Here are 3 priorities for Kansas women’s basketball as it prepares for its next season
LAWRENCE — In the aftermath of Kansas women’s basketball’s season-ending loss, Brandon Schneider and Zakiyah Franklin took the opportunity to reflect on the program’s turnaround.
Schneider, the Jayhawks’ head coach, highlighted how proud he was about their progress over the last three years. Schneider was speaking with reporters in Los Angeles after the end of his team’s second NCAA tournament trip in three seasons. They’ve reached the round of 32 in each of those tries, this time losing 73-55 to USC on March 25.
Franklin, a super-senior guard, also pointed to the big picture. She mentioned the effect super-senior center Taiyanna Jackson and super-senior guard Holly Kersgieter have each had, with this season being the last in college for all three. Although they didn’t reach the NCAA tournament last year, they did go on to win the 2023 Postseason WNIT.
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Given the current landscape of the sport, attention quickly turns to the future and next season. Schneider’s squad has set a new bar for itself with these past few seasons, after struggling the first six seasons he was in charge in Lawrence. Capitalizing on this offseason could raise the bar even higher, and there are a few ways they can make that happen.
Retain Wyvette Mayberry and S’Mya Nichols
In the days following the loss against USC, Mayberry announced she would be returning to Kansas for one more year. Nichols spoke postgame about how the team will need to get back to work and come together so it can advance farther next season. So, it looks like this goal has already been accomplished.
It’s still important to highlight how necessary it is to bring back two starters who have the potential to improve even more. Both are All-Big 12 Conference caliber talents who are likely in line for even bigger roles next season, with Franklin, Jackson and Kersgieter moving on. Schneider has spoken in the past about having to deal with tampering with his roster.
Recruit perimeter shooters and add front-court depth
Schneider praised Nichols for how she exceed expectations this season. The KU coach pointed to how her poise, composure and leadership ability are all beyond her years of experience. Nichols started all 33 games for Kansas (20-13) and led the Jayhawks in both points and assists.
But Nichols and Mayberry are going to need help.
A KU Athletics spokesperson confirmed both sophomore forward Zsófia Telegdy and freshman center Paris Gaines have entered the transfer portal, so that leaves Schneider and his staff five open scholarship spots. Schneider was speaking earlier in the week, before the news of those two departures. Even then, he seemed to make a mini-pitch to potential players who could transfer in. He said the Jayhawks will be aggressive in the transfer portal and that there are opportunities to compete for playing time right away.
Jackson was one of the best defensive talents in the nation and averaged a double-double this past season, leaving a void that a newcomer could arrive and help fill. Kersgieter and Franklin took a lot of shots and combined to attempt close to half of the 3s Kansas took this season, leaving a void on the perimeter multiple newcomers could arrive and help fill. With the right commitments and quality player development, the Jayhawks can keep themselves in the Big 12 conversation.
Prepare for a new-look Big 12 Conference
Schneider said the goal will always be to compete for Big 12 titles and advance in the NCAA tournament. He mentioned getting out of the No. 8-seed vs. No. 9-seed games in the NCAA tournament and not playing a No. 1 seed in the round of 32 as a goal. Being prepared for the new-look Big 12 will go a long ways toward helping that happen.
Oklahoma and Texas have been two of the best teams in the Big 12 the past few seasons, and will leave for the Southeastern Conference. Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah, a group that’s had some success in the Pac-12 Conference in recent years, is joining the Big 12. The moves provide new dynamics in the Big 12, and the more Schneider and company can capitalize on the opportunities those create the more they can reach their goals.
Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas Athletics at The Topeka Capital-Journal. He is the National Sports Media Association’s sportswriter of the year for the state of Kansas for 2022. Contact him at jmguskey@gannett.com or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: What are 3 priorities Kansas women's basketball should have?
