Kansas basketball lands Hunter Dickinson, leaves Kentucky, Michigan fans in shambles

Bill Self and the Kansas Jayhawks landed the best transfer forward on the market in Michigan Wolverines star Hunter Dickinson.

Hunter Dickinson earned All-Big Ten honors in his first three seasons at Ann Arbor, but wanted a change of scenery for what’s likely to be his final year as a collegiate player. While the likes of Kentucky, Villanova, Maryland and Georgetown were interested in Dickinson, he will attend Kansas.

The Jayhawks are fresh off another Big 12 title and NCAA Tournament appearance. They’re one of the more consistent Blue Bloods in college basketball. Davis Cobb of CBS Sports rated Dickinson as the best transfer in the portal, and for good reason:

"“Dickinson is one of the best big men in college basketball. At 7-foot-1 and with a well-built frame, he can outmuscle most opponents on the block, protect the rim and rebound. He also continued demonstrating the ability to hit 3-pointers during the 2022-23 season while earning All-Big Ten honors for a third straight year. The Maryland native is a fiery competitor and proven veteran who has the ability to change the trajectory of whatever program he chooses to play for during the 2023-24 season.”"

Why did Hunter Dickinson choose Kansas?

Once Dickinson chose to leave Michigan in the first place, the odds of him returning were slim to none. Juwan Howard and Dickinson had a productive relationship, but Kansas is Championship-caliber for a reason.

Of all the previous schools mentioned, KU was the highest-seeded in last year’s NCAA Tournament. Dajuan Harris and K.J. Adams return from last year’s squad which won its conference, with Harris rated as one of the best guards in the country. The Jayhawks also remain in the mix for top-10 recruit Mackenzie Mgbako and Towson transfer Nick Timberlake, all while adding a top-10 recruiting class.

KU is setting itself up for another stellar season in Lawrence.