Jon Rothstein Discusses How NIL Contributed to Kansas Basketball’s Recent Struggles
Jon Rothstein shared insights on how the era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) has shifted the dynamics of college basketball, impacting traditional powerhouse programs like Kansas. He explained that blueblood schools are no longer as attractive to top recruits as they once were.
Kansas has long been a dominant force in college basketball, with 2,429 wins—the most in the country. The program has been shaped by legendary figures, from Dr. James Naismith and Phog Allen to Larry Brown, Roy Williams, and Bill Self, with the latter taking the reins in 2003. Under Self, the Jayhawks have been a model of consistency—until recently.
In an interview with CBS Sports, Rothstein emphasized that Kansas, once considered the gold standard of college basketball, has faced challenges in the past two seasons. While a 21-13 record last season and a 23-11 finish in 2023-24 would be strong for most programs, Kansas is a top-tier basketball school, and these results don’t meet their usual expectations.
Milos Uzan is biggest draft decision left in CBB; Boogie can make Florida Top 5; Vintage Kansas OTW? https://t.co/atPggdWaio
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) May 19, 2025
Rothstein pointed to the shift in recruiting dynamics caused by NIL, which he believes has diminished the appeal of traditional blueblood programs. “NIL has leveled the playing field,” he said, noting that top players can now receive substantial compensation at schools like BYU or St. John’s, rather than solely opting for a blueblood school like Kansas.
Rothstein further elaborated on Kansas’ recent performance under Bill Self, mentioning the program’s dominance in the Big 12 over the past two decades—winning championships, earning high NCAA Tournament seeds, and consistently ranking among the top teams. However, in 2023-2024, Kansas finished tied for fifth and sixth in the Big 12 standings, signaling a shift.
That said, Kansas isn’t falling too far from its elite status. Rothstein pointed out that the Jayhawks have remained competitive, signing the top recruit in the Class of 2025, Darryn Peterson, as well as bringing back former five-star recruit Flory Bidunga and a solid transfer portal class.
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