AJ Storr cites history as main factor in choosing Kansas

AJ Storr is on to his third different school in three seasons, transferring from St. John’s to Wisconsin in 2023 and exploding there in 2024 before heading to Kansas.

All three stops are notable basketball powers. But of course, playing at Kansas, the birthplace of basketball, for a historical brand, a Hall of Fame coach, and in the best stadium in the country provides a completely different experience. There are a myriad reasons to become a Jayhawk, but at recent media availability, Storr explained what exactly stuck out to him about KU.

“Really, just the history of KU,” Storr answered when asked why he chose Kansas. “You know, it speaks for itself,” he added. “I think six national championships, Coach Self got two of them himself. Really, just the history of it speaks for itself.”

As does Bill Self’s track record. The longtime head coach consistently pumps out one excellent basketball team after another, seemingly without fail over the last 15+ seasons.

“You know that he’s going to get the best out of you,” says Storr. “You know he’s going to challenge you. He’s going to always motivate you and push you to be the best version of yourself.”

That’s exactly what the junior wing wants out of his head coach, hence why he picked Kansas.

Storr is joining the Jayhawks after spending one season with the Badgers. This past year, he averaged 16.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per game for Wisconsin, leading the team in scoring. As noted, Storr began his career at St. John’s, averaging 8.8 points per game while appearing in all 33 games. He was named to the Big East All-Freshman Team following the 2022-23 season.

Storr once again received all-conference honors in 2023-24 as he was named second-team All-Big Ten for a tremendous season at Wisconsin. He emerged as the Badgers’ leading scorer, averaging a hair less than 17 points per game on a Wisconsin team that earned a No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament but lost to James Madison. He was also named to the Big Ten All-Tournament team in ’24.

The Illinois native was ranked as a four-star recruit in the class of 2022. He signed with St. John’s after being tabbed as the No. 105 overall player in the country, according to the On3 Industry rankings. He helped Wisconsin to a 22-14 record this past season before they were upset by James Madison in the NCAA Tournament.

Storr also declared for the NBA draft, while maintaining his college eligibility last month. Obviously, he ultimately decided not to chase his professional dreams just yet and opted to remain in college and play for Kansas this upcoming season.