Kansas State basketball bold predictions: Can the Wildcats get back to the Big Dance?

MANHATTAN — Kansas State’s basketball team learned the hard way last year that there is no such thing as too much depth.

The same lesson could have applied the year before as well in Jerome Tang’s first season as the Wildcats’ coach, only it didn’t jump up to bite them.

In 2022-23, led by All-Americans Markquis Nowell and Keyontae Johnson, the Wildcats remained relatively healthy and made a remarkable run to the NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight, while last year losing one key player was too much to overcome.

When talented 6-foot-10 forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin, the top returning player from the Elite Eight squad, was dismissed from the team without playing a minute, the Wildcats lacked both the size and firepower to be a serious threat. The result was a respectable but unspectacular 19-15 record and a National Invitation Tournament bid instead of a return to the NCAA.

With that in mind, Tang was determined to rebuild his 2024-25 roster leaving nothing to chance. Only three players returned, and of those graduate forward David N’Guessan was the lone major contributor a year ago.

Related: Kansas State basketball vs Fort Hays State recap: Wildcats prevail, 70-56

Related: Kansas State basketball forward Coleman Hawkins embraces coach Jerome Tang’s blueprint

Kansas State forward Coleman Hawkins (33) puts up a shot against Fort Hays State during their exhibition game last Tuesday at Bramlage Coliseum.

Tang brought in four transfers who stood 6-foot-9 or taller, a pair of veteran point guards and several accomplished shooters to address what he saw as the team’s most glaring needs. Namely, lack of rebounding, suspect 3-point shooting and too many turnovers.

Leading into the Wildcats’ season opener Tuesday against New Orleans, Tang called this his deepest and most talented team so far.

Here are three bold predictions as the Wildcats head into the 2024-25 season.

Get ready for a K-State return to the Big Dance

Tang is convinced that the Wildcats have enough talent, plus the depth to withstand any…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/kansas-state-basketball-bold-predictions-143918635.html

Author : The Topeka Capital-Journal

Publish date : 2024-11-03 14:39:00

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