Following the unexpected departures of Labaron Philon and Riley Kugel, the Kansas Jayhawks find themselves with two scholarships to fill ahead of the upcoming season. With Head Coach Bill Self at the helm, the coaching staff is leaving no stone unturned in their search for the next potential addition to the roster, scouring the transfer portal for talent that can help maintain the team’s competitive edge.
However, while the focus may be on securing high-profile transfers, the Jayhawks are also keeping an eye on local talent to strengthen their squad. In a strategic move to deepen their bench, the team recently announced the addition of Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School standout Will Thengvall.
Thengvall, a Wichita native, may be joining the Jayhawks as a walk-on player, but his impressive track record speaks volumes about his potential contribution to the team. The 6-foot-4 guard averaged an impressive 17.6 points per game and clinched the prestigious 5A boys Player of the Year award after a standout senior season.
Despite not occupying a scholarship spot, Thengvall’s addition brings valuable depth and competitiveness to the Jayhawks’ roster. Set to join the team this summer after completing his high school classes, Thengvall is poised to make his mark on the court and further elevate the team’s performance during practices and training sessions.
Thengvall will be joining a group of talented walk-ons with remaining eligibility, including Justin Cross, Wilder Evers, Dillon Wilhite, and Patrick Cassidy. With the departure of longtime Jayhawk Michael Jankovich, Thengvall’s arrival injects fresh energy into the walk-on corps and ensures a seamless transition for the team.
While Thengvall’s addition may not grab headlines like high-profile transfers, his presence on the roster is expected to be a significant asset for the Jayhawks. As the team gears up for another thrilling season, Thengvall’s commitment underscores the Jayhawks’ dedication to cultivating talent both on and off the court.