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25. Miami Hurricanes
28. BYU Cougars
29. Maryland Terps
31. UCLA Bruins
32. Oregon Ducks
34. Florida Gators
35. Ole Miss
36. USC Trojans
39. Mississippi State Bulldogs
41. Memphis Tigers
42. McNeese Cowboys
45. VCU Rams
46. Dayton Flyers
47. St Mary’s Gaels
49. UCF Knights
52. Clemson Tigers
53. New Mexico Lobos
58. SMU Mustangs
60. Nevada Wolfpack
61. TCU Horned Frogs
63. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
65. Syracuse Orange
68. Iowa Hawkeyes
70. Butler Bulldogs
71. Princeton Tigers
74. Oklahoma Sooners
75. West Virginia Mountaineers
76. Georgia Bulldogs
77. UAB Blazers
80. Missouri Tigers
Here’s where our analysts ranked the Wildcats:
| Cody | Kam | Maxwell | Steven |
| 15 | 39 | 36 | 23 |
Jerome Tang’s Impact
The 2022-2023 season was transformative for Kansas State, as new head coach Jerome Tang made an immediate and lasting impact. After nearly two decades as an assistant coach at Baylor, Tang brought a fresh approach and a winning mentality to Manhattan, revitalizing the program. His influence was evident from the start, as he instilled a defensive mindset, emphasized player development, and established a team culture rooted in toughness, unity, and consistency. Under his leadership, Kansas State evolved from an underdog into a legitimate contender in the ultra-competitive Big 12 Conference.
Tang’s ability to recruit high-level talent was crucial in the Wildcats’ turnaround. He successfully secured transfers and newcomers who bolstered the roster with both experience and potential, creating a well-balanced team that could compete at the highest level. His focus on team chemistry and collective responsibility fostered a cohesive unit that exceeded preseason expectations.
2022-2023 Season Recap
Kansas State’s 2022-2023 season was nothing short of remarkable. Despite being picked to finish last in the Big 12 preseason poll, the Wildcats defied expectations, finishing with a 26-10 overall record and an 11-7 mark in conference play. From the outset, Kansas State was competitive, securing notable non-conference victories that set the tone for Big 12 play.
The Wildcats became known for their resilience and knack for winning close games. Tang’s defensive schemes and game management were pivotal, allowing Kansas State to go toe-to-toe with top teams, including eventual national champions Kansas. The Wildcats peaked during their deep run in the NCAA Tournament, where they reached the Elite Eight for the first time since 2018, falling in a thrilling game to Florida Atlantic.
Offensive Philosophy
Offensively, Kansas State thrived with a dynamic, up-tempo style emphasizing ball movement and versatility. Thanks to contributions from multiple positions, the Wildcats averaged 76.2 points per game (ranking 72nd in the nation). Shooting 46.1% from the field, the team relied on quick guards and athletic big men to create mismatches and exploit defensive weaknesses.
The standout player was star transfer Keyontae Johnson, who led the Wildcats with 17.4 points per game, earning All-American honors. Johnson’s ability to score from all over the court and his leadership gave the Wildcats a consistent offensive presence. Point guard Markquis Nowell was equally critical to the team’s success, orchestrating the offense with his court vision and creativity while averaging 8.3 assists per game, one of the top marks in the nation.
Defensive Philosophy
The defense was the bedrock of Kansas State’s success. Tang implemented a gritty, physical approach that made the Wildcats one of the toughest defensive teams in the country. Kansas State allowed just 68.9 points per game, consistently disrupting opponents with pressure defense and disciplined rotations.
Johnson and Nae’Qwan Tomlin anchored the defense, providing rim protection and rebounding, while Nowell excelled as a ball hawk, leading the team in steals. The Wildcats forced 13.8 turnovers per game, often capitalizing on these opportunities with fast-break points, which shifted momentum in their favor during critical moments.
Key Players
- Keyontae Johnson: Johnson’s return to the court after a 2020 health scare was inspirational. He led Kansas State in scoring (17.4 PPG) and rebounding (6.8 RPG), earning All-Big 12 First Team honors.
- Markquis Nowell: The 5’8″ point guard played with unmatched heart and tenacity, averaging 17.6 points and 8.3 assists per game. His leadership and clutch performances were vital to Kansas State’s NCAA Tournament run.
- Nae’Qwan Tomlin: The 6’10” forward was a versatile defender and a key contributor, averaging 10.4 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. His length and athleticism were crucial on defense.
Postseason Success and Looking Forward
Kansas State’s deep run in the NCAA Tournament solidified their return to national prominence. Their Sweet 16 victory over Michigan State, in which Nowell set a tournament record with 19 assists, was one of the season’s highlights. Despite falling short in the Elite Eight, the Wildcats’ performance under Tang showed that they could compete with the best teams in the nation.
Kansas State fans have plenty to be optimistic about going forward. Tang’s leadership and the Wildcats’ success on the recruiting trail suggest that Kansas State will remain a formidable contender in the Big 12 and beyond.
Building on Success: 2023-2024 Season Recap
Non-Conference Play: Setting the Tone
After their 2022-2023 success, Kansas State entered the 2023-2024 season with high expectations. A challenging non-conference schedule, highlighted by wins over Memphis and a tightly contested game against Villanova, helped the Wildcats start strong with an 11-2 record. New additions like Arthur Kaluma (Creighton) and Tylor Perry (North Texas) added offensive firepower and depth while returning players like Camryn Carter and David N’Guessan stepped up as leaders.
Big 12 Play: Battling in the Nation’s Toughest Conference
Kansas State faced fierce competition in the Big 12, battling perennial powerhouses like Kansas, Baylor, and Texas. With a 12-6 conference record, the Wildcats secured a top-four seed in the Big 12 tournament. Defense remained the foundation of their play, as they held opponents to 68.3 points per game while forcing turnovers at a high rate. However, inconsistency from beyond the arc and occasional offensive struggles led to some close losses.
Season Highlights and Key Players
- Tylor Perry: The transfer from North Texas proved to be an essential addition, averaging 15.3 points and 4.4 assists per game.
- Arthur Kaluma: The athletic forward quickly became a fan favorite, averaging 14.4 points per game and providing valuable versatility on both ends of the court.
- David N’Guessan: N’Guessan’s defense and rebounding were essential, as he contributed 9.3 points per game and anchored the Wildcats’ interior defense.
Postseason and Looking Forward
The Wildcats reached the Big 12 tournament semifinals before falling to Kansas. Their strong regular season earned them a high seed in the NCAA Tournament, where they reached the Sweet 16 before being eliminated by Michigan State. Although the season ended short of a Final Four appearance, Kansas State solidified its status as a national contender.
Looking to the 2024-2025 Season
As Kansas State looks ahead to the 2024-2025 season, the Wildcats are building off the momentum created during head coach Jerome Tang’s transformative tenure. After an impressive start to his time in Manhattan, including a deep NCAA Tournament run in 2023, Tang has revitalized the program with a culture focused on defense, teamwork, and developing players for success at the highest level. Tang’s philosophy has established Kansas State as a program on the rise in the ultra-competitive Big 12 Conference.
With the 2024-2025 season approaching, Tang is set to welcome a talented mix of new transfers and incoming recruits. The Wildcats aim to maintain their status as a Big 12 contender while eyeing another NCAA Tournament bid.
Key Returners and New Faces
Kansas State’s roster will feature several new transfers after experiencing almost a complete overhaul. Seven players transferred from the program this past off-season, and eight new transfers are looking to make their mark on the program.
Key returners who were instrumental to the team’s success in previous seasons include veteran forward David N’Guessan, a versatile forward who has been crucial to the Wildcats’ defense and rebounding. His leadership will be vital as K-State looks to make another push in conference play. As the new transfer class ushers in Achor Achor, a 6 ‘9 Forward from Samford, was essential to Samford’s March Madness push last year, averaging 16.1 PPG and 6.1 RPG, being named to All-SoCon First Team. Coleman Hawkins, a 6 ’10 Forward from Illinois, averaged 12.1 PPG and 6.1 RPG last season at Illinois, being named to the All-Big Ten Third Team. Ugonna Onyenso, a 7’0 Center transfer from Kentucky known for his interior defense, averaged 3.6 PPG and 4.8 RPG while contributing 2.8 BPG last season. Brendan Hausen, a 6 ‘4 Guard transfer from Villanova, averaged 6.2 PPG, shooting 38.1% from Beyond the Arc. Highly touted recruit (RSCI 28th ranked recruit in 2023) Baye Fall 6 ’11 Center from Arkansas who only appeared in 9 games for the Razorbacks last season. Veteran Guard Max Jones 6-4 From Cal State Fullerton, who averaged 15.3 PPG and 3.0 RPG last season. Lead guard Dug McDaniel, 5 ’11 From Michigan, led Michigan in scoring last season, averaging 16.3 PPG and 4.7 APG. Joining this talented group of returners and transfers are two new faces: Four-star recruit 6’1 Guard David Castillo and Three-Star recruit 6’6 Forward from Ellsworth Community College Chimobi Ikegwuruka.
Season Outlook: Continued Growth in a Tough Conference
The 2024-2025 season will present significant challenges for Kansas State as they face off against perennial Big 12 powers such as Kansas, Baylor, and Texas. However, with a solid returning core, key recruits, and a coach in Jerome Tang, who has quickly proven his ability to win, the Wildcats are in a strong position to compete for a top spot in the conference standings.
Tang’s focus on defensive intensity and ball movement will again be the foundation of Kansas State’s play. Offensively, the Wildcats will look to improve their three-point shooting and offensive consistency, areas where they have occasionally struggled in past seasons. Adding players like Hausen and McDaniel should help K-State spread the floor and generate more efficient scoring opportunities.
Defensively, Kansas State’s length and athleticism, combined with Tang’s commitment to defensive pressure, will make them a formidable opponent. With players like N’Guessan and Oneyenso anchoring the defense, the Wildcats should be able to hold their own against even the most potent offenses in the Big 12.
Building a Lasting Legacy
As Kansas State embarks on another season under Tang, the long-term outlook for the program is bright. Tang’s recruiting success, ability to develop players, and emphasis on building a positive team culture have set the Wildcats up for sustained success. They will return only 14.3% of their minutes from last season and 12.1% of scoring. There will be a lot of room for new contributors to come to the forefront of this offense. While the 2024-2025 season will come with high expectations, particularly in a conference as competitive as the Big 12, Kansas State has the talent, coaching, and determination to compete at the highest level.
With continued growth and the infusion of young talent, Kansas State fans have much to look forward to as Tang and the Wildcats aim to make deep runs in March and compete for championships in the future.
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