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Bringing in transfers can be a game-changer for college basketball teams, though Kansas hasn’t always had the easiest time making it work. But yesterday was a different story. Bill Self’s Kansas Jayhawks looked sharp as they cruised to a convincing 74-61 road win over TCU. The victory not only pushed Kansas into the top 5 but also highlighted Self’s knack for using the transfer portal to bring in the right pieces and make them click.

Following Kansas’ impressive performance at Schollmaier Arena, CJ Moore shared his thoughts on the latest episode of

‘The Field of 68: After Dark’: “They’re kinda starting to find an identity a little bit, but the key is still going to be like are those transfers going to come on and finally tonight AJ Storr showed a little bit of life, he played hard, he got some steals, he got some hustle buckets, it was his best game as a Jayhawk.”  

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AJ Storr arguably delivered one of his most impressive and impactful performances of the season during the second half of KU’s win over TCU on Wednesday night. Entering the game with 15 minutes to go, Storr stepped up just as the Jayhawks clawed their way back from a 14-point deficit, playing a pivotal role in their comeback.

Although he didn’t lead the team in scoring, AJ Storr was undeniably one of the standout players of the game. He finished with an impressive stat line—12 points on 6-of-10 shooting, six rebounds, and three steals—all in just 22 minutes of action. “Probably the best overall game,” Storr said post-game “I would say, on a defensive side, too, and a little bit on the offensive side.”

AJ Storr’s first season with KU has been a mix of ups and downs. He had a standout performance early on, scoring a career-high 16 points against Oakland in November. However, his scoring became inconsistent, with only three more double-digit games heading into Wednesday’s matchup. Defensive struggles also led to him losing his starting spot and sliding to ninth in the rotation.

“They finally got something from him and if he can be a contributor then, the change is the calculus like if he can give you something, you know they’re ceiling raises, Moore explained “But they’re still a team, they’ve been kind of searching for an identity for months and I think that’s the big difference in the last couple of weeks is that they’re maybe finally starting to figure out okay, here’s what we can be good at.”

Storr’s recent improvement has come with more playing time following KJ Adams’ injury in KU’s loss to Iowa State last week. The former Wisconsin transfer has been given a chance to settle into a rhythm on the court, with Bill self-showing patience and letting him play through mistakes. That trust seems to be making a difference, as Storr is gaining confidence and proving he can be a key contributor ahead of the Houston matchup.

Kansas Jayhawks aim to bounce back against top-ranked Cougars

As March draws closer, the college basketball season is reaching its peak intensity, as the highly anticipated Houston vs. Kansas matchup takes place this week, the Jayhawks are looking to avenge an earlier loss against a Cougars team that has taken over as the Big 12’s top contender.

Kansas will have one major advantage in this game: their home court. Playing on the road is always a tough challenge in college basketball, and the Jayhawks will look to capitalize on the energy of their home crowd. However, their matchup with Houston poses significant challenges. The Cougars boast one of the nation’s best defenses, which is sure to make things difficult for Kansas on both ends of the floor.

The Jayhawks are currently ranked 144th in the nation for points per game, which is a significant drop from their usual high level of play. While their defense is solid, it’s not overwhelming, and if they don’t find their offensive rhythm soon, Kansas could be at risk of an early exit.

Bill Self will be aiming for another win as the team looks energized and ready to go. AJ Storr, a key player in this stretch, has been stepping up with an average of 7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and a solid 42% shooting from the field. His performance will be crucial as the Jayhawks look to build momentum.

As the Jayhawks prepare for their important game against Houston, the Big 12 should take notice of Kansas’ improving form. Bill Self’s strategic roster moves and the team’s evolving identity are beginning to show, making them a team to watch.

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Can AJ Storr's resurgence propel Kansas to a deep run in the NCAA tournament this year?