AJ Storr, a former guard for Wisconsin and St. John’s, made headlines when he committed to join the Kansas men’s basketball team in April. Now, he’s set to experience the coaching prowess of Bill Self firsthand, having relocated to Lawrence this past Saturday. Reflecting on his decision, Storr emphasized Self’s reputation for eliciting the best from his players: “He (Self) is going to get the best out of you…He can always motivate you to be the best version of yourself.”
For Storr, opting to spend a year with the Jayhawks rather than entering the 2024 NBA Draft boiled down to KU’s illustrious history of success, epitomized by Self’s two national championships. Delving into the program’s storied heritage, Storr confessed to newfound appreciation, admitting, “I didn’t even know that basketball originated here…Just the culture of KU, that’s what stood out to me the most.”
Interestingly, Kansas had initially courted Storr during his high school days at IMG Academy in Florida. However, he ultimately chose St. John’s before transferring to Wisconsin. This time around, KU’s pitch centered on a simple directive: “Come here ready to win.”
With an impressive track record and the experience garnered from stints at St. John’s and Wisconsin, Storr brings a wealth of skills and a readiness to be coached to Self’s program. Despite considering the NBA Draft earlier in the year, Storr ultimately gravitated towards the opportunity for success at Kansas, citing the program’s winning tradition as a significant factor.
As he prepares for the upcoming season, Storr is diligently honing his skills and physical condition, with a primary focus on integrating with his new teammates. Excited about the camaraderie within the Jayhawks’ locker room, he looks forward to contributing to the team’s success on the court.
