Kansas State Basketball: 3 takeaways from program-defining OT win over Kansas
3. Nae’Quan Tomlin’s impressive night
Keyontae Johnson was played as a combo forward at Florida but for 90% of the season, has been playing at the three-spot for Kansas State. It’s allowed them to have a large lineup most of the time on the court, with 6’9 forward Abayomi Iyiola or the injured David N’Guessan along with the 6’10 Tomlin at the power forward and center positions.
Tomlin is a JUCO transfer from Chipola College and has been a huge impact newcomer, third on the team with 10.9 ppg and 6.1 rpg. He improved on those numbers last night, going for 15 points and 10 rebounds in 40 minutes before fouling out. His offensive production proved even more important with Nowell struggling.
The overall frontcourt outside of Johnson has been great for the Wildcats, even with N’Guessan missing the last seven games. Even Ismael Massoud came off the bench and hit a couple of important three-pointers on the night. This is a team that’s solid on the boards and has plenty of athletes to compete in the Big 12 inside and out.
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This is a roster filled with surprise impact players and breakout stars and the Wildcats now have its biggest win of the season. Will Kansas State Basketball continue this stellar all-around play? Time will tell. But at the moment, they warrant our respect and notice of what they’ve accomplished and the potential of what they can do going forward.