Kansas center Hunter Dickinson has never been the shy type during his time in college hoops, including on social media. And he managed to needle in-state rival Kansas State while trying to recruit one of their top transfer targets all in one blow.
Former Illinois forward Coleman Hawkins took a visit to Kansas State on Saturday as one of the top players in the portal after withdrawing from the 2024 NBA Draft. But his post noting he was in Manhattan, Kansas, was also an opportunity for Dickinson, who shared it with an additional message.
“You’re only about an hour 30 away from the real college in Kansas,” Dickinson said.
It might be months until either the Wildcats or Jayhawks meet on the court, let alone get the season started, but it doesn’t mean the rivalry goes dormant.
Kansas State isn’t Hawkins’ only suitor, as he is also set to take a visit to LSU.
Kansas does not seem to currently be in on the transfer, nor has he seemingly expressed a great desire to suit up for the Jayhawks. But if Dickinson could have his way, Hawkins might be his teammate next year — or at least not be wearing purple.
Dickinson will be back with Kansas for yet another season of college hoops
A four-star prospect and top 50 player in the 2020 recruiting class, Dickinson came to Kansas ahead of the 2023-24 season after spending three seasons at Michigan. Dickinson did not miss a beat at Kansas, despite the jump in competition in the Big 12 Conference.
Dickinson averaged 17.9 points and 10.9 rebounds this past season. Dickinson’s play on the floor this past season helped him earn countless honors with the Jayhawks, including All-Big 12 First Team and Second Team All-American honors. While Dickinson had an impressive season at Kansas, it was not enough to get the Jayhakws past the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
“It’s been — I had high expectations coming in of what it was going to be like,” Dickinson said after the Jayhawks’ season-ending loss to Gonzaga in the NCAA Tournament. “It was better than expected. To be able to play for Coach Self, to play with these guys, to play in Allen Fieldhouse, it’s something you can dream of growing up playing basketball.
“To be able to play on this stage for this program, it didn’t go the way we wanted it to, but I had a lot of fun this year and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
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