The Kansas Jayhawks experienced a tough night on New Year’s Eve, suffering a narrow 62-61 loss to the West Virginia Mountaineers at Allen Fieldhouse. This defeat marks their third loss in five games, raising questions about their status as a top contender in the competitive Big 12 conference.
One of the critical challenges the Jayhawks face is their roster construction. After grappling with depth and shooting consistency issues last season, Coach Bill Self actively sought reinforcements through the transfer portal. The team welcomed new faces such as Zeke Mayo, AJ Storr, Rylan Griffen, David Coit, and Shakeel Moore, along with retaining key players Hunter Dickinson, Dajuan Harris, and KJ Adams.
Expectations were high, and many thought these additions were enough for Kansas to claim the top spot in the AP poll. Unfortunately, the results have not met the lofty standards of a No. 1 ranked team. Kansas continues to contend with the same challenges from last year: inadequate depth and inconsistent shooting.
Of the eight players regularly featuring in Bill Self’s rotation, only Zeke Mayo and David Coit are managing to hit over 33.3% from beyond the arc. Mayo has made a strong impression during his inaugural year in Lawrence. However, it’s becoming clear that Coit, despite his effort, may not be the ideal fit for extended minutes at a prestigious program like Kansas. During the game against West Virginia, he played for 17 minutes without scoring, going 0 for 3 from the field and recording a single assist. His season field goal percentage remains below 40%, and given his stature, he offers limited contributions beyond shooting.
Rylan Griffen’s transfer from Alabama, where he nearly shot 40% from three-point range, has yet to yield similar success at Kansas. Dajuan Harris, a guard known for his career 38% shooting from the perimeter, currently sees his percentage dipping to 31.4% in the 2024 season. Even Hunter Dickinson, who boasted impressive shooting stats in previous seasons, is struggling at 30% this year.
The shooting woes extend to players like KJ Adams and Flory Bidunga, neither of whom have attempted a shot from deep all season, leaving the team lacking in floor-spacing options.
Compounding these issues is the integration of AJ Storr, a transfer from Wisconsin. Last season, he averaged nearly 17 points and four rebounds for the Badgers, but finding his rhythm in Kansas proved elusive. Storr’s style requires significant ball handling, which is challenging alongside established players like Dickinson, Harris, and Adams. He stands at just over seven points per game while shooting below 40%, with modest contributions in rebounds and assists.
Coach Bill Self candidly acknowledged the lack of impact from the transfer after the WVU loss, an admission that underscores the team’s current struggles. At this stage, Kansas appears distant from being a Final Four contender, and it remains uncertain whether they have the roster to address these hurdles, despite having one of the most celebrated coaches in college basketball at their helm. Self undoubtedly has a challenging task ahead to reinvigorate the Jayhawks’ prospects this season.
