Prior to Tre White’s addition to the roster just a few days ago, the Kansas basketball program had undergone what many would qualify as an “okay” summer in terms of additions. While the names KU brought in were uber-talented, the experience they brought with them posed too many concerns for a roster set to play in some high-level basketball games this season.
Then Tre White got announced last Friday, and all of a sudden this is a roster that looks as if it is a contender once again.
In Gary Parrish’s latest college basketball rankings, the Jayhawks were the subject of conversation.
“Is it the best KU roster ever? Obviously not,” opened Parrish
“But after the Jayhawks were hit hard by early departures to both the NBA Draft and transfer portal, Bill Self and his staff had real work to do to position the program for the type of success they've enjoyed for most of the previous 23 years -- and I think they've done it.”
Following last season’s second-round exit of the NCAA Tournament, nearly everyone left.
Here is everyone who either opted for the transfer portal, ran out of eligibility, or moved on to the professional ranks.
Ngiunyu Ngala: Eligibility
Jayden Dawson: Eligbility/Pending return to college basketball
Corbin Allen: Transfer portal
Samis Calderon: Transfer Portal
Jamari McDowell: Transfer Portal
Elmarko Jackson: Transfer Portal
Melvin Council Jr.: Recently cleared for another year of eligibility but hasn’t been officially added back to the KU roster
Bryson Tiller: Transfer Portal
Darryn Peterson: NBA
Flory Bidunga: Transfer Portal
There was a point in the offseason prior to the incoming freshman joining, Kansas had just shooting guard Kohl Rosario and center Paul Mbiya. Even Mbiya was considered a potential exit before opting to stay at KU for another season.
“To be clear, Kansas probably won't be the preseason favorite in the Big 12. But with Stokes in the fold, Taylen Kinney providing another heralded piece on the perimeter, and White now eligible again and back in the program, I'm compelled to move KU up to No. 18 in Version 28 of the 2026-27 CBS Sports preseason Top 25 And 1 college basketball rankings.”
White’s impact is beyond one aspect
White will offer a lot to this Kansas roster. First, a steady scorer. White wasn’t perfect last season, but he did go on to average 13.5 points per game on a 43.8% field goal rate and a 38.2% three-point rate.
White will also bring stellar defense. Last season on the perimeter, White’s 6-foot-7 stature made him a unit to try to score against. If White was asked to guard down low, he faltered more often than not, but overall was a positive.
However, maybe the best thing White brings is a veteran presence.
This KU roster is stocked with underclassmen. White and Utah transfer Keanu Dawes are the only two members of this team who consistently played in the Big 12 last season.
Here's hoping White can be the final piece needed for Kansas to be back on the map.
More Kansas Footballl News
Add us as a preferred source on Google