Why Bill Self’s Early Enrollment Plan for Bryson Tiller Could Be Setting Him Up for Failure

Kansas men’s basketball head coach Bill Self is confident that redshirting high school big man Bryson Tiller during the second semester of the 2024-25 season will provide invaluable growth for the 6-foot-10, 240-pound forward. Tiller, a product of the Overtime Elite program in Atlanta, is ranked as one of the top players in the Class of 2025, but will spend his first semester on campus focused on improving his skills and adjusting to the Kansas program.

Self discussed the decision at a news conference leading into KU’s nonconference finale against Brown, emphasizing the value of Tiller practicing with the team but not competing in games this season. “Things, schemes, style, what our expectations are… playing against Hunter (Dickinson), KJ (Adams), and Flory (Bidunga) every day will also be good for him,” Self said. “There’s a lot of things that go into it. Probably getting a comfort level with me, maybe seeing the value of what it’s like when we go on the road, because he’ll travel with us when we go on the road, and how other people react to the Kansas jersey, things like that.”

Tiller, who will arrive on KU’s campus on January 6, has been recovering from a foot injury that impacted his ability to play during his senior year of high school. While he is expected to be cleared for basketball activities, his recovery timeline means he’ll be better prepared for his freshman year once fully healthy. Self believes that taking this extra time to get acclimated to the Kansas program will be beneficial in the long run. “We have a plan. He’s going to redshirt. He’s been nicked up from his (foot) surgery, so he’ll be cleared, but really not to the point where he can really impact his high school season,” Self explained. “So get him here and he’ll be healthy hopefully by the time he arrives or soon after, and then he’ll be more prepared to have an impact to start his freshman year knowing he’s going to be here a semester with us.”

Ranked among the top 25 prospects in his class by major recruiting outlets, Tiller is a highly touted prospect, sitting at No. 20 by 247Sports, No. 21 by Rivals, No. 23 by On3, and No. 26 by ESPN. The Atlanta native, who spent his final year with the Overtime Elite City Reapers, is seen as a versatile player with the potential to make an immediate impact at KU. Tiller’s skillset is notable, as he can play multiple positions on the floor, and his 7-foot-3 wingspan adds a dynamic defensive presence.

Tiller’s time with the City Reapers has already proven successful. He earned second-team all-Overtime Elite honors for the 2023-24 season after averaging 12.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game. His postseason performance was even more impressive, with averages of 15.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks while shooting 50% from the field. Tiller also contributed to the Reapers’ championship win in 2022-23, showcasing his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.

Self has high praise for Tiller’s talent, noting that had it not been for his injury, he could have been a top-five prospect in his class. “Bryson is ultra-talented,” Self said upon receiving Tiller’s commitment in November. “If he hadn’t gotten hurt, he would be a top-5, top-7 kid in the class. He hasn’t been able to do much in the last six or eight months, but he’s talented. He’s 6-10 and can play anywhere on the floor.”

Tiller’s decision to commit to Kansas over offers from Auburn, Indiana, and Georgia Tech speaks to the program’s ability to attract elite talent, and Self is eager to get him fully integrated into the Jayhawks’ culture. With a redshirt season under his belt, Tiller will have the opportunity to grow physically and mentally, preparing for what could be a standout freshman season once fully healthy.

For now, the Kansas coaching staff is focusing on getting Tiller acclimated to the team’s style, expectations, and daily routine. The extra semester of development, along with the opportunity to learn from players like Dickinson, Adams, and Bidunga, will only help Tiller evolve into the player Kansas fans are hoping for. By the time he hits the court for his freshman season, Tiller will be ready to make a significant impact for the Jayhawks, who are continuing to build for a championship-caliber future.