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Carlton Bragg transferring from Kansas

By Chris Stone

Mar 17, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Kansas Jayhawks forward Carlton Bragg Jr. (15) works around UC Davis Aggies forward Chima Moneke (11) during the second half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Kansas Jayhawks forward Carlton Bragg Jr. (15) works around UC Davis Aggies forward Chima Moneke (11) during the second half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sophomore forward Carlton Bragg is leaving the Kansas program

Kansas forward Carlton Bragg will transfer, the school announced via a statement on Thursday morning. He played 13.8 minutes per game this season while averaging 5.2 points and 4.1 rebounds.

“We wish him nothing but the best and hope he is able to reach his dreams and goals,” head coach Bill Self said.

Bragg joined the Jayhawks as a five-star recruit and McDonald’s All American with loads of potential, but things never really panned out for him in Lawrence. As a sophomore, it was expected he would take on a much larger role after the graduation of Perry Ellis, but Self opted for a small ball lineup using star freshman Josh Jackson at the power forward spot instead of Bragg.

The 21-year old also dealt with off the court issues this season, including an arrest for battery in which the charges were ultimately dismissed based on video evidence and a misdemeanor charge for possession of drug paraphernalia.

“This past year didn’t go as well as I thought it would and it’s in my best interest to get a fresh start,” Bragg said in the statement.

As an incredibly talented basketball player, Bragg should have no shortage of suitors on the transfer market. He was recruited by nearly every top program coming out of high school and his ability to stretch the floor as a power forward will be prized. He will have to sit one season, but has two seasons of eligibility remaining.

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For Kansas, Bragg’s transfer will create additional roster turnover. The Jayhawks were already set to lose seniors Frank Mason III and Landen Lucas and are expected to lose Jackson to the draft. While incoming freshman Billy Preston, a five-star recruit and McDonald’s All American himself, will help fill the hole left by Bragg, Kansas will need to find another player to help round out its frontcourt rotation.

One option might be Shakur Juiston, a 6-foot-7 junior college transfer from Hutchinson Community College. Juiston would be eligible immediately.