Potential Offseason Additions for Kansas Hoops

After recently losing both Zuby Ejiofor and Ernest Udeh Jr. to the transfer portal, Kansas is in desperate need of bench depth headed into the 2023-24 season. To only worsen matters, the Jayhawks lost out on 5-star PF and former Duke-signee Mackenzie Mgbako (#10 per 247Sports' Composite Ranking) on Friday to Indiana, despite what appeared to be a lock for KU.

Despite the missed opportunity with Mgbako, Kansas' 2023 hig school class still ranks top 10 nationally, comprised of 5-star PG Elmarko Jackson (#20), 4-star CG Chris Johnson (#50), and 4-stars Marcus Adams Jr. and Jamari McDowell ranked just outside the top 100 in 247Sports' Composite Rankings.

At this moment in time, it does not appear that KU is targeting any potential additions to their 2023 high school class. It has been rumored that Kansas reached out to #2 recruit Ron Holland, following his recent decommitment from Texas. However, both Arkansas and the Longhorns seem to be heavy favorites.

Without any additions to next year's squad, here is the projected KU rotation:

Starters:

G - Dajuan Harris

G - Arterio Morris

G- Nick Timberlake

F - KJ Adams Jr.

C - Hunter Dickinson

Bench:

G - Elmarko Jackson

G - Chris Johnson

F - Marcus Adams Jr.

G - Jamari McDowell

This lineup with just these nine players already ranks #1 overall on Torvik's FutureCast roster predictor, even with little depth offered off the bench. This past seasoon, Kansas ranked towards the bottom of the conference in bench production, with the leading scorer outside of the starting lineup being Joe Yesufu (4.1 PPG), further stressing the need for a competent bench in 2023-24.

Expect Coach Self to target experienced players that either a.) produced high numbers at the mid-major level or b.) were consistent role players at the high-major level in 2023.

Below, we analyze what we view as the top options available for the Jayhawks in the transfer portal:

Transfer Portal

PF Grant Nelson | 6'11" 235 Sr. | North Dakota St.

2022-23 Stats: 17.9 PTS, 9.3 REB, 27% 3PT

Despite playing in the Summit League this past year, Nelson put up big numbers while displaying an NBA level of athleticism. For a 6'11" big, he's extremely comfortable playing the majority of his minutes on the wing, with the ability to put the ball on the floor and shoot off the bounce. The possible combination of Nelson and Hunter Dickinson would be one of the biggest front courts in the nation. However, Nelson is currently going through the draft process and was recently invited to the NBA Combine, so don't expect a decision anytime soon.

C Aziz Bandaogo | 7'0" 215 Jr. | Utah Valley

2022-23 Stats: 11.5 PTS, 10.4 REB, 2.9 BLK

Bandaogo's game matches up very consistently with that of former Jayhawk, Ernest Udeh. A premier athlete and lob threat, the Senegalese center made a living this season above the rim both on offense and defense for a very solid Utah Valley team. The biggest question with Bandaogo next season revolves around his eligibility, as he would need a waiver from the NCAA to play in 2023-24 after having used his one-time transfer already.

SF Allen Flanigan | 6'6" 220 Gr. | Auburn

2022-23 Stats: 10.1 PTS, 5.0 REB, 33% 3PT

The addition of Flanigan would offer KU the chance to pair him with one of Arterio Morris/ or Elmarko Jackson on the wing and input even greater competition on Towson transfer Nick Timberlake. Flanigan is a superb athlete that has been active defensively during his time at Auburn and would offer much needed depth and shooting.

PF/C Isaac Jones | 6'9" 242 Sr. | Idaho

2022-23 Stats: 19.4 PTS, 7.8 REB, 32% 3PT

Purely from a numbers perspective, Jones would be a major boost to KU off the bench next season, while backing up Hunter Dickinson at the 5-spot. A big man that shoots the 3 with relative consistency is always in high demand.

Other Options:

C Flory Bidunga | 6'9" 220 | Kokomo(IN)

2024 HS Rank: #3 overall (#1 Center) per 247Sports

Bidunga is currently visiting Lawrence this weekend with the intent of joining a college program for the 2024-25 season. However, he is technically eligible to reclassify to the 2023 if he opted to and would be an immediate bench option for KU. The biggest factor with this potential decision could come from a NIL perspective. Would you rather play your senior year of high school or be a role player for a premier program and make upwards of $50-100k?

SF Berke Büyüktuncel | 6'9" 210 | Turkey

2022 U18 Euro Championships Stats: 12.3 PTS, 7.4 REB, 42% 3PT

Logistically speaking, I'm not even sure if Berke is eligible to play college basketball in the U.S. He currently plays in the top division of the Turkish Super League for the club Tokas, which features a number of former college players, such as Rob Gray (Houston), Brady Manek (Oklahoma/UNC), and former KU commit Milton Doyle (Loyola Chicago). Berke is a modest level athlete at best, but has a great feel for the game overall with an elite consistency from deep. This could be similar to a Svi Mykhailiuk situation, but a year of basketball in America could be greatly beneficial to Berke before the start of a potential NBA career.