Hunter Dickinson emerged as a key figure in college basketball’s transfer portal era. After an impactful three-year stint at Michigan, where he garnered significant attention and riled up rival Big Ten crowds, he transferred to Kansas to join one of college basketball’s elite programs for his fourth year.
Unlike in the past, players are no longer required to sit out a year when transferring schools. Dickinson was part of a new wave of athletes who could legally capitalize on their skills and seek favorable opportunities. Shortly after leaving Michigan, he made a comment reflecting the evolving landscape of college basketball.
Dickinson noted, “The people hating on me would leave their job right now for a $10,000 increase,” during a podcast. “I got, at Michigan, less than six figures. I got less than six figures at Michigan for the year.”
While his exact earnings at Kansas were not disclosed, reports suggested they exceeded $1 million, potentially nearing $2 million. His transfer seemed like a perfect match as Kansas had just claimed the 2022 national championship but faced a round of 32 exit the following year due to a lack of a strong big man. Dickinson was expected to provide the essential interior scoring and playmaking the Jayhawks needed.
Unfortunately, Dickinson’s final game in college basketball culminated in disappointment, with Kansas, a No. 7 seed, losing to No. 10 seed Arkansas, 79-72, in the first round of the 2025 NCAA tournament. This defeat marked the end of a disappointing season for the Jayhawks and a lackluster stint for Dickinson in Lawrence.
Dickinson’s performance against Arkansas fell short, as he registered just 11 points on 4-of-13 shooting along with nine rebounds and four turnovers. His demeanor during his time at Kansas often came across as moody and entitled, exemplified by his lack of effort in a critical NCAA game, leading to criticisms from fans regarding his attitude and dedication.
Despite Dickinson’s desire to win championships by transferring to Kansas, the team finished fifth in the Big 12 in 2024 and sixth in 2025, only managing to secure one NCAA tournament victory in his two years. As Kansas gears up to welcome a promising new recruit in Darryn Peterson, Dickinson is likely to be remembered for his impressive statistics juxtaposed against a legacy of unmet expectations and being a polarizing figure in college basketball.
