Hearings: KU Roster Predictions for Next Season👋
Expecting some major roster turnover for The Jayhawks next season
EVERYTHING IN THIS NEWSLETTER IS BASED UPON WHAT I AM HEARING FROM PEOPLE I TRUST. PLEASE DO NOT MISTAKE THIS FOR FACT OR FOR ACTUAL JOURNALISM, WHICH HAS VERIFICATION STANDARDS THAT I HAVE NOT ADHERED TO. I DO NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT.
In this Hearings newsletter:
Likely returning players 🔙
Guys expected to transfer out ✌️
Roster summary 📝
Roster Predictions
Returning
Dajuan Harris
KJ Adams
Ernest Udeh
Bobby Pettiford (not a lock to return)
Zuby Ejiofor
Leaving
Jalen Wilson
Kevin McCullar
Gradey Dick
Cam Martin
Kyle Cuffe
The Question Marks
Self will probably get one of these guys to stay, but…
Joe Yesufu - He’s had a tough time adjusting to this coaching staff. I think he ultimately tries to be a scorer somewhere else. Prediction: Transferring
Zach Clemence - His skillset doesn’t fit this system. He’d be better off finding a better style. I think he loves it at KU, but it’ll be tough for him to find playing time here if things don’t change. It’s a hard call, but I think he ultimately transfers. Prediction: Transferring
MJ Rice - I believe this decision will be Rice’s call. He’s clearly had a hard time this year. I’m Hearing he even got upset with fellow North Carolina native Bobby Pettiford at one point because of how bad a fit this was for him. BUT, the staff sees potential with Rice. He probably can’t get paid as much elsewhere. This is close to a 50/50 call, but… Prediction: Transferring
Predicted Roster (Guards, Wings, Bigs)
Note: For simplicity, I’m leaving out the bench guys/walk-ons.
Guard: Dajuan Harris
Guard: Bobby Pettiford
Guard: Elmarko Jackson
Wing: Marcus Adams Jr.
Wing: Jamari McDowell
Wing: Chris Johnson
Big: KJ Adams
Big: Ernest Udeh
Big: Zuby Ejiofor
If this scenario plays out, I’d see KU adding two wings in the transfer portal along with an additional big. It’s also very possible that Rice or Clemence change course and return. Self historically finds a way to keep guys around.
There’s still plenty to discuss with how the season ended, but it feels too soon for that kind of analysis. For now, I’ll work to find out who the Jayhawks could be targeting via the transfer portal.
Gotta think MJ has the clearest shot to both 1) return and 2) slip into starting 5 at the 2/3. Having back issues early clearly set him back physically and mentally (pain + always worrying you're going to tweak it) as well as learning the system, so he was never going to compete for serious minutes in rotation with GD/KMC taking up 85% of the minutes at the 2/3. Those minutes/roles opens up. Tons of shots gonna be needed next year.
Would be surprised if BP stays, just not enough offensively/shooting (which was clearly lacking on this team) + incoming guards are bigger/more versatile. JY not good enough to unseat DH and playing 2 mini-guards large minutes together spells disaster.
Any chance we’ll try to get another tough D defender transfer in, a la McCullar?