Projecting Kansas' 2015-16 Rotation After 5-Star PF Cheick Diallo Commits

Kansas will get a big boost for the 2015-16 season after receiving a commitment from top prospect Cheick Diallo.

Evan Daniels of Scout.com reported the news of Diallo's decision, a 6'9" forward who checks in as the No. 6 recruit in the nation, according to 247Sports. He will join fellow 5-star forward Carlton Bragg in a two-man recruiting class so far for head coach Bill Self.

This adds to an already deep returning lineup that should once again be a top contender nationally next season. Winning a 12th Big 12 Conference regular-season title in a row won't be easy, but the talent is there to remain on top of the standings.

While a lot can change in the coming months due to transfers and other attrition as well as more incoming recruits, here is a look at a predicted lineup for the Jayhawks next November.

Guard: Frank Mason III

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When everything else broke down, Frank Mason was usually the player who stepped up for Kansas this past season. He will need to do that again next year.

The point guard finished with averages of 12.6 points, 3.9 assists and 3.9 rebounds while filling up the box score each game. Although there were some nearly invisible moments, he was usually the one to count on to produce from the perimeter.

That role won't change much in the future with Mason, though there are still ways to improve. Mason needs to use his quickness to get into the lane more often and either finish in the paint or dish to open teammates. If he does this, he could be among the top point guards in the nation.

Guard: Wayne Selden Jr.

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There might not have been a more frustrating player to watch last season than Wayne Selden. He often showed glimpses of what made him such a sought-after prospect out of high school, but those moments were too few and far between.

This inconsistency was apparent in the final few games of the year. Selden scored a combined 45 points in two Big 12 tournament games before scoring just a total of six points in the two NCAA tournament contests.

Although he might have unfairly been sprung into a leadership role as a sophomore last season, he will certainly need to fill this role as a junior next year.

Selden still has plenty of talent as an athletic guard who can attack the rim and be a serious threat on fast breaks. His ability to play at a more consistent level will remain an X-factor for the upcoming season.

Guard: Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk

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Fans didn't see too much of Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk in his first year at Kansas, but it is important to remember the freshman was just 17 years old for the entire course of the season.

When the young player did see the floor, he showed plenty of potential as someone who could score from the inside and out while creating his own shots. He has impressive handle for his size (6'8") and can even run the offense at times.

This is the reason DraftExpress currently lists the guard as the No. 15 pick in the 2016 NBA draft.

With Mykhailiuk getting basically a full year to learn the system while getting sporadic, low-pressure playing time, he has a good chance to come back much stronger next season. A starting spot won't be given to him, but the Ukraine native has the talent to end up here by November.

Forward: Perry Ellis

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Outsiders might feel like Perry Ellis has been at Kansas for a decade, but he is only getting set for his senior season in Lawrence. 

The forward considered declaring for the NBA draft, but decided against it, explaining, “There’s still a lot left on the table, and I feel like it would be best for me to come back," via KUSports.com.

This is good news for the Jayhawks as they return their leading scorer and most productive player from last season. Ellis averaged 13.8 points and 6.9 rebounds per game as a versatile forward who can score either with his back to the basket or from the perimeter.

On a team that didn't have a contributing senior last season, Ellis had to become the veteran leader and he will remain in this role as the squad looks to have an even better finish next year.

Forward: Cheick Diallo

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Carlton Bragg might have higher upside as a more versatile scorer, but Cheick Diallo is the type of player who should get onto the floor immediately at Kansas.

After the announced commitment, ESPN's Jeff Borzello tweeted about the 5-star forward's fit with the Jayhawks, saying, "Cheick Diallo's motor is his biggest attribute. Rim-running ability will shine with Kansas' pace. Dominant rebounder. Always productive."

Diallo's motor is what led him to win the MVP award at the McDonald's All-American Game as well as the Jordan Brand Classic. He is always working and knows how to be in the right spot for a rebound or easy basket.

Even if he doesn't put together crazy highlights, he seems destined to be a productive member of the Kansas starting lineup every night. He might not be a true center to pair with Ellis, but his inside scoring and rebounding will make him worthy of this spot.

Significant Bench Players

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Devonte' Graham, Guard

Though he would be a starting point guard on most teams, Devonte' Graham will likely have to remain in a backup role with Kansas. Still, he will provide a lot of depth as someone who fills up the box score every game while playing great on-ball defense.

Depending on how well Wayne Selden and Svi Mykhailiuk play next season, fans could see more of Graham on the floor at the 2 alongside Frank Mason.

Brannen Greene, Guard

The rising junior will not be able to do much work in the offseason after undergoing hip surgery, but Brannen Greene will still be a key contributor going forward. He is one of the best pure shooters in the nation—finishing 40-of-99 from three-point range this past season—and will be important to spread the offense throughout the year.

Greene will have to improve his defense if he wants to take on a bigger role, but he will at least be able to match his 15 minutes per game from last season.

Carlton Bragg, Forward

There is no denying Carlton Bragg's pure talent as an athletic forward capable of slashing to the rim or scoring from the outside. However, his lack of polish might make him the next in the line of highly touted recruits who struggle to get playing time early under Bill Self.

The key for him will be to work hard on the defensive end of the floor while playing within himself offensively. If he struggles with his shot selection early, the Jayhawks will have the depth to keep Bragg on the bench.

Jamari Traylor, Forward

He is unlikely to ever be a go-to scorer, but Jamari Traylor will be an important contributor next season thanks to his work as a rim-protector and rebounder. He finished the year tied with Cliff Alexander for the team lead with 37 blocks while also adding a 9 percent offensive rebounding rate, according to KenPom.com.

Maintaining this role alongside the more offensive-minded players will be just fine for Kansas next season.

Landen Lucas, Forward

After doing little in the first half of the season, Landen Lucas came alive late when the Jayhawks were the most desperate. He averaged 26.5 minutes in the final eight games while providing some much-needed size inside at 6'10".

He and Hunter Mickelson could end up having bigger roles next year if the coaching staff decides it needs height and interior defense instead of scoring.

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