The Kansas Jayhawks basketball team has successfully secured the commitment of Alabama transfer Rylan Griffen, one of the top shooters in the portal, ESPN reported. Griffen cited the strong coaching staff, led by Coach Bill Self, as a major factor in his decision to choose Kansas.

During his sophomore season at Alabama, the 6-foot-6 shooting guard made significant strides in his game. He went from averaging 5.9 points as a freshman to 11.2 points as a sophomore, starting in 33 games and shooting an impressive 39.2% from behind the arc.

Griffen's performance peaked during a 17-game stretch from late December to the end of February, where he averaged nearly 14 points per game. In the NCAA tournament, he displayed his shooting prowess by making over 48% of his 3-point attempts. Notably, Griffen contributed 19 points and five 3-pointers in Alabama's Sweet 16 victory over top-seeded North Carolina and had 13 points and eight assists in the regional final against Clemson, helping lead the Crimson Tide to their first-ever Final Four appearance.

With Griffen's arrival, Kansas aims to bolster their shooting ability on the perimeter. Last season, they struggled, ranking 11th in the Big 12 in 3-point percentage and last in 3-point attempt rate. Griffen's proven ability to shoot from beyond the arc, along with the additions of transfers Zeke Mayo, Riley Kugel, and AJ Storr, is poised to address this weakness for the Jayhawks. All four transfers averaged at least one 3-pointer per game and had a career 3-point shooting percentage of at least 34%.

Kansas also boasts a promising roster with returning starters Dajuan Harris Jr. and KJ Adams, while the decision of All-American center Hunter Dickinson regarding his final season of eligibility is yet to be determined. If Dickinson returns, the Jayhawks have the potential to start the 2024-25 season ranked No. 1, further solidifying their dominance in college basketball.

The addition of Rylan Griffen and the other impact transfers is viewed as a significant move for the Kansas Jayhawks, positioning them as a formidable force in the upcoming season. With a focus on shooting improvement and a winning culture, Kansas aims to continue their winning ways and challenge for the top spot in college basketball.