The NCAA men's basketball transfer portal hasn't been kind to the Kansas State Wildcats, but amidst the chaos one starter made the decision to return and trust the process. For first year head coach Casey Alexander, it's the perfect opportunity to build around him.
Why Andrej Kostic should be the centerpiece for Kansas State men's basketball ahead of next season
Andrej Kostic played his first season at Kansas State under former head coach Jerome Tang in 2025-26. He didn't see the majority of the team's minutes, but played a crucial role from three-point range in his limited action.
"I do think he can be a guy that can be a double-digit a game scorer for Kansas State." 🔥🏀 @Cole_Manbeck breaks down his expectations for Andrej Kostić under new head coach Casey Alexander with @jlkurtz.
— KC Sports Network (@KCSportsNetwork) April 8, 2026
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Kostic ended the year after appearing in 23 games. His freshman season, he averaged 5.2 points and 1.7 rebounds. He saw an average of just 13.1 minutes per contest, still one of the highest off the Wildcats bench.
Kostic saw double figure scoring in three different games, including two contests against Kansas and a road game against Colorado. In the first of two Sunflower Showdown losses, Kostic scored a season-high 12 points after knocking down four first half three-pointers.
He brings back a sense of familiarity to both to fans and the environment. If used correctly, it has the potential to pay dividends to other targets the Wildcats bring in.
How Kostic can make a difference for Kansas State in his second season
The limited action Kostic saw last season was hardly telling amidst the coaching change, injuries, and other drama surrounding the coaching staff. According to one expert, he thinks there's upside if the sophomore sees the floor.
"I do think he can be a guy that can be a double-digit a game scorer for Kansas State," Cole Manbeck, a cohost of the 3MAW podcast said on a recent episode. "He also needs to be that guy that gets to the rim more."
Most of the young forward’s scoring, sometimes all of it, came from deep range. The first time out against the Jayhawks, it was all of 12 of his points. In the rematch, he did the same. Kostic delivered a similar performance against Colorado, where all of his scoring again came from deep, aside from a single free throw.
But what's the upside to seeing that from a young talent? It starts in developing confidence in the midrange. Kostic can already shoot, and he doesn't appear to lack confidence in that area of his game. What matters is getting the open looks at the right time.
He might not fit the mold of a power forward under Alexander just yet, but the upside is rather telling when he's on the floor. Bring him in a few steps, create a more physical presence, and there might be some truth to Manbeck's claim.
Where Casey Alexander has already built for Kansas State
The Wildcats have already earned committments from three prospects. That includes former Murray State guard Brock Vice, and high school prospects Jaylen Alexander and Devin Hutcherson. Both Hutcherson and Alexander originally committed to play under Alexander at Belmont.
His most recent move indicates interest in recruiting from the Missouri Valley Conference, a space that he coached in for five seasons. It's familiar, proving the first-year head coach has an eye for his former oppositions.
Another one of his former players, Drew Scharnowski, is also in the portal. He's was the second former Belmont star to enter his name, following Tyler Lundblade who committed to play for Tennessee.
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