Kansas Adds Former NBA Draft Pick Ahead of College Basketball Season

College sports has been dominated recently by athletes fighting for another season of eligibility, including players who have already turned pro, hoping to return to the college game.

A wave of lawsuits has put pressure on the NCAA as athletes challenge its eligibility rules, with some receiving temporary court orders allowing them to compete while their cases continue. The NCAA's new five-year, five-season model has added to the debate, particularly among athletes whose eligibility expired under the previous system.

With college basketball programs finalizing their rosters just weeks before the 2026-27 season tips off, one of the sport's bluebloods has become the latest to benefit from the ongoing eligibility battles.

On Monday, Kansas announced it had signed former Purdue star and Minnesota Timberwolves draft pick Trey Kaufman-Renn. He's currently eligible for another season of college basketball after receiving a favorable court ruling.

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Kaufman-Renn was selected 59th overall by the Timberwolves in the 2026 NBA Draft. He also appeared in NBA Summer League games, but never signed an NBA contract, leaving the door open for a potential return to college.

After spending five seasons at Purdue, including a redshirt year, he pursued another season of eligibility through the courts. A judge granted him a preliminary injunction on Oct. 9, allowing him to continue his eligibility case and join a college program in the meantime.

The 6-foot-9 forward gives Kansas an experienced addition with a proven track record at a high level. He averaged 20.1 points and 6.5 rebounds per game during the 2024-25 season at Purdue, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors. Last season, he averaged 14.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, while shooting 57.8% from the field.

He also helped Purdue reach the national championship game, the Elite Eight, and the Sweet 16 during his time with the Boilermakers.

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Aside from Kaufman-Renn's ability as a reliable interior scorer and rebounder, and a player who knows how to win, he also fills the void left behind by freshman Grant Mordini, who recently suffered a season-ending patellar tendon injury.

Kansas head coach Bill Self believes his experience and basketball IQ should help him adjust quickly, giving the Jayhawks another dependable option in the frontcourt as they prepare for the new season.