Big 12 Basketball: Analyzing each program’s 2019 recruiting class

With Kamau Stokes, Dean Wade, and Barry Brown all departing after this past season, it appears as though Kansas State is entering a new era. Head coach Bruce Weber still has some solid pieces for the 2019-20 campaign but he could turn to his incoming freshmen to play big roles as well. The Wildcats are bringing in the No. 54 overall recruiting class in the country and there are a few pieces that could be needed right away. This is especially true considering the lack of proven options in the backcourt for Coach Weber.

This is where a player such as DaJuan Gordon could be particularly effective as a freshman. The 6-foot-3 shooting guard from Chicago is ranked as the No. 163 overall player in the class and could be a major difference-maker in Year 1 with the Wildcats. He is a talented three-level scorer that could emerge as one of the top offensive options in Manhattan this season. It would not be a total surprise if he cracks the starting lineup at some point.

Montavius Murray (No. 182) is the other potential rotation player in this class. While Kansas State’s senior frontcourt of Xavier Sneed and Makol Mawien will lead the way this season, the team lacks depth behind them. This is where the 6-foot-8 Murray might be able to come in and play big minutes. He is a long athlete and brings plenty of size to the frontcourt.

The last freshman joining the team right away this season is Antonio Gordon (No. 507). He is an athletic option at the power forward slot and might be able to see minutes if he can score with consistency. Kansas State is also adding JUCO transfer David Sloan to the mix as a potential starter in the backcourt.