As Kansas State gears up for a marquee showdown at Assembly Hall in Bloomington, the attention continues to center on junior guard PJ Haggerty.
A Star Who Can’t Stop Scoring
The 6-foot-4 scorer from Crosby, Texas is already on his fourth collegiate stop, but he enters the week as the nation’s leading scorer and the steady engine behind Kansas State’s 5-1 start. He is scoring 28 points per game, which is 2.8 points per game more than the next best in all of college basketball.
Haggerty has played six games this season and hasn’t dipped below 23 points in any of them. His biggest outburst came on November 20, when he erupted for 37 points in a 98-77 win over Mississippi State. That consistency has made him one of the must-watch guards in the country.
A Journey Through College Hoops
Haggerty’s path has been anything but traditional. He has spent seasons at TCU, Tulsa, and Memphis before finding a home under Jerome Tang. After briefly entering the 2025 NBA Draft, he withdrew in late May and returned determined to elevate his game.
Across his collegiate career, he has topped 1,400 total points while shooting close to 49 percent from the field. His career high remains a 42-point explosion against Wichita State last March.
Before college, he was a standout at Crosby High School, earning Mr. Texas Basketball honors and averaging more than 28 points per game.
Kansas State Leaning on Its Leader
The Wildcats enter the matchup with Indiana coming off a heartbreaking 86-85 loss to Nebraska. Even in defeat, Haggerty was stellar, posting 27 points and 7 assists. Now comes yet another test against an unbeaten Hoosiers squad eager to protect its home court.
Big 12 play promises even tougher stages. Powerhouses Houston and Arizona have both started hot, and Kansas should only strengthen when Darryn Peterson returns. BYU and freshman star AJ Dybantsa also loom early in 2026.
What Comes Next for Haggerty
After the trip to Indiana, another marquee opportunity waits on December 13 at Creighton. For Haggerty, these challenges are exactly what he needs. The mission is clear: keep winning, keep producing, and continue building a résumé that could propel him into lottery consideration for the 2026 NBA Draft.
So far, the Wildcats are in capable hands. Haggerty hasn’t just been good, he’s been one of the most electrifying players in college basketball.