It turns out that Kansas Basketball was not done adding to its roster for the upcoming season.
As his eligibility battle continues, former Purdue star forward Trey Kaufman-Renn has signed with Kansas.
According to reports, Kaufman-Renn has arrived on campus and enrolled in classes at Kansas. If granted eligible, this gives the Jayhawks an immediate boost in the starting lineup.
“Trey Kaufman-Renn, who had a tremendous career at Purdue, has enrolled in classes, and is practicing with us as of Sunday,” head coach Bill Self said in a press release. “He reached the national championship game, the Elite 8 and the Sweet 16 at Purdue and has been extremely well-drilled and well-coached. Even though it’s late in the process, because of his basketball IQ, we think his transition will be quicker than most put in the same circumstance.”
Kaufman-Renn started 112 games over his last three years with Purdue before entering the NBA Draft. He was selected 59th overall with the Minnesota Timberwolves but never signed his contract. He then filed a personal lawsuit against the NCAA hoping to get one final year of eligibility. Kaufman-Renn was granted a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction. This allowed him to chose a landing spot as the case continues on.
The Jayhawks welcomed Melvin Council back and this was thought to be the final move before the season began. Freshman Grant Mordini suffered a season-ending knee injury and this opened up one spot for Kaufman-Renn.
In 147 games at Purdue, Kaufman-Renn averaged 11.3 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. As a junior, he was named All-Big Ten after posting 20.1 points and 6.5 rebounds per game while shooting 59.5% from the field and 42.9% from three-point range. Last season, he averaged 14.2 points and 8.3 rebounds.
There is no guarantee that Kaufman-Renn will be available for Kansas this season as the case continues but if he is granted eligible, the Jayhawks have a new elite member in the frontcourt.