Kansas Jayhawks address depth concerns by pursuing St. Joseph’s transfer center Christ Essandoko
The 2023-24 Kansas basketball team faced a significant challenge with its lack of depth, particularly evident in the absence of scoring off the bench and adequate substitutes for key players like star center Hunter Dickinson. While Parker Braun provided some solid minutes, the drop-off in performance from Dickinson to Braun was noticeable.
To bolster their ranks, the Jayhawks have recruited 5-star prospect Flory Bidunga, the top-rated player in this season’s recruiting class. As a McDonald’s All-American, Bidunga is expected to contribute immediately. However, Kansas seeks an experienced presence in the frontcourt to complement Bidunga’s development.
In pursuit of this goal, the coaching staff has turned their attention to St. Joseph’s transfer center, Christ Essandoko. Standing at 7 feet tall and weighing 285 pounds, Essandoko showcased promise during his redshirt freshman season, averaging 8.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game with a shooting percentage of 50.0%.
Essandoko’s strength lies in his dominant presence in the paint, where he can overpower smaller defenders and occasionally knock down outside shots, although his footwork for immediate offensive contributions requires refinement. Despite this, he possesses three years of eligibility, presenting a developmental opportunity for Coach Self and his staff.
While Kansas currently faces scholarship limitations, Essandoko emerges as a realistic option to address their depth concerns. Though not on par with other potential targets, his physical attributes suggest he could evolve into a formidable college center with the right guidance and development.
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