to be impactful?
Both Mbiya and Rosario showed glimpses of what their futures could be at KU last season. They both want to be here, and they can help integrate the rest of the players into Self's system.
Rosario played more than Mbiya, but the big man showed a lot of improvement last season. Look for him to make a big leap forward this season. He will be the primary backup to Reeves and will be an important part of Kansas' defense next season with his rim protection skills.
Rosario had a rough season after a promising start. He was relegated to the bench after starting the first six games, and he struggled shooting the ball. He has hit just 28.6 percent of his three-pointers. On a positive note, he did make five of his last 10 attempts beyond the arc, and he showed flashes of elite athleticism all season.
These two players will improve and be major contributors this season. Hopefully, their passion for Kansas basketball will be contagious.
No. 4: Will Tyran Stokes meet his high expectations?
Injuries and a lack of time to mesh with teammates prevented Darryn Peterson from reaching his full potential last season. The Jayhawks cannot afford for Stokes not to be at his best this season.
It might be unfair to place that pressure on the young man, but he is the top-ranked prospect in the country, and KU will need him to play like that regularly. He will need to be aggressive on both ends of the court and on the boards.
Stokes should have a deeper supporting cast than Peterson had last year, but the bulk of this team's success will rest on Stokes' shoulders. Look for him to thrive under those conditions.
No. 5: Will any other freshmen apart from Stokes and Kinney contribute in a major way?
Forward/center Davion Adkins is the most likely to see rotational minutes as a backup to Dawes at the four-spot. He could also see time if Reeves or Mbiya struggle or have foul troubles. Adkins should be someone Self can count on off the bench to be productive. He has a bright future and should be a positive player for this team.
Two other freshmen could see some situational playing time. Luke Barnett is a shooter, and those are always useful throughout the season. Trent Perry, at this point in his development, is a high-motor player who Self will be able to use for his hustle and defense. Eventually, Perry will be an excellent player, but he will contribute in a lesser role this year. Of course, both of these players have the skills to surprise and earn bigger roles as the season progresses.
The other two freshmen, Grant Mordini and Atticus Richmond, may not play a lot this season and will serve as positional depth when needed.
No. 6: Will the centers score enough to be effective?
This will be a perimeter-oriented team, so it will not need big scoring nights from the big guys. Still, Reeves, if healthy, has enough skills to score when necessary, and Mbiya's athleticism around the rim will allow him to score as well.
Mbiya will take a big leap forward in his contributions and may be the surprise of the season, but between the two, with some help from Adkins, they will indeed provide enough support for the perimeter scorers.
The upside for this team, which could easily go nine deep regularly, is enormous. There are enough components in place for KU to make a run at both a conference title and a national championship. Because of the failures of the last few years, some may underestimate this team, but the Jayhawks will be competitive this season.
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