Kansas basketball's Hunter Dickinson landed with a team from the Western Conference after going undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft. The Jayhawks' center had a decorated college career. Dickinson, who transferred to Lawrence after three years at Michigan, has been a five-time all-conference selection and a three-time All-American.

The double-double machine possesses a polished post game and is an elite rebounder with the skill set to contribute to an NBA team right away. Dickinson was not selected in this year's draft, but has quickly found a home on the professional level. According to Senior NBA Insider for ESPN Shams Charania, the star center has agreed to a two-way deal with the New Orleans Pelicans.

Kansas basketball is in somewhat of a rebuild, with basically all of the key contributors from last year's season. Bill Self has not made it to the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament since winning the national championship in 2022. The Jayhawks added several talented players this offseason, but are not currently projected to be a title contender, unlike in years past.

Article Continues Below
More NCAA Basketball News
Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari talks to forward Adou Thiero (3) during the second half against the Little Rock Trojans at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas won 79-67.
Arkansas Razorbacks HC John Calipari’s heartfelt reaction to Adou Thiero’s NBA journeyRichard Pereira ·
Mar 30, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Auburn Tigers forward Johni Broome (4) celebrates after a play during the second half in the South Regional final of the 2025 NCAA tournament against the Michigan State Spartans at State Farm Arena.
Auburn’s perfect reaction after 76ers draft Johni BroomeZachary Draves ·
Creighton Bluejays center Ryan Kalkbrenner (11) reacts with head coach Greg McDermott during the second half against the Auburn Tigers in the second round to the NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena.
Creighton celebrates after Hornets draft Ryan KalkbrennerDavid Yapkowitz ·
Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts during the first half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament against the Kentucky Wildcats at Fiserv Forum.
Illinois basketball news: Brad Underwood’s promise after former players drafted back-to-backJake Faigus ·
Illinois Fighting Illini forward Will Riley (7) and guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) celebrate during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Williams Arena.
Kasparas Jakucionis, Will Riley sound off after going back-to-back in draftScotty White ·
South Carolina Gamecocks forward Chloe Kitts talks to media before practice at Amalie Arena.
South Carolina’s Chloe Kitts supports boyfriend Colin Murray-Boyles at NBA DraftJess Koffie ·

The Big 12 is a whole new conference than it was a few years ago. Houston is the new top dog, having won the conference the past two seasons. In Big 12 play, five teams finished with better records than the Jayhawks, including the Cougars, Iowa State, Arizona, BYU, and Iowa State. Several of those programs are expected to be as good, if even more improved, in 2025. It's not going to be easy for Kansas basketball to win its 17th regular-season title under Self, but the Jayhawks' head coach is in the Hall of Fame for a reason.

Overall, while Dickinson didn't get the opportunity to hear his name called, he's with a team that provides him with a chance to compete for minutes. On the current depth chart, Yves Missi and Derik Queen would presumably be ahead of Hunter on the depth chart. Still, there's plenty of time for the Alexandria, Virginia native to earn a spot in the rotation, especially when considering the dismal injury history the Pelicans have had over the past few years.

Dickinson will now turn his attention to the Summer League, where he will face a lot of the players he thrived against in college. It's time for the 24-year-old to seize this opportunity. Hunter should be as motivated as ever going into Las Vegas, as both he and the Jayhawks have a lot of doubters to prove wrong in 2025.