After a disappointing exit from the NCAA tournament, where the Kansas Jayhawks lost 89-68 to Gonzaga in the second round, head coach Bill Self began contemplating improvements for the next season.

The previous season was particularly tough for the Jayhawks, who finished with a 23-11 overall record and a 10-8 mark in the Big 12, their worst performance since Self took over in 2003.

Injuries, especially to star forward Kevin McCullar Jr., significantly impacted the team's depth and performance during critical moments of the season.

To address their struggles with 3-point shooting, which ranked 11th in the Big 12 last season, the Jayhawks added depth and shooting ability through aggressive recruiting.

Kansas focused on enhancing their shooting and athleticism by bringing in five new perimeter players during the offseason.

Key returning players such as Dajuan Harris Jr., KJ Adams Jr., and Hunter Dickinson will lead the revamped roster, complemented by new recruits including transfers Zeke Mayo, Riley Kugel, and AJ Storr.

As the 2024-25 season kicked off, Kansas was ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll, although they faced an exhibition loss to No. 16 Arkansas before rebounding with a strong win against Howard.

Despite a crowded roster, Self believes that competition for playing time will enhance both individual performance and overall team dynamics.

Self's coaching philosophy emphasizes aggressiveness and adaptability, which are crucial for integrating new players who previously held significant roles at other institutions.

Self acknowledged the early-season success but reiterated that injuries had a lasting impact on the team's performance.