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Kansas Basketball Slides Into Top 15 in Latest Preseason Rankings

Following Kansas' two latest recruiting additions, the Jayhawks jumped multiple spots in On3's final way-too-early college basketball rankings.
Jan 28, 2025; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self gestures to players against the UCF Knights during the first half at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Jan 28, 2025; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self gestures to players against the UCF Knights during the first half at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

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National media had highly criticized the Kansas Jayhawks' offseason until Bill Self made a pair of impact additions last week.

Now, the Jayhawks have a much deeper roster and are expected to return to premier status in the upcoming campaign.

In the 10th and final edition of On3 analyst James Fletcher III's way-too-early top 25, Kansas came in at No. 14, marking a three-spot jump from Fletcher’s previous update when the Jayhawks sat at No. 17.

The arrival of newcomers Kohl Rosario and Paul Mbiya influenced the change, as they drastically altered the outlook of KU's depth.

Kansas leapfrogged UConn, BYU, and Tennessee in Fletcher’s rankings and could move higher depending on how the roster gels.

Rosario, a 6-foot-5 guard from Moravian Prep, reclassified to the 2025 class and will suit up for Kansas this season.

He is a 4-star prospect and one of the most lethal 3-point scorers in his class, giving the Jayhawks much-needed outside shooting.

However, Mbiya might be the bigger reason for the Jayhawks' jump int he rankings. The former NC State commit boasts a ridiculous 7-foot-7 wingspan and projects as a defensive anchor at the college level.

While he is raw offensively, Mbiya holds NBA potential and could become one of the most feared rim protectors in the country.

Mbiya will likely begin the season as Flory Bidunga’s backup but has a high ceiling if his game comes together.

Although Rosario and Mbiya likely rounded out KU's roster, Self and Co. can still make one more move to fill out the program's 14th and final scholarship.

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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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