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Kansas Basketball Freshman Samis Calderon Flaunts Athleticism in Practice Video

A new practice clip shows Kansas freshman Samis Calderon flashing his upside as an athlete.
Dec 22, 2023; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; A detail view of the logo on basketballs prior to a game between the Kansas Jayhawks and Yale Bulldogs at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Dec 22, 2023; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; A detail view of the logo on basketballs prior to a game between the Kansas Jayhawks and Yale Bulldogs at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

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The crown jewel of the Kansas Jayhawks’ 2025 recruiting class was Darryn Peterson, the top-ranked high school player in the nation according to most outlets.

However, a name that often flies under the radar next to Peterson is Samis Calderon, a 4-star prospect set to begin his freshman season at KU.

A product of the NBA Academy Latin America and a former Overtime Elite player, Calderon was back in an OE gym over the weekend getting some work in.

In the highlight, Calderon is seen knocking down a few 3-pointers and throwing down two thunderous one-handed dunks. It is easy to see why Bill Self is so high on him as a long-term roster piece.

After signing with Kansas in November 2024 as a consensus top-100 prospect, Calderon continued to perform at a high level in the Overtime Elite league.

He played for the OE team 'Cold Hearts' for two seasons. In the 2024-25 campaign, he averaged 8.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.5 blocks.

Calderon is a versatile forward with exceptional tools on both ends of the floor. Standing at 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, he uses his length to score around the rim and alter shot attempts on defense.

Turning 21 in November, Calderon will be one of the most experienced true freshmen in the country. At the same time, he still has plenty of untapped potential that he must unlock to take the next step.

Given KU's lack of size in the frontcourt, the Brazilian forward may see the court more than most fans expect him to.

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Joshua Schulman
JOSHUA SCHULMAN

A lifelong Kansas basketball and football fan, Josh recently graduated from The College of New Jersey, majoring in Communications and minoring in Journalism. Josh has over 1,500 published articles on KU athletics across Kansas on SI and FanSided's Through the Phog, with additional work at Indiana on SI, Notre Dame on SI, and Pro Football Network. Josh looks to provide a fan's perspective in his writing for the school he has loved since he was a kid. KC Sports Network is the premier destination for Kansas City sports fans with podcasts, YouTube and social media content. Stay connected with the latest news and analysis by following KCSN on all social media platforms.

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