Kansas forward Jalen Wilson (10) and Kansas forward Mitch Lightfoot (44) defend against a shot from Texas Tech guard Kevin McCullar (15) during the first half of the Big 12 Tournament championship game on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City.

If Kansas basketball coach Bill Self is right about Kevin McCullar Jr., Sunday’s announcement will never matter.

If he isn’t, it could be big news for the Kansas men’s basketball team.

McCullar, a 6-foot-6, 210-pound, all-conference-type guard who spent the past four seasons playing at Texas Tech, revealed Sunday that his top priority this offseason was to reach his dream of playing in the NBA.

However, if after testing his draft stock McCullar does not like what he hears, he has a back-up plan. And it does not involve returning to Texas Tech.

Instead, he said Sunday night in a social media post that he will play next season at either Gonzaga or Kansas.

So where does Self come into play here?

Simple. On a couple of occasions during the 2021-22 season, Self called McCullar “a pro” before the Jayhawks and Red Raiders faced each other.

Could be coach speak. Could become a pro a year from now. Could become a pro by playing overseas.

Either way, if he’s not in the NBA next season, there’s a 50% chance he’s coming to Kansas.

“I would like to sincerely thank Red Raiders Nation for your unwavering support,” McCullar’s post began. “I poured my heart & soul into Texas Tech. I am extremely thankful to all the coaches that have reached out and provided an opportunity to join their program. With that being said, playing in the NBA continues to be my dream and my priority! If I decide to return to college, these are my final 2.”

The post included KU and Gonzaga logos above McCullar in his black No. 15 Texas Tech jersey.

That news set off series of social media and message board fire directed at McCullar for being a traitor. It reached such a fevered pitch that he felt as if he needed to respond to the responses to his original post.

In it, he said, in part, that “decisions are mutual,” adding “Quick to accept a transfer but bash one for leaving.”

McCullar then paid tribute to his work ethic, how he’s proud of who he has become and how he battled “my whole life through ups and downs.”

He then closed with: “I truly pray for our world and the people that can sit behind social media and act the way they do. Hope my platform can open one person’s eyes.”

None of the hate or McCullar’s reply means much right now. And it certainly will not be a factor in his decision to stay in the draft or pick KU or Gonzaga.

But if he does return to school, it’s not hard to envision how crazy that KU-Texas Tech game in Lubbock, Texas, will be next season if McCullar is suiting up in a KU uniform that day.

Remember how wild the Texas Tech fans got when Chris Beard returned to Lubbock with Texas this season? I think we’re talking close to that kind of energy and anger.

He has to pick KU for us to ever see that play out. But it’s already clear that Self is a fan of McCullar’s game.

In 29 games for the Red Raiders last season, McCullar averaged 10 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists per game. He ranked second on the team in total assists and steals and also shot 31% from 3-point range.

Known as a stat stuffer who does a little bit of everything and is fundamentally sound in all areas, McCullar earned honorable mention all-Big 12 nods in each of the past two seasons and also was a Naismith Defensive Player of the Year semifinalists during the 2021-22 season.

McCullar redshirted his first season at Texas Tech and he hails from San Antonio, where he starred at Wagner High School.

Because we know that McCullar’s goal is to make it to the NBA, it’s likely going to be a while before we know what his immediate future holds.

Like current Jayhawks Christian Braun and Jalen Wilson, McCullar will spend the rest of the month working out, likely attending the pre-draft combine and showcasing himself for interested NBA teams.

He has until June 1 to withdraw his name from the 2022 draft pool. At that point, provided he follows the guidelines for maintaining his college eligibility, McCullar would be able to sign with one of his two finalists and begin the process of preparing for his senior season.

I suppose a commitment to either KU or Gonzaga could come before the June 1 withdrawal deadline. But I wouldn’t count on that happening.