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With basketball season just around the corner, Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang took center stage at Big 12 Media Days in Kansas City on Wednesday. In his third year leading the Wildcats, Tang expressed excitement about the upcoming season, despite having a roster largely filled with new faces.
“We’ve got a lot of new faces. Pretty much a new roster,” Tang shared. “We have three guys back, and I’m just super excited about these guys, man.”
Leadership and Experience in the Roster
Tang expressed his appreciation for returning players, singling out forward David N'Guessan, who is entering his third season at K-State.
“When a young man spends three years with you in this day and age, it means you’re doing something right,” Tang said. “I’m so thankful for his leadership and the guys we have in. They’re terrific young men—passionate about basketball, versatile, better shooting, and with size.”
Tang even likened this year’s Wildcats to his 2012 Baylor squad, known for its size and guard play.
“They remind me of that team, and I’m excited to see what we can become,” he added.
New Faces Poised to Make an Impact
Among the newcomers, graduate transfers Max Jones and Coleman Hawkins are expected to play significant roles. Both players bring extensive college experience, which Tang values.
“They’re both terrific young men in their fifth year of college basketball, so they pick up on things quickly,” he said. “Their knowledge of the game and how their teammates enjoy being around them fosters great chemistry.”
Hawkins, named Big 12 Co-Newcomer of the Year, particularly excites Tang. “He’s versatile, high IQ, and loves seeing his teammates succeed. When he’s on the floor, everyone plays better,” he noted.
Navigating a Stacked Big 12
With the Big 12 Conference growing even stronger following the addition of four new teams, including preseason national title contenders, Tang emphasized staying focused on internal development.
“The Big 12 was already the best conference in the country, and now we’ve added even more talent,” Tang explained. “But you can’t get caught up in that. Our approach remains the same—we go 1-0 every day and aim to get a little better.”
Asked about the conference’s ever-rising level of competition, Tang highlighted the mental toughness required to thrive.
“My definition of toughness is the ability to do the next right thing. If we lose, we have to move on and get better,” he said. “You can’t let a team beat you twice because you’re stuck on the last game.”
Adapting to the Changing Landscape of College Basketball
Tang also addressed the challenges of coaching in a rapidly evolving college basketball environment, citing his faith and adaptability as guiding forces.
“You either adapt, or you get left behind,” Tang said. “I have a staff that keeps me moving forward, and we focus on figuring out what’s right rather than getting caught up in what’s wrong.”
Despite roster turnover and conference changes, Tang remains steadfast in his belief that the Wildcats are poised for success, thanks to the dedication and buy-in of his players.
Looking Ahead
K-State will tip off the season at 7 p.m. CT on Tuesday, Nov. 5, against New Orleans. The Wildcats’ lone exhibition game against Fort Hays State is set for 7 p.m. CT on Tuesday, Oct. 29. Tang and his team are eager to take the floor and showcase their new-look roster in front of the Wildcat faithful.
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