Why Kansas Fans Should Temper Expectations for Landing Malique Ewin

The Jayhawks shouldn't be overly optimistic about landing a commitment from Ewin.

Mar 14, 2026; Nashville, TN, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Malique Ewin (12) celebrates his dunk against the Mississippi Rebels during the second half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

An interesting piece of news surfaced earlier this week when an Arkansas insider reported that former Razorback big man Malique Ewin was interested in Kansas. The former Ole Miss and Florida State standout is coming off a season in which he served as Arkansas' sixth man off the bench.

While the source was unconfirmed, it gave Jayhawk fans a sliver of hope that the team could make one more meaningful addition to next year's roster through the transfer portal. At this stage of the offseason, fans will take any tidbit of information they can get.

While Ewin is not entirely out of reach for Bill Self and Co., it appears highly unlikely that this rumor ever comes to fruition. Ewin is seeking a ruling that would allow him to play an additional year at the NCAA level after spending one season at the JUCO ranks.

Shreyas Laddha of the Kansas City Star and KC Sports Network explained why this is such a tricky scenario on a recent episode of the Pay Heed Podcast.

"I reached out to him a few days ago, and he got back to me," Laddha said. "He basically told me that he'd have conversations and kept in touch with coach Bill Self. But it's hard to get a feel if he is actually going to get this fifth year eligibility waiver."

Co-host Nick Springer noted that Ewin only spent one year at a community college, which could make a favorable ruling more likely in his case than someone like former KU guard Melvin Council Jr., who spent two years at the junior college level. Regardless, it doesn't sound like something the fanbase or coaching staff should be banking on.

Ewin has bounced around throughout his college career, playing for four schools in as many years. His best campaign came in 2024-25, when he averaged 14.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists at Florida State while leading the ACC with a 59.6% field-goal percentage.

Mar 19, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Malique Ewin (12) celebrates after a basket in the first half against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images | Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images

Standing 6-foot-10 and 220 pounds, Ewin would immediately enter the conversation to start at center for the Jayhawks if he were to commit. There are questions about how Charleston transfer Christian Reeves will perform at the high-major level and whether returning sophomore Paul Mbiya can take the necessary leap in his development.

Ewin is easily the most polished big man of that group and has experience both starting and coming off the bench for winning teams. He possesses many of the veteran qualities you'd want from a center, especially one playing alongside a star talent like true freshman Tyran Stokes.

Laddha did not completely rule out the possibility of Ewin ending up at Kansas at some point this offseason. It sounds as though, if the NCAA grants him another year of eligibility, many around the program would expect him to end up in Lawrence.

However, Jayhawk fans shouldn't get too excited until a ruling is made. As things stand today, it seems more likely than not that the NCAA denies his case.