Former Wildcats Sharp Shooter Could Enter Enemy Territory in Transfer Portal

Kansas State basketball survived the transfer portal, but not without some tough losses. A key player from last year’s roster has already left, and could be in danger of landing with the rival Kansas Jayhawks.

Kansas Jayhawks might be eyeing Kansas State transfer Abdi Bashir Jr.

Abdi Bashir Jr. was a key piece of former Wildcats head coach Jerome Tang and the 2025-26 roster. Now that Casey Alexander is in charge, he's opted not to return.

News of Bashir's decision to enter the transfer portal was first reported by Joe TIpton and On3 on April 5, not long after the same news came from multiple others. The past month regarding his recruitment has been quiet, but now there are updates.

Other reports indicated that Bashir had a Zoom meeting scheduled with the Kansas Jayhawks on April 29, and another with NC State the following day. Whether or not the Jayhawks choose to pursue him, there appears to be mutual interest. Nothing currently suggests that a commitment to either school is looming.

And although not in the same sport, Bashir could become the second former Kansas State player in one of this year's portal windows to flip sides in the Sunflower Showdown. The first name on that list: former Wildcats running back Dylan Edwards.

Where Bashir realistically fits with Jayhawks

Bashir played the majority of last season as a wing for the Wildcats. He's a shooting guard, a position that not only the Jayhawks, but other Power Four schools tend to pursue heavily. In recent years, the Jayhawks have played four, and at times even five guards, a scheme he'd fit well.

He logged 44% from three-point range last season in Manhattan across 18 games, missing considerable time down the stretch of conference play due to a foot injury. Like many others on the Jayhawks roster, Bashir also finished last season 40% or better from the field.

A quick glance at the Jayhawks current transfer situation shows where Bashir could fit. Transfer names in Utah's Keanu Dawes and Charleston's Christian Reeves are already in the conversation, along with high school recruits Taylen Kinney and now Tyran Stokes.

Cracking the rotation could be a challenge for Bashir, and if he commits, he may be looking at a bench role early on. His opportunities will likely vary by matchup and hinge on the progress he makes outside of game action. And with Tang now back at Baylor, it’s still possible other Big 12 programs enter the mix.

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