Kansas forward KJ Adams successfully underwent surgery on Wednesday to repair a torn Achilles tendon, according to head coach Bill Self. In a social media statement, Self shared that Adams is in good spirits and remains determined, noting that while the injury is a significant setback, Adams will tackle his rehabilitation with determination and return stronger than before.
Adams, a senior, sustained the injury during KU’s first-round NCAA Tournament loss to Arkansas on March 20, 2025, in Providence, Rhode Island. The injury occurred when Adams grabbed a rebound and attempted to bring the ball up the court while the Jayhawks were leading 67-64 with just over three minutes left. After Adams left the game, KU struggled with turnovers, being outscored 15-5 for the remainder of the game. Despite the loss, Self acknowledged that the turnovers could have occurred even with Adams on the court, but noted that his presence could have changed the dynamics of the transition play.
Adams recorded 13 points and four rebounds in the game. Throughout the season, he averaged 9.4 points and five rebounds per game.
Originally from Austin, Texas, Adams started as a freshman in the 2021-22 season on the team that won the national title. In the following season, he earned the Big 12 Conference’s Most Improved Player award while playing as an undersized center. In his junior year, he had his best statistical season, averaging 12.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.
One memorable performance came on December 1, 2023, when Adams played a standout game against UConn, just two weeks after losing his mother to cancer. Despite the personal tragedy, Adams played 39 minutes, scored 18 points, and helped secure the victory over the defending national champions at Allen Fieldhouse.
In his senior year, Adams took on a smaller offensive role but became a key emotional leader for the Jayhawks. His versatility as a defender and significant improvement as a free-throw shooter were invaluable to the team, especially after his recovery from a dislocated shoulder in January.
Adams now faces a long recovery ahead as he works through the injury that ended his collegiate career and put a pause on his professional basketball prospects.
