The college basketball world has been buzzing ever since Rylan Griffen, the former Alabama standout and recent Kansas transfer, entered the NCAA transfer portal on April 1.
Griffen, a 6-foot-6 shooting guard, was expected to have a breakout season with the Jayhawks but ultimately fell short of expectations. Many fans and analysts speculated whether he was “misused” under Hall of Fame coach Bill Self. However, ESPN college basketball analyst Fran Fraschilla has stepped up in defense of Self, pushing back against that narrative.
A Tumultuous Season at Kansas
Griffen’s time in Lawrence was anything but smooth. A perennial powerhouse, Kansas struggled with internal chemistry issues throughout the season. Things reached a boiling point after a lopsided road loss to BYU, prompting Self to openly suggest that the team “take a break from one another.” The Jayhawks never truly found their rhythm, and Griffen’s inconsistent role didn’t help matters.
Despite high hopes, Griffen played just 20.2 minutes per game, averaging 6.3 points while shooting 37.2% from the field and 33.6% from beyond the arc. He added 2.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 0.3 steals per game, respectable numbers, but underwhelming for a player once expected to be a key contributor.
After Griffin’s departure, critics began pointing fingers at Kansas head coach Self, suggesting that the highly-touted transfer was mismanaged. ESPN’s Fraschilla, a respected voice in college hoops, came to Self’s defense, stating that Griffen’s struggles were more about fit and timing than misuse.
I’m seeing where Rylan Griffin was “misused” by @KUHoops and that he’ll be great next year at ——. Bill Self has “misused” very few players in 22 years. Jayhawks were DESPERATE for outside shooting last year. Seemed like a good kid. Wish him well.
— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) April 19, 2025
Fraschilla emphasized that Griffen’s shooting woes and inconsistent performances were a product of the broader dysfunction within the Jayhawks’ locker room, not a reflection of poor coaching.
Griffen’s Next Steps: Miami, Kentucky, and a Return to the SEC?
Griffen has drawn significant interest in the transfer portal, with visits to Miami and Kentucky. After shining in Alabama’s Final Four run, highlighted by a 19-point performance against No. 1 North Carolina and a 13-point effort versus Clemson, many believe he could thrive in a new system, particularly in the SEC, where he already has proven success.
The Miami Hurricanes are a strong contender for Griffen’s commitment, but Kentucky also remains in the mix. Both programs offer systems that could unlock his full potential, particularly as a three-point shooter.
KEEP READING: Kansas Basketball Transfer Portal: Full List of Players Entering and Exiting
While Griffen’s lone season at Kansas didn’t go as planned, blaming Self may oversimplify a complex situation. According to ESPN analyst Fraschilla, the struggles stemmed more from team-wide issues than coaching missteps. As Griffen explores his next move, one thing is clear: he still has the talent to make a major impact; he just needs the right fit.
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