Kansas State Basketball: Building on the last two seasons for a potential great 2018-19
Early look into the 2018-19 season
This year will be a little different for Weber and company. The expectations for the Wildcats will be higher than they’ve experienced in a while. Nearly everyone returns from last season and that includes a healthy Wade. How will they deal with these loftier expectations?
“We gotta get better. It just pushes us because we know what we’re expected to do, we gotta come out every day and continue to grind.” Says Sneed.
How will they reintegrate a healthy Wade and how will that affect how they play?
According to Sneed, “We still have the same chemistry, the same bond. It shouldn’t be no effect at all. He’s a great player. He can do a lot of great things on the court.”
In addition to having their entire roster return, Weber landed two recruits, Shaun Williams and Austin Trice. Both of whom could find their way into the Wildcats’ rotation. Williams is a 6-3 guard from St. Louis, MO who was high school teammates with Sneed at Hazelwood Central. Coach Weber like Williams’ athleticism, but raved about his defensive prowess saying, “He took it upon himself this summer to a complete point guard. He can really get after you on defense.”
As a junior, Williams led Hazelwood Central to the District 3 championship game where they fell despite Williams’ 23-point effort. In his final season, Williams averaged 16.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.79 assists while leading his team to the District 3 quarterfinals.
Trice, a National Junior College Athletic Association All-American played last season at Wabash Valley College in Illinois. The 6-7 Chicago native ranked 4th nationally among junior college players in rebounding with 12.1 per game last season. Rebounding was a major issue for the Wildcats last season, their 30 per game was 340th best in the country.
Finding a big-time rebounder for this season was paramount for Weber. “Obviously, our biggest need this season was rebounding and our focus this recruiting period has been finding an elite rebounder who fits in the framework of our team. We feel like we have found that player in Austin”, He said.
“Just come out and win games. One step at a time, one game at a time. We can’t put pressure on ourselves and say we have to get back to the Elite Eight. Of course, we want a Big 12 Championship.” He says.
Trice’s length and athleticism allow him to excel in transition and guard multiple positions on the defensive end.
With an already full roster, what can be expected of Williams and Trice and how will they be able to get on the floor?
“Austin is an extremely good rebounder so hopefully his effect can translate over and help us out there. Shaun too, just being another tough guard for other teams to match up with.”
In Sneed’s first two seasons Kansas State has built upon the previous. So, what would make the 2018-19 season a success for Sneed and his team?
“Just come out and win games. One step at a time, one game at a time. We can’t put pressure on ourselves and say we have to get back to the Elite Eight. Of course, we want a Big 12 Championship.” He says.
Next: Breaking down each Big 12 recruiting class for 2018
Last season ended in disappointment for the Wildcats. But, how it transpired may help climb to even bigger heights this season, and Sneed for one is looking forward to helping lead his team to those heights.