The Kansas Jayhawks got bounced in the Round of 32 against Arkansas. That is certainly disappointing after winning a National Championship last season. This, along with a lack of playing time, led to one player entering the transfer portal.
Junior guard Joseph Yesufu transferred to Kansas following an impressive 2020-21 season at Drake University. Unfortunately, his career at Kansas has not been what he likely expected. He’s averaged only 12.7 minutes per game this season after playing only 9.3 minutes per game last year.
According to Jayhawks beat reporter for 247 Sports, Michael Swain, Yesufu has once against entered the transfer portal.
BREAKING: Kansas guard Joe Yesufu has entered the NCAA Transfer portal. #KUbball pic.twitter.com/qYapxF6tBC
— Michael Swain (@MSwain247) March 23, 2023
Many Kansas fans took notice of this surprising departure on Thursday and offered their opinion on the move on social media.
Thanks for being a part of the family Joe @_liljoe1 ! Good luck with everything! #Jayhawk4Life 🔵🔴 https://t.co/u5RcA8MAUP
— Waving The Wheat (@wavingthewheat) March 23, 2023
https://twitter.com/MattsTakes1/status/1638983730554388481
Was really hoping he would stay😔 https://t.co/eH7Q5hZLa6
— Charles Bruton (@cbrutonkuchiefs) March 23, 2023
Best wishes @_liljoe1 ! Thanks for all of your hard work! https://t.co/FRzGqSVkEl
— crimson&blucru (@crimson_blu_cru) March 23, 2023
Former Drake guard in the portal again. @KCCINews @scottreister https://t.co/imwh1GQ1k9
— Jeff Dubrof KCCI (@JeffDubrofKCCI) March 23, 2023
Yesufu has proven in the past that he can contribute to a successful team if he is given an opportunity. He thrived in his second season at Drake, averaging 12.8 points per game while shooting 38.4 percent on three-point attempts on a Drake team that made the NCAA Tournament.
This marks the fourth Kansas player that has decided to enter the transfer portal, which may certainly hurt them ahead of the 2023-24 season.
Kansas Jayhawks confirmed transferring…
G Bobby Pettiford
G Joseph Yesufu
F Zach Clemence
F Cam MartinHoping MJ Rice stays…
#6 recruiting class incoming though pic.twitter.com/7PABwC96RN
— JAKE ELLENBOGEN (@JKBOGEN) March 23, 2023
It will certainly be intriguing to see where Yesufu ends up committing to from the transfer portal while Kansas looks to reload and potentially make another deep run in the NCAA Tournament next season.
