Hearings: The Kevin McCullar Situation
Hearings: The Kevin McCullar Situation
The Jayhawks' roster remains poised for a substantial revamp
In this Hearings newsletter:
An update on Kevin McCullar’s status next season
Happy Masters Sunday. I’m working on Transfer Portal updates, but don’t have anything strong enough to publish just yet. Will send it when (and if) I can. Thanks so much for reading and for all the support!
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.
I’ve remained quiet on Kevin McCullar’s future at Kansas in recent weeks. My initial postseason roster predictions suggested McCullar wouldn’t return next season. Meanwhile, rumors circulated that McCullar may consider returning for another season in Lawrence (yes, he has another year of eligibility).
I’m now confident enough to update you on where things stand with McCullar. While there’s still a chance he returns, I’m Strongly Hearing McCullar’s plan is to pursue professional basketball. In other words: it’s unlikely McCullar will play for KU next year.
Yes, McCullar recently said he plans on going through the NBA Draft process, but it didn’t stop Bill Self from leaving the door open at the team’s banquet Thursday.
“I mean this sincerely, ‘I want you back,” Self said (via the Kansas City Star).
Self is normally realistic about where things stand with his players from senior night onward. I don’t think he would’ve said this if he didn’t think it was possible McCullar comes back next season. After all, the Jayhawks have a good track record of guys coming back for an extra year like Jalen Wilson and Ochai Agbaji.
Still, this is a bit different. McCullar’s plan has always been for one season at KU once he committed to the Jayhawks in the transfer portal. Again, I’m Hearing this plan hasn’t changed.
Right now, McCullar is just kind of done with college basketball. The guy has started 82 games in four years at the highest level the college game can offer.
There are two scenarios in which I could see McCullar ending up at KU next year:
He goes to the Draft combine and doesn’t shoot well enough to improve his stock. Getting drafted 45th or later (including going undrafted) caps a player around $300K. He can probably earn more than that at KU. I’m just not sure this is about money.
The Jayhawks strike out on a lot of players in the portal, and McCullar’s potential start status elevates his earning potential that much more.
The Ultimate question is likely: Does McCullar want a two-way NBA deal or does he want to grind another year of college hoops?
Right now, he wants to take that next step. I’d be writing McCullar is definitely gone if it wasn’t for Self’s comments about wanting him back.
It’s always hard to bet against Self, but for now, it seems like the Jayhawks are heading toward a substantially revamped roster next season.