The buzz surrounding the Kansas men's basketball team is always loud and rightfully so, yet this year's expectations are not just about the squad looking for another Big 12 Conference title. There is also plenty of hype in place for the program's future after this season.

Having a couple of transfers on the roster is far from uncommon these days, but the Jayhawks boast five high-major transfers and six total on the 2017-18 team.

Only two of the transfers -- sophomore Malik Newman (Mississippi State) and senior Clay Young (Kansas City CC) -- are eligible to start the season, while sophomore Sam Cunliffe (Arizona State) will be officially added to mix following the fall semester. Charlie Moore (California) as well as Dedric and K.J. Lawson (Memphis) will be eligible for the 2018-19 season.

Regardless, fans can get a first glimpse of the future on its four-game tour in Italy, which will be live on FloHoops from August 2-6. 

Head coach Bill Self told the local media earlier this month the plans are to play everyone. That now excludes junior forward Dedric Lawson, who was recently temporarily suspended from the team and did not make the trip.

Sam Cunliffe (Arizona State)

Year: Sophomore (Eligible Following Fall 2017 Semester)

2016-17 Statistics (10 Games): 9.5 ppg., 4.5 rpg.

Overview: A 6-foot-6 sharpshooter, Cunliffe knocked down over 40 percent of his 3-pointers (15 for 37) in his short time with the Sun Devils. He will look to make an immediate impact off the bench when eligible in December.

K.J. Lawson (Memphis)

Year: Sophomore (Eligible in 2018-19)

2016-17 Statistics: 12.3 points, 8.1 rebounds

Overview: Although he is not eligible this season, the 6-foot-8 Lawson brings a lot of versatility and playmaking ability to the Jayhawks for the future. His older brother, Dedric, a former McDonald's All American, is also a high-level transfer but has been temporarily suspended and will not make the trip to Italy.

Charlie Moore (California)

Year: Sophomore (Eligible in 2018-19)

2016-17 Statistics: 12.2 ppg., 3.5 apg.

Overview: With Devonte' Graham graduating and Malik Newman possibly heading to the NBA Draft following the season, Kansas will look to the fearless, 5-foot-11 playmaker to help run the offense during the 2018-19 campaign.

Malik Newman (Mississippi State)

Year: Sophomore (Eligible in 2017-18)

2015-16 Statistics: 11.3 ppg., 2.8 points, 2.2 assists

Overview: After sitting out last year, Newman is set to make a triumphant return to the college game. The 6-foot-3 guard is a certified bucket getter with a pure stroke from the outside and will be asked to fill the shoes of Naismith Player of the Year Frank Mason III this season.

HOW TO WATCH

Rome - 2 Games

Game 1: Wednesday, August 2 (11:30 AM CT)
Game 2: Thursday, August 3 (11:30 AM CT)
WATCH LIVE
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

Milan - 2 Games

Game 3: Saturday, August 5 (noon CT)
Game 4: Sunday, August 6 (noon CT)
WATCH LIVE
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

Watch LIVE and Archived Games

On TV: AppleTV 4 and Roku via the FloSports App
Streaming: Available only on FloHoops. A yearly FloPRO subscription provides access to all FloSports sites. SIGN UP HERE.

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