The Kansas basketball team is coming off a tough 2023-24 season. The Jayhawks finished with a record of 23-11, which placed them sixth in the Big 12. They also exited March Madness early with a second-round 89-68 loss to Gonzaga. Nevertheless, Head Coach Bill Self projected a big improvement for Kansas' future roster.
Self understands that the Jayhawks have high expectations, but expecting success at the highest level comes with its costs.
“We become so accustomed to winning — which is good — that we take it so for granted, and winning, now, becomes something (that's) expected, so it's always a relief as opposed to joyous. And losing is something that could be a learning experience, now becomes a disaster,” Self explained, per KUsports.com.
Kansas consistently competes for national championships, a tradition that Bill Self has helped maintain during his 20-year tenure. The last time the Wildcats won the NCAA Tournament title was during the 2021-22 season. Still, Self and the Jayhawks will not stop striving to be the best.
Self accepts the responsibility Kansas has to be successful. He vowed to help improve the roster for the 2024-25 season after the program's early March Madness exit.
“That's the way it will be here for the rest of time. And that's what you deserve, to have it like the rest of time. And I will tell you this: Our shortcomings this year will be addressed, and we'll be as good as we've ever been in the very, very, very near future,” Self proclaimed.
Self defined those shortcomings as depth, athleticism, and perimeter shooting. Kansas could make some additions via the college basketball transfer portal in addition to the pieces they will bring in from recruitment.
Kansas basketball prepares roster to avenge 2023-24 season
Bill Self believes he will have a good group for the 2024-25 season. No one has entered the transfer portal yet, but he said that could change.
“I'm not saying anybody will, but a lot of it may depend on how it goes with recruiting and that kind of stuff, so it's still up in the air right now. But I do feel good about our guys. They're working hard and as of now, everybody's committed, but you don't know how that will change based on recruiting and those sort of things,” Self said.
Self expects to add three or four players from the portal, and with the recruiting class coming in, the Jayhawks should be in good hands. Kansas is ranked eighth in the nation for its Class of 2024 recruiting efforts, per 247 Sports.
Of course, the team is also awaiting NBA Draft decisions from senior center Hunter Dickinson and freshman wing Johnny Furphy. Self said it would be great to have them back, but the team will recruit hard regardless.
“We will recruit, if they declare, like they're not going to be here, and then you get them back that will be a bonus.”
All in all, the Kansas basketball program looks to be in good hands. The team is doing all it can to improve and push for better Big 12 and March Madness showings in 2024-25.
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