Big 12 Basketball: Biggest needs for each team’s 2021 recruiting class

Kansas Jayhawks

Biggest needs: Point guard, shooting guard, center

The current position of weakness for the Jayhawks is at power forward but that’s already been addressed so far in the 2021 class. Four-star forwards, KJ Adams and Zach Clemence have already committed to the team. The next area of importance is at point guard, with Marcus Garrett a rising senior and five-star incoming freshman Bryce Thompson a potential “one and done” player.

The top target for Kansas in the coming months will be Hunter Sallis, a five-star combo guard prospect out of Nebraska. After missing out on Kendall Brown to Baylor, the 6’3 playmaker is the ideal star to fill the hole on the perimeter in case Thompson leaves early. Adding another center would help as well in case David McCormack opts to leave as well.

Kansas State Wildcats

Biggest needs: Shooting guard, wing, and power forward

An argument can be made that the Wildcats need an upgrade everywhere, losing the top three contributors along with multiple transfers after winning just 11 games last season. The team only has one senior (Mike McGuirl) on the roster, along with five freshmen and multiple transfers. Four-star point guard Nigel Pack is the most promising newcomer, while 7’0 center Davion Bradford will get plenty of minutes next season.

With only a couple of roster spots available barring outgoing transfers, Kansas State is going to be selective with a smaller incoming group. If the current freshmen group plays well, look for them to target a grad transfer next offseason to add some experience. Otherwise, they’ll hope to find a diamond in the rough prospect that flies under the radar.