2021–22 Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team

The 2021–22 Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team represented the University of Kansas in the 2021–22 NCAA Division I men's basketball season, which was the Jayhawks' 124th basketball season. The Jayhawks, members of the Big 12 Conference, played their home games at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas. They were led by 19th year Hall of Fame head coach Bill Self. The Jayhawks finished the season 34–6 and won their 4th NCAA Tournament National Championship, their first since 2008, and their 6th National Championship overall.

2021–22 Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball
ConferenceBig 12 Conference
Ranking
CoachesNo. 1
APNo. 3
Record34–6 (14–4 Big 12)
Head coach
Assistant coaches
Home arenaAllen Fieldhouse
Seasons
2021–22 Big 12 men's basketball standings
Conf Overall
Team W   L   PCT W   L   PCT
No. 3 Kansas 14 4   .778 34 6   .850
No. 4 Baylor 14 4   .778 27 7   .794
No. 12 Texas Tech 12 6   .667 27 10   .730
No. 25 Texas 10 8   .556 22 12   .647
TCU 8 10   .444 21 13   .618
Oklahoma State* 8 10   .444 15 15   .500
Iowa State 7 11   .389 22 13   .629
Oklahoma 7 11   .389 19 16   .543
Kansas State 6 12   .333 14 17   .452
West Virginia 4 14   .222 16 17   .485
*Oklahoma State was ineligible for both the 2022 Big 12 Tournament and the 2022 NCAA tournament due to postseason ban imposed by the NCAA.
2022 Big 12 Tournament winner
Rankings from AP poll

Season notes

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The Jayhawks experienced massive roster turnover in the offseason having lost eight players to transfers, graduation, and entering the draft, but added a recruiting class ranked in the top 15 of every major recruiting website, and 4 transfers. They had more new players on their roster than returning players. Despite the turnover, the Jayhawks entered the season with high expectations. Joe Lunardi of ESPN projected them as a 1 seed in his initial 2022 NCAA tournament bracketology.[1] The Jayhawks renewed their rivalry with Missouri on December 11. The Jayhawks defeated Missouri 102–65.[2]

On April 2, 2021, Kansas signed Self to a lifetime contract. The contract will automatically add an extra year to every year he coaches until his retirement or death.[3]

On October 14, 2021, when the Big 12 Preseason Media Poll was published, Kansas was projected to finish first in conference standings, which is the 19th time in 26 seasons of the Big 12's existence that the Jayhawks have been selected as the preseason favorite. They received 8 first-place votes and 80 total points.[4]

The Associated Press (AP) released their preseason poll on October 18, 2021. The Jayhawks were ranked 3rd in the preseason poll. It was the 10th consecutive, 16th under Bill Self, and 24th time since the 1992–93 season KU was ranked 7th or higher in the preseason AP poll. It was also the 16th consecutive season KU was ranked in the preseason poll. It also marked KU being ranked in the preseason poll 31 of the previous 32 seasons.[5]

After losing to Baylor on February 26 and TCU on March 1, the Jayhawks lost back-to-back games, which is only the 12th losing streak of any length under Self.

The Jayhawks defeated Texas on March 5 to clinch their 63rd regular season conference title, extending their NCAA record. It was also their 20th Big 12 title. It was also the 16th Big 12 title in the previous 18 seasons. The Jayhawks would also win the 2022 Big 12 tournament to earn their 50th NCAA Tournament appearance and their NCAA record extending 32nd consecutive. The tournament title was the Jayhawks 12th Big 12 Tournament title and their 16th overall.

After defeating Providence in the NCAA tournament, Kansas passed Kentucky to be the winningest program in the nation.[6] The Jayhawks defeated North Carolina in the National Championship game 72–69 after trailing 25–40 at halftime. They trailed by as much as 16 completing the largest comeback in National Championship game history.[7]

Roster changes

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Coaching staff changes

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Name New school Replacement
Jerrance Howard[8] Texas Jeremy Case[9]

Entered draft

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Below are players who declared for the NBA draft. The class given is what their class was for the 2020–21 season. Seniors from the previous season, due to receiving an extra year of eligibility from the NCAA, had to declare to intention to enter the draft. If a player goes undrafted, they are eligible to return.

Name Position Class Returned
Ochai Agbaji[10] G Junior Yes[11]
Jalen Wilson[12] F RS Freshman Yes[13]
Marcus Garrett[14] G Senior No

2021 recruiting class

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US college sports recruiting information for high school athletes
Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight Commit date
K. J. Adams Jr.
F
Austin, TX Westlake 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 220 lb (100 kg) Jul 7, 2020 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 86
Zach Clemence
F
San Antonio, TX Sunrise Christian 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) 205 lb (93 kg) May 11, 2020 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 87
Bobby Pettiford
G
Durham, NC South Granville 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 170 lb (77 kg) Mar 30, 2021 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 82
Kyle Cuffe Jr.*
G
New York, NY Blair Academy 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 173 lb (78 kg) Dec 19, 2020 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 76
Overall recruiting rankings:     247 Sports: 11     Rivals: 13      ESPN: 6 

*Originally class of 2022, but reclassified to 2021.[15]

Transfers

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Incoming

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Name Position Class Old School
Cam Martin[16] C Super Senior Missouri Southern
Joseph Yesufu[17] G Sophomore Drake
Remy Martin[18] G Super Senior Arizona State
Jalen Coleman-Lands[19] G Super Senior Iowa State

Outgoing

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Name Position Class New School
Tyon Grant-Foster[20] G Senior DePaul[21]
Tristan Enaruna[22] G/F Junior Iowa State[23]
Gethro Muscadin[24] C Sophomore New Mexico[25]
Latrell Jossell[26] G Sophomore Stephen F. Austin[27]
Bryce Thompson[28] G Sophomore Oklahoma State[29]

Walk-ons

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Name Position
Charlie McCarthy Guard
Dillon Wilhite Forward

[30]

Roster

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Due to the cancellation of the 2020 NCAA tournament because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NCAA granted 2021 seniors an extra year of eligibility. Mitch Lightfoot and Chris Teahan both returned for an extra year.[31] Additionally, transfer Remy Martin took advantage of the extra year of eligibility by the NCAA.

2021–22 Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team
Players Coaches
Pos. # Name Height Weight Year Hometown
G 0 Bobby Pettiford 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 190 lb (86 kg) Fr Durham, NC
G 1 Joseph Yesufu 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 180 lb (82 kg) So Bolingbrook, IL
G 2 Christian Braun 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 218 lb (99 kg) Jr Burlington, KS
G 3 Dajuan Harris Jr. 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 170 lb (77 kg) RS So Columbia, MO
G 5 Kyle Cuffe Jr.   6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 180 lb (82 kg) Fr New York, NY
F 10 Jalen Wilson 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) 225 lb (102 kg) RS So Denton, TX
G 11 Remy Martin 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 175 lb (79 kg) Sr Burbank, CA
G 12 Chris Teahan (W) 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 195 lb (88 kg) Sr Leawood, KS
G 13 Charlie McCarthy (W) 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 195 lb (88 kg) Fr Rancho Mirage, CA
F 15 Dillon Wilhite (W) 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 240 lb (109 kg) Fr San Diego, CA
G 20 Michael Jankovich (W) 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 190 lb (86 kg) Jr Dallas, TX
F 21 Zach Clemence 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) 225 lb (102 kg) Fr San Antonio, TX
F 24 K. J. Adams Jr. 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 225 lb (102 kg) Fr Austin, TX
G 30 Ochai Agbaji 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 215 lb (98 kg) Sr Kansas City, MO
C 31 Cam Martin   6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 230 lb (104 kg) Sr Yukon, OK
C 33 David McCormack 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) 250 lb (113 kg) Sr Norfolk, VA
F 44 Mitch Lightfoot 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) 225 lb (102 kg) Sr Gilbert, AZ
G 55 Jalen Coleman-Lands 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 190 lb (86 kg) Sr Indianapolis, IN
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)

Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  • (W) Walk-on

Roster
Last update: February 5, 2022

Schedule

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COVID-19 impact

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Unlike the previous year, Kansas allowed full capacity crowds. The Jayhawks finished their non-conference schedule without any positive tests for COVID-19. They did, however, cancel two non-conference games and postpone a third conference game due to COVID-19 issues with their opponents. The non-conference games that were canceled were replaced with new opponents. The Jayhawks had their first confirmed case of COVID-19 on February 1, 2022, when Ochai Agbaji tested positive for the virus.[32]

Results

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Date
time, TV
Rank# Opponent# Result Record High points High rebounds High assists Site (attendance)
city, state
Exhibition
November 3, 2021*
7:00 pm, ESPN+
No. 3 Emporia State W 86–60 
 17  Agbaji   8  McCormack   4  R. Martin  Allen Fieldhouse (16,200)
Lawrence, KS
Regular Season
November 9, 2021*
6:00 pm, ESPN
No. 3 vs. Michigan State
Champions Classic
W 87–74  1–0
 29  Agbaji   8  Braun   4  Harris  Madison Square Garden (18,132)
New York, NY
November 12, 2021*
7:00 pm, ESPN+
No. 3 Tarleton State W 88–62  2–0
 25  Agbaji   8  Tied   6  Harris  Allen Fieldhouse (16,300)
Lawrence, KS
November 18, 2021*
7:00 pm, ESPN+
No. 3 Stony Brook W 88–59  3–0
 25  Agbaji   8  McCormack   6  Harris  Allen Fieldhouse (16,300)
Lawrence, KS
November 25, 2021*
1:30 pm, ESPN
No. 4 vs. North Texas
ESPN Events Invitational quarterfinals
W 71–59  4–0
 18  Agbaji   8  R. Martin   4  Tied  HP Field House (3,514)
Bay Lake, FL
November 26, 2021*
12:30 pm, ESPN2
No. 4 vs. Dayton
ESPN Events Invitational semifinals
L 73–74  4–1
 21  Agbaji   10  Braun   5  Braun  HP Field House (3,859)
Bay Lake, FL
November 28, 2021*
12:00 pm, ESPN
No. 4 vs. Iona
ESPN Events Invitational 3rd place game
W 96–83  5–1
 20  Braun   7  Braun   5  R. Martin  HP Field House (3,252)
Bay Lake, FL
December 3, 2021*
6:00 pm, FS1
No. 8 at St. John's
Big East–Big 12 Battle
W 95–75  6–1
 31  Braun   13  McCormack   5  R. Martin  UBS Arena (9,769)
Elmont, NY
December 7, 2021*
7:00 pm, ESPN+
No. 8 UTEP W 78–52  7–1
 23  Agbaji   7  Wilson   6  Harris  T-Mobile Center (15,500)
Kansas City, MO
December 11, 2021*
2:15 pm, ESPN
No. 8 Missouri
Border War
W 102–65  8–1
 21  Agbaji   7  McCormack   5  R. Martin  Allen Fieldhouse (16,300)
Lawrence, KS
December 18, 2021*
7:00 pm, ESPN+
No. 7 Stephen F. Austin W 80–72  9–1
 21  Braun   6  Tied   4  Tied  Allen Fieldhouse (16,300)
Lawrence, KS
December 21, 2021*
7:00 pm, ESPN2
No. 7 at Colorado Canceled due to COVID-19 issues with Colorado.[33] CU Events Center 
Boulder, CO
December 29, 2021*
7:00 pm, ESPN+
No. 6 Harvard Canceled due to COVID-19 issues with Harvard.[34] Allen Fieldhouse 
Lawrence, KS
December 29, 2021*
7:00 pm, ESPN+
No. 6 Nevada W 88–61  10–1
 22  Braun   9  Wilson   5  Harris  Allen Fieldhouse (16,300)
Lawrence, KS
January 1, 2022
4:00 pm, ESPN+
No. 6 TCU Postponed due to COVID-19 issues with TCU. Rescheduled for March 3.[35] Allen Fieldhouse 
Lawrence, KS
January 1, 2022*
4:00 pm, ESPN+
No. 6 George Mason W 76–67  11–1
 20  Coleman–Lands   7  Wilson   6  Braun  Allen Fieldhouse (16,300)
Lawrence, KS
January 4, 2022
8:00 pm, ESPN2
No. 6 at Oklahoma State W 74–63  12–1
(1–0)
 17  McCormack   15  Tied   6  Braun  Gallagher-Iba Arena (8,246)
Stillwater, OK
January 8, 2022
3:00 pm, ESPN2
No. 6 at No. 25 Texas Tech L 67–75  12–2
(1–1)
 24  Agbaji   6  Tied   3  Tied  United Supermarkets Arena (14,320)
Lubbock, TX
January 11, 2022
7:00 pm, ESPN+
No. 9 No. 15 Iowa State W 62–61  13–2
(2–1)
 22  Agbaji   7  Tied   5  Wilson  Allen Fieldhouse (16,300)
Lawrence, KS
January 15, 2022
1:00 pm, CBS
No. 9 West Virginia W 85–59  14–2
(3–1)
 23  Wilson   15  McCormack   5  Tied  Allen Fieldhouse (16,300)
Lawrence, KS
January 18, 2022
6:00 p.m., ESPN
No. 7 at Oklahoma W 67–64  15–2
(4–1)
 16  Wilson   8  Wilson   4  Harris  Lloyd Noble Center (9,296)
Norman, OK
January 22, 2022
3:00 pm, ESPN+
No. 7 at Kansas State
Sunflower Showdown
W 78–75  16–2
(5–1)
 29  Agbaji   15  McCormack   5  Braun  Bramlage Coliseum (9,737)
Manhattan, KS
January 24, 2022
8:00 pm, ESPN
No. 5 No. 13 Texas Tech W 94–91 2OT 17–2
(6–1)
 37  Agbaji   11  Wilson   6  Braun  Allen Fieldhouse (16,300)
Lawrence, KS
January 29, 2022*
5:00 pm, ESPN
No. 5 No. 12 Kentucky
Big 12/SEC Challenge
L 62–80  17–3
 13  Tied   8  Wilson   4  Harris  Allen Fieldhouse (16,300)
Lawrence, KS
February 1, 2022
6:00 pm, ESPN
No. 10 at No. 20 Iowa State W 70–61  18–3
(7–1)
 14  Tied   13  McCormack   8  Harris  Hilton Coliseum (13,587)
Ames, IA
February 5, 2022
3:00 pm, ESPN
No. 10 No. 8 Baylor W 83–59  19–3
(8–1)
 18  Tied   10  Braun   7  Harris  Allen Fieldhouse (16,300)
Lawrence, KS
February 7, 2022
8:00 pm, ESPN
No. 8 at No. 20 Texas L 76–79  19–4
(8–2)
 18  Wilson   11  Wilson   6  Harris  Frank Erwin Center (14,688)
Austin, TX
February 12, 2022
12:00 pm, CBS
No. 8 Oklahoma W 71–69  20–4
(9–2)
 22  Wilson   9  Wilson   3  Harris  Allen Fieldhouse (16,300)
Lawrence, KS
February 14, 2022
8:00 pm, ESPN
No. 6 Oklahoma State W 76–62  21–4
(10–2)
 20  Agbaji   12  McCormack   5  Harris  Allen Fieldhouse (16,300)
Lawrence, KS
February 19, 2022
7:00 pm, ESPN
No. 6 at West Virginia W 71–58  22–4
(11–2)
 23  Agbaji   11  Tied   4  Harris  WVU Coliseum (14,012)
Morgantown, WV
February 22, 2022
8:00 pm, ESPN
No. 5 Kansas State
Sunflower Showdown
W 102–83  23–4
(12–2)
 23  Agbaji   7  Tied   7  Harris  Allen Fieldhouse (16,300)
Lawrence, KS
February 26, 2022
7:00 pm, ESPN
No. 5 at No. 10 Baylor L 70–80  23–5
(12–3)
 27  Agbaji   13  McCormack   7  Harris  Paul J. Meyer Arena at the Ferrell Center (10,628)
Waco, TX
March 1, 2022
7:00 pm, ESPN+
No. 6 at TCU L 64–74  23–6
(12–4)
 13  Tied   8  Tied   7  Harris  Schollmaier Arena (6,566)
Fort Worth, TX
March 3, 2022
7:00 pm, ESPN+
No. 6 TCU W 72–68  24–6
(13–4)
 22  Agbaji   10  Wilson   3  Tied  Allen Fieldhouse (16,300)
Lawrence, KS
March 5, 2022
3:00 pm, ESPN
No. 6 No. 21 Texas W 70–63 OT 25–6
(14–4)
 22  McCormack   13  Wilson   4  Harris  Allen Fieldhouse (16,300)
Lawrence, KS
Big 12 Tournament
March 10, 2022
2:00 pm, ESPN
(1) No. 6 vs. (9) West Virginia
Quarterfinals
W 87–63  26–6
 18  Agbaji   14  Braun   7  Harris  T-Mobile Center (15,845)
Kansas City, MO
March 11, 2022
6:00 pm, ESPN2
(1) No. 6 vs. (5) TCU
Semifinals
W 75–62  27–6
 22  Agbaji   6  Braun   5  Tied  T-Mobile Center (16,557)
Kansas City, MO
March 12, 2022
5:00 pm, ESPN
(1) No. 6 vs. (3) No. 14 Texas Tech
Championship
W 74–65  28–6
 18  McCormack   11  McCormack   4  R. Martin  T-Mobile Center (16,344)
Kansas City, MO
NCAA Tournament
March 17, 2022*
8:57 pm, truTV
(1 MW) No. 3 vs. (16 MW) Texas Southern
First Round
W 83–56  29–6
 14  Braun   7  McCormack   4  Tied  Dickies Arena (10,560)
Fort Worth, TX
March 19, 2022*
1:40 pm, CBS
(1 MW) No. 3 vs. (9 MW) Creighton
Second Round
W 79–72  30–6
 20  R. Martin   14  Wilson   7  R. Martin  Dickies Arena (12,976)
Fort Worth, TX
March 25, 2022*
6:29 p.m., TBS
(1 MW) No. 3 vs. (4 MW) No. 13 Providence
Sweet Sixteen
W 66–61  31–6
 23  R. Martin   11  Wilson   3  R. Martin  United Center (20,857)
Chicago, IL
March 27, 2022*
1:20 pm, CBS
(1 MW) No. 3 vs. (10 MW) Miami (FL)
Elite Eight
W 76–50  32–6
 18  Agbaji   11  Wilson   4  Tied  United Center (20,241)
Chicago, IL
April 2, 2022*
5:09 pm, TBS
(1 MW) No. 3 vs. (2 S) No. 6 Villanova
Final Four
W 81–65  33–6
 25  McCormack   11  Wilson   5  Tied  Caesars Superdome (70,602)
New Orleans, LA
April 4, 2022*
8:20 pm, TBS
(1 MW) No. 3 vs. (8 E) North Carolina
National Championship
W 72–69  34–6
 15  Tied   12  Braun   3  Tied  Caesars Superdome (69,423)
New Orleans, LA
*Non-conference game. #Rankings from AP Poll. (#) Tournament seedings in parentheses.
All times are in Central Time.

Rankings

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Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
( ) = First-place votes
Week
PollPre123456789101112131415161718Final
AP33488776697510865663Not released
Coaches33*37777661075108657631 (32)

*No poll released

References

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  1. ^ "Bracketology". ESPN.com.
  2. ^ "Kansas Athletics Announces Border Showdown Rivalry Postponed to 2021-22 Season". KUAthletics.com. October 13, 2020.
  3. ^ "Kansas Signs Coach Bill Self to Lifetime Contract". SI.com. April 2, 2021.
  4. ^ Tait, Matt (October 14, 2021). "Kansas basketball picked by Big 12 coaches as preseason favorite". KUsports.com. Retrieved October 15, 2021.
  5. ^ "Kansas No. 3 in Preseason Associated Press Poll". KUAthletics.com. October 18, 2021.
  6. ^ "Martin scores 23, top-seeded Kansas beats Providence 66-61". ESPN.com.
  7. ^ "Jayhawks rally, rock North Carolina 72-69 to win NCAA title". ESPN.com.
  8. ^ "Assistant Men's Basketball Coach Jerrance Howard Leaving KU". KUAthletics.com. April 6, 2021.
  9. ^ "Jeremy Case Named Kansas Men's Basketball Assistant Coach". KUAthletics.com. August 16, 2021.
  10. ^ "Ochai Agbaji Declares for 2021 NBA Draft". KUAthletics.com. April 8, 2021.
  11. ^ "Report: KU basketball's Ochai Agbaji to withdraw from NBA Draft, return for senior season". 247Sports.com.
  12. ^ "Jalen Wilson Declares for 2021 NBA Draft". KUAthletics.com. April 9, 2021.
  13. ^ "Jalen Wilson to Return to Kansas". KUAthletics.com. July 2, 2021.
  14. ^ "KU's Marcus Garrett declares for NBA Draft". WIBW.com. April 22, 2021.
  15. ^ "Kyle Cuffe Jr. Signs NLI to Play at Kansas". KUAthletics.com. April 15, 2021.
  16. ^ "Cam Martin joins Kansas basketball program". JoplinGlobe.com. March 31, 2021.
  17. ^ "Kansas men's basketball adds commitment from Drake transfer Joseph Yesufu". Kansan.com. April 7, 2021.
  18. ^ "Former Arizona State men's basketball guard Remy Martin elects to transfer to Kansas". ESPN.com. May 18, 2021.
  19. ^ "Kansas basketball lands commitment from Iowa State transfer Jalen Coleman-Lands". KUSports.com.
  20. ^ "Kansas guard Tyon Grant-Foster enters transfer portal". 247sports.com.
  21. ^ "Tyon Grant-Foster announces commitment to DePaul". DePauliaOnline.com. April 17, 2021.
  22. ^ "Updated: KU basketball's Tristan Enaruna entering transfer portal". 247Sports.com.
  23. ^ "Kansas transfer Tristan Enaruna pledges to Iowa State men's basketball". DesMoinesRegister.com.
  24. ^ "KU basketball big man Gethro Muscadin to transfer". 247Sports.com.
  25. ^ "Former KU and Sunrise player Gethro Muscadin picks New Mexico as transfer destination". KansasCity.com.
  26. ^ "KU basketball guard Latrell Jossell enters transfer portal". 247Sports.com.
  27. ^ "Latrell Jossell to transfer to Stephen F. Austin: 'I will always have love for KU.'". KansasCity.com.
  28. ^ "Kansas guard Bryce Thompson to transfer". 247Sports.com.
  29. ^ "Former Kansas Guard Bryce Thompson Transfers to Oklahoma State". SI.com.
  30. ^ "Kansas Men's Basketball Adds Two Walk-Ons". KUAthletics.com.
  31. ^ "Kansas basketball seniors Mitch Lightfoot, Chris Teahan announce plans to return for super senior season". KUSports.com.
  32. ^ "Kansas star Ochai Agbaji to miss Tuesday showdown at Iowa State due to COVID-19 protocols". CBSSports.com.
  33. ^ "Kansas at Colorado Game Canceled". KUAthletics.com.
  34. ^ "Harvard vs. Kansas Men's Basketball Game Canceled". KUAthletics.com.
  35. ^ "TCU at Kansas Men's Basketball Game Postponed". Big12Sports.com.