The Kansas basketball roster for the upcoming season is nearly complete, with only two spots still open. One of those spots could possibly be filled by Javon Bardwell, from the class of 2027.
Bardwell signed early with Kansas last fall, despite being in the class of 2027. It is possible he could reclassify and be eligible to play for the Jayhawks as early as this fall.
Bardwell, a six-foot-six, five-star small forward, is ranked as the 22nd-best recruit in the 2027 class by 247Sports and the seventh-best at his position. On3 likes him even more, ranking him 19th overall and sixth among small forwards.
If Bardwell were to reclassify, it would bump KU's recruiting class for this season. 247Sports already has KU listed third, behind Duke and Arkansas. On3 ranks Kansas fifth. Bardwell could push the Jayhawks to the top of both lists.
Where Javon Bardwell might fit on the current Kansas roster
Kansas did recently add a small forward to the roster when Tyran Stokes, this year's top-ranked recruit, signed with the Jayhawks earlier this month. It would be a shock if Stokes isn't a starter and the featured player for KU during the upcoming season.
Bardwell's Overtime Elite stats reveal someone who can score and rebound. He averaged 17.9 points and 6.8 rebounds in 23.6 minutes a game. He probably needs to work on his defense and his three-point shooting, but he has the skills and athleticism to eventually excel at Kansas.
He would most likely be a bench player for this season, but he could certainly get some rotational minutes. He'd be battling Dennis Parker Jr., Kohl Rosario, and maybe Trent Perry for minutes.
The new NCAA Five-for-Five rule proposal would allow players to play in five seasons of five years on the college level. This opens the door for players like Bardwell. He has to weigh if it would be better for him to play another season in a prep league, with plenty of minutes. Or if he would benefit more from getting on campus to start learning from head coach Bill Self and his staff.
He'd be trading some playing time for a mostly developmental year, but with a more organized strength and conditioning regime for him to follow. In addition, he will get an extra year working with the KU staff.
When Stokes most likely moves on after a one-and-done season with the Jayhawks, Bardwell will be ready to jump into the starting role with an extra year of development under his belt. He will also have a year learning the program to give him an even bigger advantage going into his second season.
There is also no immediate need for the young man to push himself to the next level if he isn't ready. While college teammates often form strong, lifelong bonds, Bardwell should also get the chance to enjoy his childhood if that is what he wants. NIL money could also play a factor in his decision.
Derek Johnson on the Locked on Jayhawks podcast provided well-thought-out points on the negatives and positives for Bardwell and the Jayhawks if Bardwell does reclassify.
There is a place for Bardwell on this Kansas roster, but minutes will be relatively limited. There are clearly advantages and disadvantages to reclassifying, but the experience of getting early exposure to Self's system could make him an even more dynamic college player down the road.
It will be interesting to see what Bardwell decides to do, but if he does reclassify, the Kansas basketball team will be even deeper and more athletic than it is now.
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