CBS Sports reporter Matt Norlander reveals that the Kansas basketball program is facing a setback as one of their anticipated transfer portal recruits, Riley Kugel, previously associated with the Florida Gators, will not be joining the Jayhawks.
Kugel’s absence alters the landscape of what was expected to be a notable transfer portal class for Kansas this coming fall, which included Rylan Griffen, AJ Storr, and Zeke Mayo, alongside incoming freshmen Flory Bidunga and Rakease Passmore.
Currently, the Jayhawks roster stands at 11 players, with Johnny Furphy exploring options around the 2024 NBA Draft. Coach Bill Self, speaking with Andy Katz, suggests that Furphy is unlikely to return to Kansas. Additionally, Self briefly touches on Kugel’s situation.
With both Kugel and Furphy potentially out of the picture, Self finds himself with at least one, and possibly two, vacant scholarships. Kansas must still forfeit one more scholarship either this season or the next due to self-imposed penalties.
Given the existing roster composition, it appears likely that Self will seek to add another player from the portal soon, possibly targeting specific skill sets such as defensive prowess or three-point shooting ability, or even a player requiring developmental time. The option of recruiting someone with a single season of eligibility versus multiple years remains open.
Despite these challenges, the current roster exhibits enhanced depth in both the frontcourt and backcourt. The addition of Bidunga and the return of Zach Clemence from redshirt status bolster the team’s talent and depth in the frontline.
As the team navigates these changes, the spotlight now shifts to Self’s recruitment strategy and the impending start of the season in November.
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