photo by: Journal-World illustration

University of Kansas basketball recruiting

The Kansas men’s basketball roster for the 2021-22 season officially grew by three players on Wednesday, when KU announced the additions of transfers Cam Martin, Sydney Curry and Joseph Yesufu.

All three will be eligible immediately and figure to make an instant impact in the KU lineup.

Martin and Yesufu come to Kansas by way of four-year transfer from Division II Missouri Southern State and Drake.

Both are prolific scorers with good athleticism who should help KU’s outside shooting as much as anything.

A juco transfer from Logan Community College, southeast of St. Louis, Curry is a true big man who likes to do his damage as close to the basket as possible but also moves well for a player his size.

The way things go in recruiting and with various commitments, you sometimes see three or four different heights, weights and rankings for the same player, depending, of course, on where you’re looking.

But now that the Jayhawks have officially added this group to the 2021-22 roster — joining November signees and four-star prep standouts K.J. Adams and Zach Clemence — we have a clear understanding of how KU measures them.

Here’s a quick look:

The Sydney Curry File

Size: 6-foot-8, 260 pounds

Hometown: Fort Wayne, Ind.

Previous School: Logan Community College, Carterville, Ill.

Statworthy: In 19 games this season, Curry has averaged 13.1 points and 8.2 rebounds per game on 68.8% shooting. As a freshman at Logan CC, he shot 74% from the floor.

Noteworthy: Will be playing in the NJCAA National Tournament, April 19-24, in Hutchinson.

Bill Self on Curry: “Sydney is going to bring size, strength and athleticism to our frontcourt, giving us another rim protector. He’s a big man that can play above the rim and has shown the ability to have a big presence inside. Sydney has been developed very well while at Logan and is making a big impact as they continue to play in the upcoming JUCO national tournament.”

Sydney Curry signs with Kansas

The Cam Martin File

Size: 6-foot-10, 240 pounds

Hometown: Yukon, Okla.

Previous School: Missouri Southern State University (Jacksonville State, freshman year)

Statworthy: Averaged 25.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game at Missouri Southern where he was coached by former Kan-sas standout guard Jeff Boschee. His senior season he made 58% from the field and 45% from 3-point range on 110 attempts.

Noteworthy: Was a Division II All-American who was coached by former Jayhawk great Jeff Boschee

Bill Self on Martin: “Cam is going to bring a lot of versatility to our frontcourt, allowing us to play with space and size. “Jeff Boschee runs a solid program at Missouri Southern and knows exactly what it takes to play at this level. We’re very excited that Cam is coming to Kansas and look forward to the positive impact he will have on this team.”

Cam Martin signs with Kansas

The Joseph Yesufu File

Size: 6-foot, 180 pounds

Hometown: Bolingbrook, Ill.

Previous School: Drake University

Statworthy: Averaged 12.8 points per game for Drake last season, including 23.2 points per game over the final nine contests.

Noteworthy: Yesufu’s surname is Nigerian and although he had not yet met KU’s Udoka Azubuike or Ochai Agbaji at the time of his commitment, he said he was aware of their Nigerian roots.

Bill Self on Yesufu: “Joseph is an explosive, dynamic scoring guard that will allow us to play an up-tempo, aggressive style on both ends of the floor. He ended last season playing at a high level, including winning an NCAA tournament game and propelling Drake to a great season.”

Class of 2021 Kansas Men’s Basketball Signees

(as of April 14, 2021)

• KJ Adams (Fr., 6-7, 200, F, Austin, Texas, Westlake HS)

• Zach Clemence (Fr., 6-10, 215, F, San Antonio, Texas, Sunrise Christian Academy [Kan.])

• Sydney Curry (Jr., 6-8, 260, F, Fort Wayne, Ind., Northrop HS, John A. Logan College)

• Cam Martin (Sr., 6-9, 240, F, Yukon, Okla., Yukon HS, Missouri Southern)

• Joseph Yesufu (6-0, 180, G, Bolingbrook, Ill., Bolingbrook HS, Drake)