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What's Next for KU Hoops? Jayhawks Lose 4-Star Freshman to Portal

Garrett Hart
Jul 16, 20232 min read

As first reported by On3's Joe Tipton, Kansas freshman wing Marcus Adams Jr. has left the program. Originally a member of the 2024 high school class, Adams reclassified to 2023 this spring and was set to fill a role for KU off the bench this season at the 4-spot.


The 6'8" freshman from Los Angeles ranks as the #48 prospect in 247Sports' 2023 player rankings and is listed as the #104 overall player per 247's Composite Rankings, which takes into account rankings by ESPN, Rivals, and On3. Adams had offers from more than 20 programs and took an official visit to UCLA, in addition to Kansas, during his initial recruitment process.


UCLA is now believed to be the new favorite to land Adams.


This marks the second incoming freshman that Self and co. have lost prior to the beginning of the season, as 4-star freshman guard Chris Johnson requested a release from his NLI (national letter of intent) in early June and has since committed to Texas.


With the loss of Adams, KU now sits at 10 scholarship players entering the season, with one of these belonging to Zach Clemence, who recently announced his plans to redshirt this season after renouncing his commitment to UC Santa Barbara. The biggest question now surrounds what personnel Kansas might target to fill an 11th or even 12th scholarship spot, with recent KU twitter spheres buzzing about potential foreign prospects and portalers tied to the program.


Below we rank the most realistic names that could be soon heading to Lawrence for the 2023-24 season.


Johnny Furphy, NBA Global Academy (Australia)

SF | 6'8" 180 lbs

2024 Class Rank: NR

Offers: Kansas, Ole Miss, Providence, Marquette, Charleston


A recent reclass player from the 2023 class, Furphy's play style is very similar to that of fellow Boomer, Josh Giddey -- as described by 247Sports' Eric Bossi. Furphy displayed excellent floor vision and athleticism during last week's NBA Academy Games and could be an immediate plug-and-play piece for Bill Self on the wing.



Chris Ledlum, Harvard

PF | 6'6" 225 lbs

1 Year of Eligibility Remaining

2023 Stats: 18.8 PTS, 8.5 REB, 29.4% 3PT


A bruiser with the ability to play on the wing and down-low, Ledlum dominated the Ivy League during his tenure in Cambridge. Although his efficiency was largely limited during the Crimson's matchup with KU this past season, he posted an impressive statline of 17 points and 8 boards. Ledlum was previously committed to Tennessee, but entered the portal on Friday afternoon.



Bo Aldridge, Highland Park (KS)

SG | 6'4" 190 lbs

2024 Class Rank: NR, 3-star

Offers: Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Wichita State, & Mississippi State among others


A local recruit from KU's backyard in Topeka, Aldridge recently announced his plans to take a prep year and reclassify down to the 2024 class. The 5A Kansas POY unofficially visited Kansas twice in the month of June and could serve as a long-term project with high upside.



Mathias M'Madi, Chalon (France)

SG | 6'5" 175 lbs

2023 FIBA U19 World Cup Stats: 24.1 PTS, 3.6 REB, 2.7 AST


This one would be a long shot of a pickup and frankly I'm not sure anyone knows a ton about M'Madi's college eligibility status. He recently led the U19 World Cup in scoring and posted an impressive 28 point outing against Team USA on 10/18 shooting, representing Madagascar of all nations.


 
 
 

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