The Portal Heats Up: Kansas Lands a Sniper
Transfer Roster Building and the Missouri Rivalry "Re-education"
In this episode of the Pay Heed Podcast, hosts Nick Springer and Shreyas Laddha dive into the frantic world of the Kansas Basketball transfer portal.
The show opens with a lighthearted yet necessary “re-education” for Shreyas, who delivers a formal apology to Jayhawk fans for previously underestimating the intensity of the Kansas-Missouri rivalry. After acknowledging the historical weight of the “Border War,” the hosts pivot to the biggest news of the day: the commitment of Toledo guard Leroy Blyden Jr.
The duo breaks down why Blyden is a massive win for Bill Self. As the MAC Freshman of the Year, Blyden brings elite shooting—hitting over 40% from deep—and a defensive pestilence that KU lacked last season, averaging nearly two steals per game. While there are minor concerns regarding a potentially “undersized” backcourt when paired with Dajuan Harris Jr., Shreyas argues that Bill Self’s ability to coach up smaller guards makes this a non-issue.
The conversation then shifts to the “big fish” remaining: They discuss the financial leverage agents are using this cycle and provide updates on other targets, including centers Moustapha Thiam and Christian Reeves. With the portal entry deadline looming, the hosts also monitor the status of Paul Mbiya and the potential for a “triple-big” lineup.
Key Takeaways
Elite Shooting Added: Leroy Blyden Jr. addresses KU’s most desperate need with his 40.7% three-point average and high-volume scoring ability.
The “Big” Search Continues: The Jayhawks are aggressively pursuing seven-footers like Christian Reeves and Gabe Dynes to bolster rim protection and rebounding.
Rivalry Readiness: After a brief social media backlash, the crew reaffirms that the “pro-hate” spirit of the Kansas-Missouri rivalry is alive and well heading into the next season.