Former Kansas Jayhawks basketball star KJ Adams is set to transition from player to a staff member for the program, with head coach Bill Self confirming Adams will join the Kansas basketball staff for the 2025-26 season. This development follows Adams exhausting his playing eligibility after the recent season, marking a new chapter in his involvement with the Jayhawks.

The news, initially reported by sources including Shreyas Laddha of The Kansas City Star and Jack Ritter of 247Sports, was directly addressed by Coach Self. While the specific title for Adams' role has not yet been announced, Self indicated, "We’re going to hire him in some capacity. KJ’s going to be part of our staff next year. And whatever capacity that is, I don’t know from a title standpoint yet, but whatever it is, it will allow him to stick around, be at practice every day, and also work on rehab." This arrangement will provide Adams, a fan favorite, an opportunity to remain deeply connected with the team and focus on his recovery from a recent injury.

Adams' career at Kansas was marked by significant growth and contribution. After receiving limited playing time as a freshman, he had a breakout sophomore season, earning the Big 12’s Most Improved Player award. During that year, he averaged 10.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. He continued to improve into his junior season, averaging 12.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. Despite a somewhat uneven senior season, Adams concluded his playing career with impressive totals of 1,136 points, 496 rebounds, and 262 assists, shooting an efficient 58.8% from the field, primarily due to his effectiveness around the basket.

As a player, Adams was celebrated for overcoming a perceived lack of polished basketball skill with exceptional intelligence, athleticism, and an unwavering work ethic. He was known for his relentless effort, often undertaking difficult defensive assignments against players of various sizes, diving for loose balls, setting crucial picks, and taking charges. Although he never developed a consistent outside shot beyond approximately 12 feet, his commitment and hustle made him an emotional catalyst for his teams.

Unfortunately, Adams' playing career at Kansas ended abruptly when he ruptured his Achilles tendon in the final game. The injury occurred with just over three minutes remaining as he landed awkwardly after securing a rebound. He was helped off the court and taken directly to the locker room. Reflecting on the incident after Kansas' loss to Arkansas in the NCAA Tournament, Coach Self remarked, "It’s one thing to lose the game, but to see him potentially lose a year on top of the game, you know, that’s a pretty big blow."

In his new staff role, Adams is expected to bring his trademark passion, intensity, and dedication. His unquestionable love for the Jayhawks and his positive attitude are seen as valuable assets that can inspire current players. His addition also aligns with a move to bring a younger dynamic to the Kansas basketball staff. While he likely won't begin as an assistant coach, his presence within the program is anticipated to instill the work ethic and fervor required to compete at a high level for Kansas.

Adams becomes the third new addition to Bill Self’s staff this offseason, joining assistant coach Jacque Vaughn and Director of Basketball Operations Fred Quartlebaum. This move is widely regarded as a positive and intelligent decision by Self, reinforcing the program's commitment to its former players and their development, even beyond their time on the court.

The hope is that KJ Adams' profound love for the game and his characteristic intensity will be contagious, positively influencing all the Kansas players he interacts with in his new capacity. His transition to the staff is a welcome development for the Jayhawks community, promising continued contributions from a beloved figure.