5-star commit Javon Bardwell: When will we see him in Lawrence?

Image Credit: 247 Sports

Author: Kaleia Knappe

1 min read

Consensus 5-star commit Javon Bardwell maintained his position in the class of 2027 with Overtime Elite over the course of this summer. However, talks have ramped up for Bardwell to join KU this fall. He has the credits to re-classify and doing so would bump KU to the top spot for the 2026 recruiting class. 247Sports lists KU at 3^rd for the class, while On3 ranks KU 5^th. 6’5 Bardwell has been listed at 22^nd or 19^th in his class. As a small forward, he is 6^th or 7^th. With Overtime Elite, Bardwell averaged 17.9 points and 6.8 rebounds. His defense and three-point shot is a bit off-and-on now, but, he has the great athleticism that Self loves in his recruits.

Why he should re-classify:

Bardwell has already turned 19. Under the new NCAA “5 in 5” rule, if Bardwell waits to commit to college next year, he will lose a year of eligibility. With this, he would only be able to play 4 years. Under the new rule, the 5 years of eligibility begin when the player turns 19 or plays their first college game.

While Bardwell likely wouldn’t get massive rotational minutes this season, he would compete for some off-the-bench minutes against Tyler Perry, Dennis Parker Jr, and Kohl Rosario.

Overall, I think that he should reclass. That said, he is also a child, if he would like to have another year of high school, he should be allowed to.

Will update later!