Bill Self explains the significance of having Kevin McCullar returning to Kansas

Kansas basketball got a massive piece of news earlier this summer when veteran wing and Texas Tech transfer Kevin McCullar announced he would return for a second year with the Jayhawks and his final in college. He was a terrific defensive wing for Kansas and also pitched in as a secondary offensive option, proving to be the ideal role player on a Bill Self basketball team. And the Jayhawk head coach knows what an important addition he is for the 2024 team.

“Yeah, he’ll make a big difference for us,” Self said of McCullar committing to play in 2024. While he filled his role excellently last season, Self is expecting some kind of leap from the senior and laid out where McCullar can improve.

“You know, obviously he’s got some things he can improve on or he wouldn’t come back. He’ll take it serious. He wants to be a player. You know, he’s got to get more consistent shooting the basketball. He makes some improvements in that area but probably he should take another step. But I’m excited to what see happens. I think we put a pretty good defense in there certain stretches, which was so great about him.”

With the Jayhawks returning a pesky on-ball defender in Dajuan Harris, a versatile forward in KJ Adams and a lockdown wing in McCullar, the defense should be switchable and elite once again in Lawrence. That’s why Self considers his return such a huge win in the offseason.

“This is a big day for Kansas basketball,” Self continued. “We’ve had a lot of good things happen through recruiting this offseason, but nothing that has transpired this off season was bigger for KU basketball than having a seasoned veteran like Kevin McCullar returned to our program.”

McCullar announced his return to the program late in the month of May, via an announcement from the Jayhawks’ official Twitter. Just like Michael Jordan, the announcement simply said, “I’m back.” It’ll be a boost to the 2022 national champions as they embark on their quest to take home the 2024 title.

Last season, McCullar averaged 10.7 points per game, 7.0 rebounds per game, 2.4 assists per game and shot 44.4% from the floor and 29.6% from three-point range. He also earned All-Big 12 and All-Big 12 Defense honors.

Pencil him in as a certain starter for Kansas in 2023-24 and a likely repeat All-Big 12 performer, perhaps even first-team.