Indiana transfer forward Lilly Meister has committed to Kansas, she announced on Monday morning.
Meister is KU’s first transfer addition of the cycle. Five Jayhawks who occupied limited roles during the 2024-25 season had entered the portal shortly after it opened.
A 6-foot-3 incoming senior, she provides valuable size and experience in the post, where KU did not have much of it last year following the graduation of Taiyanna Jackson. Next year, at various forward spots, the Jayhawks could feature rising sophomore Regan Williams and incoming freshman Jaliya Davis, as well as a depth piece who is expected to return in sixth-year senior Nadira Eltayeb.
Meister, who is originally from Rochester, Minnesota, played three seasons with the Hoosiers. She averaged 6.7 points and 3.5 rebounds during her junior season, which she began as Indiana’s starting center before moving to the bench midway through the year.
She scored 20 points on three occasions, including posting a 20-point, 15-rebound double-double against a formidable Harvard squad in IU’s second game of the year.
“Her size and skill set will fill a much-needed role in our program,” KU coach Brandon Schneider said in a press release announcing Meister’s signing. “She is a frontline player who will excel in the pick and roll game, while also providing shooting and versatility away from the rim. We believe that she pairs extremely well with both our returners and incoming players. Lilly brings experience competing at the highest level and being part of a winning culture is very important to her.”
The Jayhawks had two players go through senior day and five enter the transfer portal; they have already filled five of those seven spots with four marquee freshmen and Meister. The vast majority of last season’s roster, including top scorers S’Mya Nichols and Elle Evans, can return for next year’s campaign.
AP Photo/David Yeazell
