The Kansas Jayhawks are hoping to defend their title after a National Championship run in 2021-22, and they just received a major boost to their chances at doing that. Star forward Jalen Wilson has announced his decision to return to the Jayhawks and withdraw from the 2022 NBA Draft, according to ESPN's NCAA insider Jeff Goodman.

Wilson will be one of two starters set to return to Lawrence after their National Championship in 2021-22, joining fellow returnee Dajuan Harris.

Article Continues Below
More NCAA Basketball News
Brigham Young Cougars center Aly Khalifa (50) warms up during the NCAA first round practice session at CHI Health Center Omaha.
Former BYU big man given extra year to return to Louisville basketballTroy Finnegan ·
Featured image Hunter Dickinson
Kansas basketball’s Hunter Dickinson lands with West team after NBA draftDylan Fine ·
Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari talks to forward Adou Thiero (3) during the second half against the Little Rock Trojans at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas won 79-67.
Arkansas Razorbacks HC John Calipari’s heartfelt reaction to Adou Thiero’s NBA journeyRichard Pereira ·
Mar 30, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Auburn Tigers forward Johni Broome (4) celebrates after a play during the second half in the South Regional final of the 2025 NCAA tournament against the Michigan State Spartans at State Farm Arena.
Auburn’s perfect reaction after 76ers draft Johni BroomeZachary Draves ·
Creighton Bluejays center Ryan Kalkbrenner (11) reacts with head coach Greg McDermott during the second half against the Auburn Tigers in the second round to the NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena.
Creighton celebrates after Hornets draft Ryan KalkbrennerDavid Yapkowitz ·
Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts during the first half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament against the Kentucky Wildcats at Fiserv Forum.
Illinois basketball news: Brad Underwood’s promise after former players drafted back-to-backJake Faigus ·

Last season as a redshirt sophomore, Wilson averaged 11.1 points per game for Kansas. He was the Jayhawks' third-leading scorer behind Ochai Agbaji (18.8) and Christian Braun (14.1). Additionally, Wilson led the Jayhawks with his 7.4 rebounds per game.

Wilson was a solid shooter from within the arc, knocking down 56.9% of his 2-point opportunities. He struggled from deep, however, converting at a 26.3% clip from 3-point territory, averaging 3.1 attempts per game.

Heading into the pre-draft process, it was widely assumed that Wilson would return to school. However, he's seen his stock rise considerably, even earning a Combine invite. Despite that, Wilson made the decision to return to Kansas and get another year of experience under his belt. While he was an effective shooter during the pre-draft camp, his struggles from 3-point range at Kansas are difficult to ignore, and are certainly something he'll look to improve upon in his return to college ball.

The decision for Wilson to return to Kansas for another go-around was probably a wise one on the part of the 21-year-old, as he'll get the chance to be the first option on the Jayhawks' offense with Agbaji and Braun set for the draft (barring a late change of heart) and showcase his capabilities as a volume scorer in 2022-23.