Kansas’ improbable streak of dominance in the Big 12 continued last season, with the Jayhawks taking home yet another regular season title. At this point, no one could be blamed for wondering when they’ll ever be dethroned by their conference foes.
Bill Self appears to have the tools for another title next season, thanks to three veterans coming back to Lawrence for another shot at a Final Four.
Key Losses: Cliff Alexander (NBA Draft), Kelly Oubre Jr. (NBA Draft)
Possible Losses: No announcements made
Key Returners: Frank Mason III, Perry Ellis, Wayne Seldon Jr.,
Key Newcomers: Carlton Bragg (five-star, power forward)
Breakdown: Alexander’s freshman season certainly didn’t go as planned, at least not until he decided that his one season in Lawrence was enough–or at least realized that it was the only season he’d be allowed to have. Losing Oubre to the NBA might have been an unlikely scenario in the early months of the season, but his emergence as a two-way threat certainly made his decision much more understandable. Nonetheless, Bill Self knows how to rebound from key departures, as the Jayhawks bring back three potential all-conference talents in Mason, Ellis and Seldon. Those three will give KU the experience to lead, while players like Brannen Greene and Devonte Graham will give them depth and shooting coming off of the bench. Bringing in Bragg should give KU a replacement for Alexander, and give Self one of the best frontcourts in the conference with Ellis, Lucas and Traylor. What remains to be seen, is what else Self can do on the 2015 recruiting trail, as the Jayhawks are in the conversation for several other top prep talents across the country, including names like Malik Newman, a five-star shooting guard out of Mississippi.
