How Kansas Commit Ernest Udeh Jr. Can Help The Jayhawks Repeat

The defending NCAA champions are only getting better. Ernest Udeh Jr., a top 25 prospect in the class of 2022 from Orlando, Florida, will be suiting up for the Kansas Jayhawks next season. The 6’10” center was mulling offers from schools like UCLA, Texas Tech, and the University of Florida until ultimately deciding to make the jump to Lawrence, Kansas. Udeh joins fellow McDonald’s All-Americans Gradey Dick, and M.J. Rice at Kansas, solidifying them as a top ranked recruiting class this off-season. 

“The Fans can expect, first and foremost, the chemistry,” Udeh told the media at the McDonald’s All-American game. “Being here with these guys and knowing them before committing, the chemistry is going to be really good. Just going into next year with all our focus, we’re trying to win every game and be the best group in this class.”

Udeh jr., is your prototypical big. He excels at defending the paint and is always primed to grab extra rebounds on either end of the floor. His ambition to play on the boards gives Udeh Jr. a number of second chance baskets every time he steps on the floor. Possessing a 7’2” wing-span, he has ample time to make adjustments on the defensive end, which regularly leads to blocks. 

On the offensive end, Udeh Jr., is a lethal lob threat. Whether it’s catching the ball off the rim or soaring through the air for an alley-oop slam, you will see plenty of Ernest Udeh Jr. at the rim. There is room for him to improve shooting the basketball. Udeh Jr. doesn’t have a reliable mid-range game, but that is somewhat typical for high-school big-men. If he can find a way to engineer a cool jumper, Ernest Udeh Jr., could transform into one of the best bigs in the country. 

The Jayhawks undoubtedly have big expectations next season coming off a national championship. A stacked recruiting class and the confidence of knowing that your program can actually win it all, Kansas is looking to be just as lethal next March. It’s not crazy to think Kansas could be the first repeat national champions since the University of Florida in 2006-07.