Former Michigan star Hunter Dickinson will transfer to KU basketball

Former Michigan center Hunter Dickinson, a 7-foot-1, 260-pound two-time first-team all-Big Ten selection, referred to by Mlive.com as the “most accomplished player ever to enter college basketball’s transfer portal,” has decided to transfer to Kansas, he announced Thursday morning via video on his Twitter account.

Dickinson — he entered his name in the transfer portal on March 31 — chose KU over Kentucky, Maryland, Georgetown and Villanova.

The Alexandria, Virginia native has recently visited all those schools. Earlier on, he’d also heard from Syracuse, Duke, Virginia and Arkansas. He also considered returning to Michigan for another season.

“I was hoping it was gonna be good news,” KU coach Bill Self said to Dickinson (as shown in the video) after being informed by the big man he wanted to play at KU.

“This decision might have been harder than the first one coming out of high school,” Dickinson said in his commitment video, “having all these coaches hit you up again. Then again, it’s almost easier in a sense. ... I’m just really glad it’s over now.”

Maryland was considered an interesting possibility considering the Terps recently hired Dickinson’s high school coach (Mike Jones, DeMatha Catholic) as an assistant.

Dickinson averaged 18.5 points on 56% shooting this past season for the 18-16 Wolverines. Blessed with a soft shooting touch for a big man, he hit 24 of 57 three-pointers for 42.1% and also cashed 72.7% of his free throws. He contributed 1.8 blocks and 1.5 assists per contest.

Dickinson was named AP honorable-mention All-America this past season. He was a second-team All-America pick after his freshman campaign.

“KU coach Bill Self has long coveted a back-to-the-basket big man. Dickinson was rated in the 78th percentile nationally in post-ups, per Synergy (in 2022-23),” wrote Eric Bossi of 247sports.com before Dickinson’s decision. “He’s also proven to be a good decision-maker against doubles, and his decision-making in the pick-and-roll game is as good as it’s ever been. Dickinson would instantly have the national spotlight at Kansas, and point guard Dajuan Harris is the pass-first, connector that would spoon-feed Dickinson easy buckets left and right. Dickinson would instantly give Kansas’ offense the on-the-block menace Self craves.”

Dickinson is currently No. 1 on the transfer ratings of ESPN.com’s Jeff Borzello and CBSsports.com’s David Cobb.

“Dickinson is one of the best big men in college basketball. At 7-1 and with a well-built frame, he can outmuscle most opponents on the block, protect the rim and rebound,” wrote Cobb. “He also continued demonstrating the ability to hit three-pointers during the 2022-23 season while earning All-Big Ten honors for a third straight year. The Maryland native is a fiery competitor and proven veteran who has the ability to change the trajectory of whatever program he chooses to play for during the 2023-24 season.”

“One of the best centers in the country over the past three seasons, Dickinson is clearly the best player in the portal,” wrote Borzello. “All-American in 2021, first-team All-Big Ten this past season. Averaged 18.5 points and 9.0 rebounds.”

Noted analyst Rob Dauster of @thefieldof68: “Not for nothing, but Hunter would average 23 and 12 at Kansas.”

Dickinson also is the No. 1-rated portal prospect according to 247sports.com.

“Hunter Dickinson’s ... 10.6% assist rate last season doesn’t indicate just how good of a passer he is. Every Dickinson post-up usually generated a really good look for either himself or a mediocre-shooting Michigan club,” writes Isaac Trotter of 247.

Here’s a look at some of Dickinson’s top games last season at Michigan.

He had 32 points and 12 boards against Maryland; 31 points and seven rebounds against Eastern Michigan; 31 points and 16 rebounds in a double overtime win over Illinois; 26 points and 11 rebounds against Ohio State; 24 points and 14 rebounds against Indiana; 24 points and seven rebounds versus Rutgers and 24 points and 14 rebounds against Ohio.