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Big 12 Transfer Darrion Williams Returning to College: Will Kansas Land Him?

Kansas’ top transfer target, Darrion Williams, recently announced his intentions to return to college and withdraw from the NBA Draft.
Texas Tech's guard Darrion Williams (5) celebrates his 3-pointer against Kansas in a Big 12 basketball game, Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, at United Supermarkets Arena.
Texas Tech's guard Darrion Williams (5) celebrates his 3-pointer against Kansas in a Big 12 basketball game, Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, at United Supermarkets Arena. | Annie Rice/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Texas Tech transfer Darrion Williams is withdrawing from the 2025 NBA Draft and maintaining his collegiate eligibility, according to a report from Jon Rothstein.

Long before the Dame Sarr recruitment flipped upside down, it was well-known that Kansas was interested in the 2024-25 All-Big 12 First Team selection.

Now, the race to land Williams in the transfer portal begins.

An incoming senior, Williams was incredible this past season in Lubbock. He averaged 15.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists for the Red Raiders.

While the California native entered the draft with hopes of raising his stock — outlets projected him as a late second-round pick — he did not fare very well at the NBA Draft Combine.

In addition to a zero-point outing at the combine’s 5-on-5 scrimmages, Williams’ official measurements were alarming to scouts. He was listed at 6-foot-4, boasting a 6-foot-6 wingspan, which isn’t ideal for a forward with his play style.

Williams made his decision more than a week before the May 28 withdrawal deadline.

A versatile player, Williams is a threat on the perimeter and around the rim. His lifetime slash line sits at 44.9%/37.9%/84.2%.

Despite his frame, he is a capable defender in the paint and averages 1.3 steals per game for his career.

He is keeping a return to TTU on the table, but that is very unlikely to transpire.

Williams would seamlessly slide into the Jayhawks’ lineup if he chooses KU, as the team needs a true four to start next to big man Flory Bidunga.

Not only is it a perfect fit, but adding a proven Big 12 star to Bill Self's squad would immediately position the Jayhawks among the best in the conference.

Kansas now enters a heavy-hitting race between NC State, Ohio State, and others for the lauded prospect.

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Joshua Schulman
JOSHUA SCHULMAN

A lifelong Kansas basketball and football fan, Josh recently graduated from The College of New Jersey, majoring in Communications and minoring in Journalism. Josh has over 1,500 published articles on KU athletics across Kansas on SI and FanSided's Through the Phog, with additional work at Indiana on SI, Notre Dame on SI, and Pro Football Network. Josh looks to provide a fan's perspective in his writing for the school he has loved since he was a kid. KC Sports Network is the premier destination for Kansas City sports fans with podcasts, YouTube and social media content. Stay connected with the latest news and analysis by following KCSN on all social media platforms.

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