Jayhawks duo withdraws from 2026 NBA Draft, returning to Kansas

Two Kansas Jayhawks newcomers by transfer, Keanu Dawes (6-9 forward, Utah transfer) and Dennis Parker Jr. (6-6 wing, Radford/NC State), withdrew from the 2026 NBA Draft by the Wednesday deadline to preserve their college eligibility and return to Kansas for the 2026-27 season. Dawes averaged 12.5 points and 8.8 rebounds at Utah last year, while Parker averaged 18.3 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals at Radford; neither was invited to the NBA Combine. They’ll join KU for summer workouts alongside other incoming transfers Leroy Blyden Jr. and Christian Reeves as the roster takes shape ahead of next season.