To compensate for the departures of Gradey Dick and Jalen Wilson to the Draft, Bill Self used the NCAA transfer portal, recovering Nick Timberlake (Towson), Hunter Dickinson (Michigan) and Arterio Morris (Texas).
The latter, considered the most talented playmaker in his age group coming out of high school, had played little at Texas, stuck behind Marcus Carr, Sir’Jabari Rice and Tyrese Hunter. He only compiled 4.6 points, 1.4 rebounds and 0.5 assists per game, in barely 12 minutes of playing time on the court.
By joining the Jayhawks, he hoped to obtain more responsibilities in a university that is still very ambitious, and thus boost his rating in preparation for the 2024 Draft.
Problem: Arterio Morris had been the target of a complaint for several months from his former girlfriend, who accused him of assault following their breakup. Bill Self and Kansas, aware of the affair, however explained that they had discussed the affair at length with the basketball player, “well aware of the high standards and expectations that come with being a member of the Kansas men’s basketball program”. The coach was especially satisfied to have recovered “one of the most talented guards in the country, who was just discovering the beginning of his potential.”
Yesterday, Arterio Morris thought he had resolved the problem by signing a non-contest agreementwhich allowed him to accept the sanction without admitting to being guilty.
Except that a few hours later, Kansas suspended him following rape accusations, who allegedly took place on August 26 on the Kansas campus. Three members of the Kansas basketball team, Johnny Furphy, Elmarko Jackson and Nick Timberlake, are cited as “witnesses or otherwise” in the investigation.
According to Kansas City Star sources, these last three players are not involved but their status simply indicates that they were questioned by the police as part of the investigation.
