Bill Self reveals KJ Adams will be part of Kansas' coaching staff following injury

KJ Adams just ended his collegiate career, in unfortunate fashion at that, after four years playing at Kansas. He, however, per Bill Self on Monday, is not done yet in Lawrence.

Self answered a question about Adams’ status, coming off of a torn Achilles in the NCAA Tournament, while at the Otto Schnellbacher Classic. He said that he’s currently spending the week back at home as his rehab continues with a boot on that foot for at least a little longer. That said, any plans for a future playing career are still paused for at least this upcoming season because of that injury.

“He went home and he’s not coming back until next week,” said Self. “He’s doing fine. I think he’s in a boot, has like one or two more weeks in a boot. But the doctors say he’s progressing great, you know. But, it’s still going to be a year before he’s able to do much.”

Adams appeared in 138 games, 98 being starts, while a Jayhawk playing for Self. He posted 8.2 points (58.8% FG), which has him fifth all-time in field-goal percentage for the program, with 3.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists. That made him a two-time honoree as an All Big-12 Honorable Mention, including being the Big 12’s Most Improve Player in ’22-’23. While also having a more limited role as an underclassman, Adams also contributed to three conference titles and, as a freshman, won a national title with KU.

Still, with his torn Achilles, Adams is looking at a year at least until he’s able to take the court again in being fully healthy. With any plans to play professionally to be determined following his recovery, Self went on to reveal today that Adams, in some sense depending on how the team labels it, will be joining the Jayhawks’ bench for ’25-’26.

“Yeah, we’re going to hire him in some capacity. KJ is going to be part of our staff next year,” Self said. “So, in whatever capacity that is – I don’t know from a title standpoint yet. But, whatever it is to allow him to stick around and be at practice every day and also work on rehab.”

Adams is two and a half months into his recovery from the injury that ended his career playing for KU. He’ll have at least ten more months, though, to spend in The ‘Phog now working for Self instead.