Kansas Suddenly Loses Highly-Rated Transfer
By Joe Summers
Shortly after the disappointing news that standout freshman Johnny Furphy was unlikely to return to Kansas, exciting transfer signee Riley Kugel now reportedly won't play for the Jayhawks either.
According to Matt Norlander, a senior college basketball writer for CBS Sports, Kugel is no longer planning to transfer to Kansas to play under Bill Self. He was a highly-rated target for the Jayhawks, though it's unclear how expected the decision was from Self's end.
Kansas is still among the favorites to win the NCAA Tournament, though this is disappointing news nonetheless.
Kansas News: Jayhawks Lose Florida Transfer Riley Kugel
Portal update: Riley Kugel won't play at Kansas, per sources. Bill Self told @TheAndyKatz Monday Kugel's future w/ KU was "up in the air." Kugel (9.2 ppg @ Florida) is on CBS Sports' list of notable 2024 transfers. He's being recruited again by high-majors.https://t.co/A5mEEs1RYI
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) May 8, 2024
Kugel averaged 9.2 points and 3.5 rebounds per game this year, though regressed to shoot only 39.4% from the field and 31.2% from three-point range. There were legitimate questions about Kugel's fit with this roster from a spacing perspective, so the Jayhawks may be better off this way overall.
Kansas still has one of the most dangerous lineups in the country, led by Dajuan Harris, KJ Adams, and Hunter Dickinson. The team will go as that trio does, but it's obvious the bench has to make serious improvements.
Luckily, reinforcements are on the way. AJ Storr, Rylan Griffen and Zeke Mayo are still coming to Lawrence, as is five-star recruit Flory Bidunga.
The sky is not falling for Jayhawks fans and I wish Kugel the best of luck wherever he winds up. On paper, Kansas likely has the best team in America with or without the Florida transfer.
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