Bill Self is eyeing former Wildcat standout Abdi Bashir Jr. to provide elite perimeter spacing and veteran scoring for a reshaped roster primed for a deep run.
Kansas Jayhawks Targeting Abdi Bashir Jr. to Bolster Shooting
Kansas continues to reshape its roster for the 2026–27 season, and one name has quickly emerged as a key target: Kansas State transfer Abdi Bashir Jr.
After landing No. 1 recruit Tyran Stokes, head coach Bill Self and his staff are focused on surrounding their star with shooting, and Bashir fits that need perfectly. The Jayhawks recently held a Zoom meeting with the former Wildcat as they look to fill one of several remaining roster spots.
Bashir averaged 13.2 points per game last season for Kansas State Wildcats, but his biggest impact comes from beyond the arc. He shot an impressive 44.4% from three-point range, knocking down 67 triples on the year. His consistent perimeter production would address one of Kansas’ biggest weaknesses, as KU ranked near the middle of the pack nationally in three-point shooting last season.
Adding Bashir would give Kansas another reliable scoring option alongside Toledo transfer Leroy Blyden Jr. and incoming five-star guard Taylen Kinney. More importantly, his shooting would help open up the floor for Stokes and the rest of the offense to operate inside.
Bashir has also drawn interest from programs like St. John’s and Ohio State, and a decision is expected soon. If Kansas can land him, it could be the final piece in fixing last season’s perimeter struggles and elevating the Jayhawks into serious contender status.
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Trey Stewart Commits to Kansas Football, Choosing KU Over Arkansas
Kansas added another key piece to its 2027 recruiting class, landing a commitment from versatile Arkansas standout Trey Stewart.
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound athlete chose the Jayhawks over Arkansas, giving head coach Lance Leipold his third pledge in the class. Stewart starred on both sides of the ball in high school but is expected to play running back at the next level.
A product of Little Rock Central High School, Stewart put together an impressive junior campaign, totaling 1,260 all-purpose yards, including 940 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. He earned All-State and First-Team All-Conference honors while establishing himself as one of the top prospects in Arkansas.
Kansas wasn’t initially viewed as a frontrunner in his recruitment, but things quickly gained momentum after the coaching staff extended an offer earlier this year. Running backs coach Jonathan Wallace played a key role in building that relationship and helping bring Stewart to Lawrence.
Stewart held offers from several major programs, including Penn State, Miami, and Oklahoma, before ultimately choosing KU. He joins wide receiver Deng Tong and offensive tackle Derek Gonzalez as part of a growing 2027 class.
With his size, physical running style, and ability to break tackles, Stewart gives Kansas an intriguing early building block as Leipold continues to strengthen the program’s future.