2) K.J. Lawson (6’8″ 210 F) – Kansas/Memphis
K.J Lawson is one name that has recently surfaced at Arkansas that offers some intrigue. The Razorbacks, amongst several others, were on Lawson’s list of possible destinations. He leaves Kansas as a grad-transfer that will possibly have two years to play.
K.J was a reserve at Kansas this past season, where he averaged 3.1 points and 2 rebounds per game in under ten minutes of play each night. He had his moments with the Jayhawks, but Arkansas fans would likely be better served to remember his time as a Memphis Tiger.
At Memphis in 2016-17, K.J was a key cog for the Tigers where he put up quality averages of 12.3 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. A former ESPN Top-100 recruit, K.J fits the mold of what Musselman is looking for in his “pace and space” system.
With a lengthy, athletic 6’8″ frame, Lawson could slot in nicely as a stretch-4. He has the length and aggressiveness to be a much-needed contributor on the glass. He has guard skills that would allow him to attack mismatches off the dribble and is serviceable from beyond the arc.
There are also some extrinsic factors to consider with Lawson’s recruitment. Landing him could help Musselman re-open the door for Arkansas into Memphis which is a critical recruiting hotbed that has seemingly been shut down since Penny Hardaway arrived in town.