Picking Jayhawks, 5-star hoops recruit Bryson Tiller even surprised KU’s coaches

Less than 24 hours before publicly announcing where he’ll play basketball in college, Bryson Tiller still had an important phone call to make.

He had to reach the Kansas coaches to let them know he was joining the Jayhawks.

“I’m actually going to do that this afternoon,” Tiller told The Star Friday.

Tiller, a 6-foot-10 power forward from Atlanta, officially committed to the Jayhawks on Saturday morning. The Georgia native picked KU over Auburn, Georgia Tech and Indiana.

Tiller said his final choice came down to KU or Georgia Tech. He visited KU last December and watched coach Bill Self’s team defeat historical rival Missouri.

“I’ve always wanted to go (to KU) ever since my official visit,” Tiller said. “I can’t tell you a specific date because I can’t remember, but this week for sure, especially after seeing Darryn (Peterson) and Samis (Calderon) there, I know I am going to be extremely grateful to play with those guys.”

The power forward from Overtime Elite is the third commitment for the Jayhawks in the recruiting class of 2025. Calderon, another Overtime Elite product, committed to KU Wednesday.

Tiller had several reasons for picking the Jayhawks.

“The experience within the coaching staff — Bill Self is one of the greatest college coaches of all time,” he said. “I feel like Allen Fieldhouse is the best place to play in the world.

“Thirdly, the fit with the team: I’d come in there and have a great opportunity to shine. The fan base — once a Jayhawk, always a Jayhawk. I truly believe in that.”

Tiller said he hopes to play well enough in Lawrence that he’ll become a one-and-done prospect. But he also said that he isn’t opposed to staying in college for additional seasons, as long as his path eventually leads to a shot in the NBA.

And as for whether he expects to start for the Jayhawks next season?

“I definitely expect to go in there and work for whatever I get,” he said. “I’m pretty sure I am going in there to start, but by no means has anything been given to me, and I’m not looking at it that way, either.”

Last season, Tiller averaged 12.2 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists over 28.1 minutes for the City Reapers of the Overtime Elite League. He believes he can bring some of what he showcased with the Reapers to the Jayhawks.

“(I can add) versatility,” he said. “I know KJ Adams is leaving and I can fit right in that spot, just using my size to my advantage — scoring the basketball (and) defending multiple positions. …

“I like to block shots and rebounds, so I feel like doing that … will lead to my offensive game.”

Tiller closed with a special message for Kansas fans.

“I’m an extremely hard worker,” he said. “I’m extremely humble, I believe. I just want to embrace those fans and I hope they do the same for me. I appreciate them showing up to every game.”