No. 1 Kansas intends to live up to preseason billing after struggling down the stretch last year

Kansas (23-11, 10-8 Big 12)

Like this season, the Jayhawks were the preseason No. 1 team in the AP Top 25 last year, only to struggle with mediocrity. They lost in the NCAA Tournament to Gonzaga short of the Sweet 16.

Coach Bill Self admitted long before last season ended that changes needed to take place, especially on the perimeter, where poor outside shooting rendered 7-foot-2 center Hunter Dickinson less effective. Fhe Hall of Fame coach hit the transfer portal to supplement a highly-regarded freshman class with veteran backcourt players with a penchant for scoring.

The biggest names to arrive were A.J. Storr, who averaged 16.8 points at Wisconsin, and Zeke Mayo, who averaged nearly 19 per game for South Dakota State. Alabama transfer Rylan Griffen, Northern Illinois scoring machine David Coit and Mississippi State transfer Shakeel Moore should provide plenty of help for veteran guard Dajuan Harris Jr. (8.5 ppg, 6.5 apg).

Dickinson decided to return for another season, too, along with versatile forward KJ Adams Jr. They will be spelled by incoming freshman Flory Bidunga, one of the highest-rated post players among this year's freshman class.

Players to watch

Dickinson (senior, 7-2, 17.3 ppg, 10.8 rpg) could have headed to the NBA or overseas to play professionally. But the former Michigan post returned to Lawrence after a season that failed to meet his own expectations.

Storr (junior, 6-6, 16.8 ppg at Wisconsin) is on his third school in three years after beginning his career at Rutgers. He was among the most coveted players in the transfer portal at the conclusion of last season.

Departures and arrivals

The biggest loss for Kansas was Johnny Furphy, who was picked in the second round by the Spurs after a freshman season that exceeded most expectations. Veteran guards Kevin McCullar Jr. and Nicolas Timberlake are also gone.

Top games

The Jayhawks open Nov. 4 vs. Howard before back-to-back games against North Carolina at Allen Fieldhouse and Michigan State in the Champions Classic. They also face Duke in Las Vegas, visit Creighton, travel to rival Missouri and get North Carolina State at the Phog — all before the Big 12 meat-grinder begins.

Facts and figures

The win total by Kansas last season was its lowest in a non-COVID-impacted season since 2004-05, which was Self's second season with the Jayhawks. ... Dickinson had 14 games of at least 20 points last season. He also had three of 10 points or fewer. ... SG Shakeel Moore could miss the start of the season after breaking his foot in a pickup game. ... SG Elmarko Jackson will miss the season with a torn patellar tendon in his knee.

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