Bill Self strikes again. After the national title in 2022, followed by a new high-quality regular season that further cemented his legend, the boss of Kansas makes everyone understand that he is still far from being satisfied. In other words: Hunter Dickinson is a Jayhawk.
Entered the transfer portal recently after three seasons with Michigan (17.2 points and 8.4 rebounds), the pivot immediately became the most coveted player on the circuit, and very quickly Kansas appeared to be particularly well placed in the race to recruit him. . The prestige of the university as well as an obvious “fit” on the sporting level are responsible for tipping the scales in favor of Lawrence’s squad.
Because on paper, the arrival of Hunter Dickinson in the Kansas system actually makes sense for everyone because Bill Self, historically, has always operated with a four-out system around a dominant pivot in the low post (Joel Embiid or Udoka Azubuike for example). This is exactly the profile of the Virginia native, who is also an honest wide shooter and a capable passer, and who will therefore operate in the center of the attack of a team which has “reloaded” its offensive ammunition in recent weeks. (Nick Timberlake, Arterio Morris), after the departures of Jalen Wilson and Gradey Dick, registered in the Draft and therefore leaving for the NBA.
The 2m15 player will also bring a significant presence in the offensive rebound, in this team which lacked size last season. On the defense, Hunter Dickinson seriously lacks speed, like most pivots of this size, and Kansas will have to defend in “drop” on the “pick-and-roll” to hide its limitations in this area as much as possible. But, at a minimum, the former Wolverine will make the effort.
Overall, the context is therefore ideal for him to achieve an XXL season statistically, and he will certainly be one of the favorites in preseason for the title of player of the year.
