9. Kansas State Wildcats
After a disappointing 16-17 season that was armed with an immensely talented and lucrative transfer portal class, the hope in the Little Apple is that this year’s transfer portal pieces are a better fit to get the Wildcats back into the NCAA Tournament.
Kansas State got their lead guard and point of attack in Memphis transfer PJ Haggerty. The 2024-25 conesus All-American was among the most prolific scorers in the country last season, averaging 21.7 PPG, 5.8 RPG and 3.7 APG. He checks many boxes with his scoring prowess by getting to the rim, getting to the free-throw line and quietly turning into an efficient scorer despite his high-volume role at Memphis.
Haggerty will be joined by Akron transfer Nate Johnson in the backcourt, who averaged 14.0 PPG and nearly five boards per game. Haggerty and Johnson have won 145 combined games throughout their career. While that won’t count on the stat sheet, it unquestionably will play a role for the Wildcats in 2025-26.
In addition, Monmouth transfer Abdi Bashir Jr joins the mix as a 6-foot-7 forward/guard blend who averaged 20.1 PPG as just a sophomore last year for the Hawks. UNC Wilmington transfer Khamari McGriff and veteran Tyreek Smith will look to revamp the frontcourt, adding much-needed physicality for a team that, at times, struggled on the glass last season.