Less than a month ago, following the Kansas Jayhawks’ disappointing season-ending loss to the Gonzaga Bulldogs, legendary coach Bill Self drew criticism for voicing what many coaches secretly acknowledge: he was already looking ahead to the next season.
Acknowledging defeat before the final buzzer isn’t popular, but Self’s experience has taught him to recognize when his team lacks the necessary firepower to compete at the highest level. This was evident from the start of last season, exacerbated by injuries that depleted an already thin Jayhawks roster. As star wing Kevin McCullar Jr. was sidelined for the NCAA tournament, it became a matter of when, not if, Kansas would be eliminated. Self immediately set his sights on correcting the roster issues that limited KU’s potential in 2023–24, and in the four weeks since the Gonzaga loss, he has made significant strides.
The latest major acquisition is AJ Storr, the former Wisconsin Badgers wing, who is widely regarded as one of the top players available in the transfer portal. Storr, who averaged nearly 17 points per game for Wisconsin and helped them secure a No. 5 seed in the NCAA tournament, chose Kansas over offers from Illinois, Texas, Arkansas, and several other schools. He joins Riley Kugel from Florida and Zeke Mayo from South Dakota State as Self’s key portal commitments this cycle, with speculation suggesting more additions may follow.
Last year, Kansas made a major portal move by securing Hunter Dickinson, but their subsequent roster moves failed to complement his talent effectively. This offseason, however, Self has assembled a versatile group that addresses the team’s depth, shooting, and scoring deficiencies. With Storr’s scoring ability, Kugel’s potential, and Mayo’s shooting prowess, Self is determined to avoid the pitfalls of the previous season.
The additions of Storr, Mayo, and Kugel, combined with returning players like point guard Dajuan Harris Jr. and forward KJ Adams Jr., give Kansas a formidable lineup. If Dickinson decides to return, Kansas could boast impressive depth across all positions under Self’s coaching, positioning them as serious contenders for the top spot in preseason rankings.
Self’s candid approach in March may have been unconventional, but Kansas’s proactive planning has paid off with a revamped roster capable of competing for a national championship once again.