K-State men's basketball embraces tough nonconference slate

MANHATTAN (KSNT)- Basketball season is right around the corner.

The K-State men's team has begun practice, and spirits are high in the program.

K-State is coming off a 16-17 season (9-11 Big 12 play) a season ago and is eager to get back to the NCAA Tournament with almost a brand-new roster.

The Wildcats have five transfers, four international players, and a true freshman joining the roster.

Head coach Jerome Tang has enjoyed what he saw from his squad over the summer.

"They show up early, they work hard, they come back late. They have a real professional approach. They know how to talk to people, you know, whether it's their teammates, whether they need encouragement at times, or they need somebody to get on them at times," Tang said. "They take coaching well, and they bring really great energy to practice."

The Wildcats will have a tough nonconference slate, but Tang knows it will prepare K-State for conference play.

"We play in a league that has great road environments, and so we might as well start preparing for it early," Tang said. "Creighton's a top 15 team in the country, and I think by the time we play Indiana, they'll probably be in the top 20 in the country also. Every night in the Big 12, we're going to play a team with a number next to their name. So, we get used to it."

The Wildcats will play Indiana on the road on Nov. 25 and Creighton away on Dec. 13.

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