Bill Self has not had talks with Hunter Dickinson on his future

Senior Night at Allen Fieldhouse is always an emotional one, especially facing in-state rival Kansas State. Fortunately for Bill Self, Kansas played well and got to send the seniors out in the right fashion. But some still have decisions to make, such as Hunter Dickinson, on whether or not they want to return to school.

Dickinson is wrapping up his first season with the Jayhawks but has an option to come back. Self has not yet held a discussion with Dickinson though, wanting to finish the year out. Kansas plans on going deep in the NCAA Tournament and if Dickinson plays well, the decision might make itself.

“I haven’t had one discussion with him,” Self said. “I think all players should focus on the season and get through the season. Because the best way for him to have a decision is for him to play well and not worry about all this other stuff. It’s the same way with Kevin (McCullar), it’s the same way with K-State players. When guys have decisions to be made, you need to play the best when it counts the most. So, I haven’t had any talks with Hunter about it.”

Due to the COVID-19 eligibility rules, Dickinson would be eligible for another season. He started his career at Michigan during the 2020-2021 season. Some academics might need to be figured out but you would be willing to bet Kansas would get the job done.

Self joked about the decision being so open for Dickinson, comparing it to something he heard when Joel Embiid was still in school. While Embiid’s choice might have been a bit easier, Self fully believes both options are open for Dickinson.

“It is an option,” Self said. “I heard a media guy say this about Joel Embiid once saying that ‘He could go or stay.’ I said ‘Wow, that’s some great journalism there. He could go or stay.’ And he said it on national TV… Hunter is the same way. He could do either one. So, we’ll just wait and see how it plays out.”

Dickinson is averaging a double-double this season, going for 18.2 points and 11.0 rebounds every time on the court. And with how thin Kansas has been this year, his production has been critical.

The Jayhawks will play their finale against Houston on Saturday before turning focus to the postseason. Kansas City will be waiting with the Big 12 Tournament while Dickinson will be hoping to add a national championship to his resume.