The fate of Kansas State basketball hangs in the balance, leaving fans and experts alike scratching their heads. Will the Wildcats claw their way back to the NCAA Tournament, or are they destined for another disappointing season?
The Transfer Conundrum:
Manhattan is buzzing with anticipation as head coach Jerome Tang's transfer class has the potential to be a game-changer. But here's where it gets tricky: last season, a similar narrative surrounded the team, only to see them stumble. So, can Tang's new recruits live up to the hype and deliver results?
As the 2025-26 season approaches, predictions vary wildly. Some experts believe the Wildcats will soar, while others predict a struggle to even make the NCAA Tournament. The transfer portal era adds a layer of complexity, making team projections an even more challenging task, especially with K-State's 10 new faces.
Let's dive into what the national pundits are saying:
Blue Ribbon Yearbook:
The iconic Blue Ribbon Yearbook isn't buying into the Wildcats' hype, ranking them 10th in the Big 12. However, they acknowledge the talent of Memphis transfer PJ Haggerty, naming him a Fourth Team All-American. The publication highlights the coaching staff's additions, including Matthew Driscoll and Bill Peterson, and praises the backcourt additions, grading them an impressive 'A'.
KenPom Rankings:
The KenPom rankings, released on October 12th, place the Wildcats at a modest 61st nationally and 9th in the Big 12. The projections suggest a 17-13 overall record and a 7-11 conference record, including a daunting nine-game losing streak in Big 12 play.
The Athletic's Take:
CJ Moore from The Athletic places Kansas State 8th in the Big 12, labeling them as a team with a 'total rebuild' but abundant talent. Moore suggests that the Wildcats could be the surprise package, stating that making the NCAA Tournament should be the expectation despite the challenge of integrating players from around the globe.
CBS Sports' Prediction:
College basketball insider Jon Rothstein ranks the Wildcats 44th in his 'Rothstein 45' preseason list. He believes that with a revamped perimeter, Kansas State could shock the Big 12 and secure an NCAA Tournament spot for the second time under Jerome Tang.
ESPN's Silence:
While ESPN hasn't released extensive preseason coverage, they've hinted at Kansas State's potential. Dick Vitale praised PJ Haggerty, naming him to his First Team All-Rolls-Royce team, while another article labeled Haggerty a transfer to watch and Kansas State a team capable of a significant leap. However, Bracketologist Joe Lunardi didn't include the Wildcats in his recent bracketology update, leaving their tournament fate uncertain.
And this is the part most people miss—the impact of the transfer portal era on team dynamics and performance. Can a team with so many new players truly gel in time for the season? Will the Wildcats' transfers be enough to turn their fortunes around?
What do you think? Are the Wildcats destined for greatness, or will they fall short again? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below, and let's spark a lively discussion on the future of Kansas State basketball!
