Kansas Jayhawks basketball sees shooting boost and possible new starting center

Head coach Bill Self praised a marked improvement in shooting among Kansas men’s basketball players this summer. Freshmen forward Tyran Stokes, guard Luke Barnett and transfer forward Keanu Dawes all posted higher three‑point percentages in practice, with Self noting that the team “shot a lot better this summer than what I probably even projected.”

Self also highlighted Congolese center Paul Mbiya as a strong candidate to become the Jayhawks’ starting center for the 2026‑27 season, after eligibility questions surrounding Serbian recruit Mihailo Mušikić and the recovery of Christian Reeves. Mbiya’s size, wingspan and summer development have convinced the coach that he could earn a regular role in the paint.