Kansas basketball Transfer guard AJ Storr arrived with high expectations: His athleticism and scoring potential promised to inject new energy into Bill Self’s lineup.

But as the season begins, things don’t go as hoped.

“I think AJ (Storr) is down right now,” Self said in a candid statement Monday.

He explained that Storr, formerly of Wisconsin, struggles to balance aggression and timing, a critical skill in Kansas’ fast-paced offense.

“He doesn’t know what aggression looks like,” Self said, suggesting the current system could hinder Storr’s natural playing style.

Storr had eight points on 4-of-11 shooting against Arkansas last Friday, and his performance didn’t improve much against Washburn.

Against the Ichabods, he managed eight points again, this time shooting just 2 of 7 from the field. He also struggled at the free throw line, going 3 of 6, with just one rebound in his 19 minutes on the court.

Storr’s struggles aren’t about a lack of effort or potential. He learns to balance attacking and moving the ball within the constraints of Self’s “five-second rule,” in which players must pass, shoot or drive in a short period of time.

For someone with Storr’s instincts to drive and create offense, adjusting to that pace is a learning curve. Self even pointed out the challenge of telling a player to “be aggressive” while expecting a high basketball IQ to dictate when to refrain.

“It still takes him a little while to understand me and how we want to do things,” Self said. “I think he makes shots and all that, but he has to play downhill.”

For Kansas, Storr’s development is crucial.

Self’s system thrives on positional versatility and a tempo that can crush opponents who aren’t conditioned to react quickly. If Storr can adapt, his combination of athleticism and newfound determination could open up a new level in Kansas’ already powerful offense.

Still, Self’s introspection about his own role in Storr’s struggle speaks volumes.

Self’s transparency here is notable, as it shows he’s willing to adapt his coaching style to get the most out of his players, especially on a team as dynamic and evolving as Kansas.

The pressure is on, friends.

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