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As the Kansas Jayhawks gear up for the 2026-27 campaign, much of the excitement revolves around the arrival of freshman sensation Tyran Stokes. Head coach Bill Self has meticulously crafted a roster to complement Stokes' abilities, ensuring he won't have to carry the entire load. Yet, one area that wasn't fully addressed in the early offseason is the center spot, which now stands as the biggest uncertainty heading into the season.
It's hard to fault the coaching staff for not matching Flory Bidunga's $5 million NIL demands, but the subsequent focus on backcourt additions has left the frontcourt thin. As previously reported by Kansas on SI, the projected starting center for the season opener is junior Paul Mbiya, with Charleston transfer Christian Reeves still recovering from shoulder surgery. There's no clear timeline for Reeves' return to full contact, leaving Mbiya and true freshman Davion Adkins as the only healthy options at the five to start the year.
Why the Center Position Won't Define KU's Season
Despite the uncertainty, the center position is unlikely to be the deciding factor in Kansas' success. The Jayhawks have been spoiled by elite big men over the past five years, from Udoka Azubuike to Flory Bidunga and even Hunter Dickinson, who, despite polarizing opinions, consistently delivered 20-point double-doubles. This season, no one expects that level of production from the five spot, but Coach Self has a history of succeeding with less.
Looking back to the mid-2010s, when Kansas was a perennial Elite Eight contender, the starting center was often Landen Lucas—a 6-foot-9, undersized player with limited offensive skills. Yet Lucas managed to get the job done, protecting the rim, catching lobs, and being physical on the glass. The hope is that Self can mold either Mbiya or Reeves into a similar role player, one who doesn't need to be a star but can fulfill the essential duties of a big man.
Eligibility Ruling Could Be a Game-Changer
If Mbiya or Reeves falter, Self has a potential ace up his sleeve. A recent court injunction has granted dozens of Class of 2022 student-athletes an extra year of eligibility, and Kansas has already been linked to several names. The most prominent is former Michigan State big man Jaxon Kohler, who is reportedly being pursued by KU, Kentucky, and BYU. Kohler, a stretch big who averaged 8.2 rebounds over his final two seasons in East Lansing, would be an ideal fit for the Jayhawks' frontcourt, as he can stretch the floor or play with his back to the basket, having proven himself at the power-conference level.
While the center situation may seem precarious now, there's still a significant portion of the offseason remaining. With the possibility of adding a proven big man like Kohler, the Jayhawks could turn this perceived weakness into a strength. As the summer progresses, all eyes will be on how Self addresses this final piece of the puzzle.