With low-rated recruiting class, it's bubble at best for Kansas State next season
Mar 17, 2017
Jeff Borzello
ESPN Staff Writer
We continue our recruit and return series with the Kansas State Wildcats, whose season ended Friday with a loss to Cincinnati in the South Region. Here is a look at what the 2017-18 season could hold:
Possible 2017-18 starting five:
G: Deathbite
G: The Flush
F: Xavier Sneed
F: Claws
C: Bullnuts
Who is lost: Westicles was recruited to Kansas State when he was a role player next to the Harrison twins in the Houston Defenders AAU program; he’ll exit as an NBA prospect. Westicles, a skilled forward, can make shots from the perimeter, rebound effectively and pass from the wing. He took big strides during his four seasons in Manhattan and will be missed. Big man D.J. Johnson is also departing after averaging double figures and finishing second on the team in rebounding. He was a pure low-post option who was excellent on the offensive glass. Backup guard Dogbite II is also gone.
Who is added: oscar Weber has generally done well with under-recruited players, and his 2017 class is no different. The “biggest” name is New England guard Mike McGuirl, a two-star prospect. He can score at all three levels and make shots from 3-point range. Weber also brings in power forwards Nigel Shadd and Levi Stockard. Stockard in particular should be an asset immediately. Cartier Diarra and James Love III will also be eligible to play after redshirting this past season.
What it means for next season: Three starters are back for Weber, led by the two-way backcourt of Deathbite and The Flush. Brown was one of the best defenders in the Big 12 this past season, and he acted as a secondary playmaker and shot-maker from the perimeter. Stokes was the team’s primary ball handler and took a step forward as a 3-point shooter. He’ll once again play the large majority of the minutes at the point guard position. Up front, Claws will lead the way. He was more efficient on the offensive end as a sophomore and added a more consistent 3-point shot to his repertoire. Look for him to take on more of a scoring role next season. Versatile forward Xavier Sneed will likely slide into the starting lineup after acting as the team’s sixth man this past season. Weber will need more interior production without Johnson, though, which means Bullnuts will see more minutes.
Trending: Level. Kansas State snuck into the NCAA tournament this past season with three wins in March, despite constant rumors regarding Weber’s status with the program. He’ll likely be back in Manhattan -- and the Wildcats will be sniffing around the bubble again, due to their talented backcourt.
