KU lands big-time scorer Dennis Parker Jr. in portal. Give Frank Mason an assist
Former Radford guard Dennis Parker Jr. is transferring to Kansas, he announced on a livestream with The Field of 68 on Thursday.
“After great conversations with coach Bill Self and some of the assistants, man, I just felt like it was the perfect fit for me,” Parker said on the livestream. “Especially, Team Loaded (AAU team) (that) I rep, man.
“So many great guys that have come out of Team Loaded have ended up at Kansas: Frank Mason and big David McCormick. It’s a tradition around here, especially in Richmond, Virginia.”
Mason, of course, was named national player of the year at Kansas in 2016-17. McCormack helped guide the Jayhawks to a national championship in 2022, hitting two of the biggest shots of the final game.
Parker, a 6-foot-6 guard, averaged 18.3 points and 5.3 rebounds for Radford last season. He shot 48.4% from the field, including 37.3% on 3-pointers. Parker even dropped 53 points against Coppin State on Dec. 14.
Naturally, Self’s pitch to Parker centered around scoring.
“Hey man, if you’re going to come here, we need you to score the ball,” Parker recalled Self saying to him.
The Jayhawks have three roster spots remaining. Parker is the fourth transfer portal pickup by the Jayhawks, joining Utah forward Keanu Dawes, Toldeo guard Leroy Blyden and Charleston center Christian Reeves.
Parker was a former four-star recruit who started his career with NC State. He was a part of the team that went to the Final Four, starting in 12 games. He averaged 4.7 points and 3.2 rebounds during that 2023-24 season. He transferred to Radford before the 2025-26 season.
“I’m excited to play with these young dudes,” Parker said. “To be experienced in college, I’ve seen a Final Four before, so it’s like I can be one of those guys to just be around them and try to just guide them if they need it.”
This story was originally published May 7, 2026 at 9:57 AM with the headline "KU lands big-time scorer Dennis Parker Jr. in portal. Give Frank Mason an assist."
