Kansas Jayhawks coach Bill Self is eyeing one of the transfer portal’s premier guards following USC junior Desmond Claude’s surprise entry into the spring window.
Claude, a 6-foot-6 guard who posted 15.8 points, 4.2 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game en route to All-Big Ten honorable mention, will visit the Florida Gators on Thursday.
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A former Xavier Musketeers standout named the Big East’s Most Improved Player in 2023-24, he seamlessly stepped into USC’s rotation under new coach Eric Musselman.
Claude ranked 12th in the Big Ten in scoring and ninth in assists (4.4 per game) in 2024-25.
With the Florida visit looming, sources confirmed that Kansas remains very much in the mix, according to On3’s Joe Tipton.
Claude emerged as one of the nation’s most dynamic backcourt talents last year.
His season included a 31-point explosion at Illinois against the Fighting Illini and a 25-point, 11-assist effort against the Washington Huskies on March 5.
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Claude also poured in 28 points and eight assists in a double-overtime win over Rutgers in the Big Ten Tournament.
Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self.© Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Kansas closed the 2024-25 campaign with a 21-13 record (11-9 Big 12), finishing sixth in conference play and suffering a first-round NCAA Tournament loss to Arkansas, 79-72.
Despite high expectations and a preseason No. 1 billing, the Jayhawks struggled away from Allen Fieldhouse.
That early exit has amplified the urgency to bolster perimeter scoring and secondary playmaking this offseason.
As the portal circuit heats up over the next week, Kansas’ pitch will center on championship pedigree, hall of fame coaching and immediate playing time in a veteran-laden backcourt.
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