The transfer portal has become one of the most transformative aspects of college basketball, allowing players to explore new opportunities and find the best fit for their skills and aspirations. In a season marked by challenges and growth for the Kansas State Wildcats, two of the team’s prominent big men have made the decision to enter the transfer portal following the conclusion of the 2024-2025 season. This decision comes as no surprise to those who have closely followed the program, given the changing landscape of college basketball and the increased emphasis on finding the right opportunities for career advancement.
These two players, key figures for K-State throughout the season, will now be looking for new teams that can provide them with a chance to further develop their skills, play significant minutes, and continue to evolve as athletes. For Kansas State, the departure of these players marks the end of an era for the frontcourt, and their exit leaves a significant gap to fill in the upcoming seasons. However, for the players themselves, the decision to enter the transfer portal presents a chance to pursue new opportunities and take control of their basketball futures.
The Importance of the Big Men in the 2024-2025 Season
The 2024-2025 season for the Kansas State Wildcats was one of promise and growth, with coach Jerome Tang continuing to build the program into a competitive force in the Big 12. While much of the attention was focused on the backcourt and perimeter play, the team’s frontcourt – anchored by these two big men – played a crucial role in the Wildcats’ success. Both players demonstrated a blend of size, skill, and physicality that made them difficult matchups for opposing teams. Together, they formed a formidable presence in the paint, contributing both offensively and defensively.
Big Man 1: Marked by Consistency and Development
The first of the two big men who will be entering the portal is a player who arrived at Kansas State with significant promise but developed into a key contributor over the course of his tenure with the team. Standing at 6-foot-10, he was one of the tallest players on the Wildcats’ roster and quickly became known for his rebounding ability and shot-blocking presence.
In the 2024-2025 season, this player played an important role in K-State’s interior defense, serving as a rim protector and making life difficult for opponents in the paint. His 7-foot wingspan allowed him to alter shots and secure critical rebounds, especially on the defensive end. Offensively, while he wasn’t the team’s go-to scorer, his ability to finish around the rim, set solid screens, and work in pick-and-roll situations was invaluable to the Wildcats.
Throughout the season, however, there were moments when the player showed flashes of improvement in his offensive game. His free-throw shooting had been a point of emphasis for the coaching staff, and he made strides in this area, showing more confidence and consistency at the line. His footwork in the post also improved, though his offensive game was still somewhat limited compared to other forwards in the Big 12.
Despite his growth, it became clear that, for this player to reach his full potential, he would need to be in a system that allowed him more freedom to expand his game. His decision to enter the transfer portal is rooted in his desire to find a program that could give him more of an offensive role, as well as a chance to play in a more uptempo system where his mobility could be better utilized.
The transfer portal provides this player with a chance to search for a school that fits his strengths while offering more opportunities for development. His defensive capabilities and rebounding presence will make him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their frontcourt.
Big Man 2: A Versatile Threat Who Needs a Fresh Start
The second player entering the transfer portal is another key big man for the Wildcats in 2024-2025, though his playing style and contributions were different from those of his counterpart. This 6-foot-9 forward was known for his versatility, combining the physicality of a traditional big man with the skills of a more perimeter-oriented player. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and play multiple positions in the frontcourt made him a unique asset for Kansas State.
In the 2024-2025 season, this player showcased his ability to space the floor as a mid-range shooter and at times even stretched out to the three-point line, making him a matchup nightmare for defenders. His ability to guard multiple positions allowed K-State to switch on defense, providing them with flexibility. Offensively, he wasn’t always the first option, but his ability to contribute in a variety of ways – from setting up plays to knocking down timely shots – helped the Wildcats remain competitive.
However, despite these strengths, there were moments when this player struggled to find a consistent role within K-State’s offensive system. While his versatility was an asset, there were times when he lacked the aggressiveness needed to assert himself on both ends of the floor. Whether it was on the offensive glass or in one-on-one post situations, this player occasionally found himself out of sync, unsure of his place in the team’s overall scheme.
This lack of clarity in his role seemed to affect his confidence as the season went on, and as a result, he chose to enter the transfer portal in search of a program that would give him the clear opportunity to thrive. Like his counterpart, he is seeking a team that will utilize his skills in a way that maximizes his potential. With his shooting touch, versatility, and ability to play both inside and out, this player is likely to draw significant interest from teams across the country.
The Transfer Portal: A Strategic Move for Player Development
The decision to enter the transfer portal is a significant one, and for both of these players, it represents a strategic move aimed at maximizing their potential. The world of college basketball is highly competitive, and for many athletes, the transfer portal offers an opportunity to find a better fit or to play in a system that better suits their skill set.
For the first player, who has shown the ability to protect the rim and rebound, the portal offers a chance to play for a program that may offer more of an offensive role. While K-State relied heavily on their backcourt and perimeter play, this player’s development has been hampered by the team’s limited offensive system. Moving to a program with a more uptempo style or one that prioritizes post play could unlock new potential for him.
Similarly, for the second player, the move to the portal may allow him to find a program where his versatility and shooting can be utilized more effectively. While he is capable of playing inside or on the perimeter, he never quite found his rhythm in K-State’s system. Whether it’s finding a program with a more structured offensive system or one that emphasizes positionless basketball, the transfer portal gives him the opportunity to secure the role he desires.
The rise of the transfer portal has significantly impacted college basketball, with players seeking better opportunities for playing time, development, and exposure. As both of these big men begin their search for new programs, their respective decisions are part of the larger trend in college athletics, where the power lies increasingly in the hands of the athletes themselves.
K-State’s Future in the Post-Big Man Era
The departure of these two key big men presents challenges for Kansas State as the Wildcats will now be tasked with filling the gap left in their frontcourt. Head coach Jerome Tang will need to look for recruits or potentially another transfer to strengthen the team’s interior presence. The Wildcats may also look to further develop their existing players or explore the potential of playing smaller, more versatile lineups moving forward.
The absence of these two players will likely push the program to evolve and adapt its style of play, with a greater emphasis on perimeter shooting, faster transitions, and increased ball movement. While losing valuable frontcourt depth is a blow, it also presents an opportunity for growth and the infusion of new talent into the program.
Kansas State has demonstrated a commitment to recruiting and developing players who fit within Tang’s vision for the program, and the departure of these two big men will likely serve as a catalyst for further improvements and adjustments.
A New Beginning for Both the Players and Kansas State
For both of these big men, entering the transfer portal marks the beginning of a new chapter in their basketball careers. Their time at Kansas State has been valuable, with moments of growth and contribution, but their decision to move on reflects the realities of the modern college basketball landscape. While their departures may leave gaps in K-State’s frontcourt, it is a reminder that the journey in college basketball is never static. Athletes must continually seek environments that will allow them to grow, develop, and reach their full potential.
As both players enter the transfer portal, they will have the opportunity to find the right fit for their skills and aspirations, while Kansas State will work to adapt and rebuild its roster for the future. In the end, this process is part of the evolution of college basketball, where players, coaches, and programs are always adjusting to remain competitive in an ever-changing landscape.
