We continue our recruit and return series with the Kansas Jayhawks, whose season ended Saturday with a loss to Oregon in the Elite Eight. A look at what the 2017-18 season could hold:
Possible 2017-18 starting five
G: Malik Newman (transfer)
F: Billy Preston (freshman)
Who is lost: Frank Mason III went from a one-time Towson signee to the leading candidate for National Player of the Year. He consistently hit big shots throughout his Jayhawks career and averaged around 20 points and five assists, while shooting better than 50 percent from 3-point range as a senior. His loss is the main reason coach Bill Self continues to search for a point guard next season. Landen Lucas is also gone after leading the team in rebounding as a senior, providing defense and an inside presence. Another loss is likely to be freshman Josh Jackson, the former No. 2 prospect in 2016 and potentially a top-five pick in the NBA draft. Playing at the power forward spot for most of the season, Jackson really took off in conference play.
Who is added: Kansas is probably not yet done on the recruiting trail, as Self has been searching for a Mason replacement for months. Right now, the Jayhawks have two ESPN 100 prospects in the fold, including skilled five-star forward Preston. When Preston is locked in, there aren’t many players as talented as he is. He can step in and provide a different dimension up front. He’s joined by Marcus Garrett, who can play both guard spots and will provide good depth as a freshman. Self also has two transfers sitting out this season: Mississippi State transfer Newman and former Arizona State wing Sam Cunliffe. Newman, who was one of the best guards in his high school class, will likely step into the starting lineup right away. Cunliffe will not be eligible at the start of the season but is a skilled scorer on the wing. Kansas is also involved with elite guard Trevon Duval.
What it means for next season: There is going to be plenty of turnover on the roster, but the return of Graham will be key. There was some buzz early on that he was going to leave for the NBA, but the Jayhawks might need him badly if Duval doesn’t end up in Lawrence. He’s done a great job playing second fiddle to Mason in the backcourt but will have to shoulder a bigger load next season. Mykhailiuk took a step forward this season and established himself as one of the better shooters in the Big 12. If he returns, he’ll do more of the same next year. Lagerald Vick also had some moments as a sophomore, using his athleticism and ability at both ends. The key for Self will be getting more out of his frontcourt. Lucas was fine, but the Jayhawks need scoring in the post. Carlton Bragg hasn’t been consistent, and Azubuike got hurt just as he was getting going as a freshman. Will one of them be a reliable option?
Trending: Level. Until someone takes down Kansas in the Big 12, it’s impossible to pick against the Jayhawks. The losses of Mason and Jackson will be very difficult to replace, but with the combination of transfers and freshman, Self will have more than enough pieces to be in the national picture again.