Arthur Kaluma Withdraws from NBA Draft: Possible Return to Kansas State?
A familiar name might soon become a top recruiting target for Jerome Tang and the Kansas State men’s basketball team. Arthur Kaluma has reportedly withdrawn from the NBA Draft as of Wednesday, indicating his intention to return to college for at least one more season. However, his next destination remains uncertain, sparking interest from K-State and other programs with available scholarships for the 2024-25 season.
Last season, Kaluma played as a junior on the wing for K-State, averaging 14.4 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. Despite his performance, his future college team is unknown because he entered the transfer portal when he initially declared for the NBA Draft. This decision opens numerous possibilities for him, as he is expected to be a highly sought-after player in this recruitment cycle.
Standing at 6-foot-7, Kaluma is anticipated to be one of the top available players, prompting teams to aggressively pursue him now that he has paused his professional aspirations. This is not the first time Kaluma has taken such a path; last season, he also tested the NBA Draft waters and declared his transfer from Creighton before ultimately choosing to play for K-State after withdrawing from the draft.
Jerome Tang expressed his intent to reconnect with Kaluma should he wish to return to Kansas State. “If he gets drafted, that is great for our program,” Tang said during a Catbacker event in Manhattan. “If he comes back to school and we have a chance to get him, that is something we are going to try and do.”
Securing Kaluma’s return could significantly impact the Wildcats. College basketball statistician Bart Torvik suggests that having Kaluma on the roster would boost K-State’s national ranking from No. 54 to No. 38. Currently, the Wildcats have two open scholarships, and they are likely to consider using one for one of their standout players from last season.
