Kansas addressed one of its biggest remaining roster needs by landing a commitment from Serbian center Mihailo Mušikić, though the veteran big man must still clear the NCAA eligibility process before he can officially suit up for the Jayhawks.
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If approved, Mušikić would give Bill Self another experienced seven-footer at a position where depth has become increasingly important.
The timing of the addition is no coincidence. Christian Reeves is recovering from offseason labrum surgery, leaving Paul Mbiya as Kansas’ only healthy, experienced true center during summer workouts. While freshman Grant Mordini and forward Davion Adkins can provide frontcourt minutes, neither projects as a full-time option at the five early in the season. That makes Mušikić an intriguing addition.
The 7-foot center has spent the past five seasons playing professionally in Serbia, including more than 100 games in the KLS, where he averaged 11.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists and nearly one block per game. Last season with Sloga Kraljevo, he posted 10.9 points and 7.0 rebounds per contest while shooting nearly 69% from inside the arc. Those numbers may not jump off the page, but Kansas isn’t asking Mušikić to be a star.
Instead, he would provide experienced depth, physicality and another capable rebounder in the paint. At 24 years old, he has played against grown professionals for years and could offer maturity to a roster that features several freshmen expected to play major roles. The biggest obstacle remains his eligibility.
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Because Mušikić has played professionally overseas for multiple seasons, the NCAA must determine whether he qualifies under its current eligibility rules. Kansas has not officially announced his addition, a sign the program is allowing that process to play out before celebrating the commitment.
If Mušikić receives clearance, the Jayhawks will have added exactly what they were searching for late in the offseason: an experienced frontcourt piece capable of providing quality minutes and protecting Kansas against injuries during the grind of a Big 12 schedule.
Considering how difficult it is to find capable post players this late in the recruiting cycle, Mušikić could prove to be an important addition if he ultimately takes the floor in Lawrence.
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