Kansas State probably wasn’t where Dorin Buca initially expected to end up. But after a chaotic season for the Wildcats, a coaching change, and a wave of incoming transfers, his departure may have come sooner than fans anticipated.
This time around in the transfer portal, he's headed to Rutgers. Better yet for the Scarlett Knights, he might just be the answer to last season's struggling frontcourt.
Former Kansas State C Dorin Buca Out, Headed to Rutgers
Size was a major element the Wildcats lacked throughout the 2025-26 season. While good for a big like Buca trying to get minutes, it posed a problem early on for former head coach Jerome Tang. Now, fans in the little apple don't have to worry about either of them.
NEWS: Kansas State transfer Dorin Buca has committed to Rutgers, agent Matteo Comellini of Sigma Sports told DraftExpress.
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 5, 2026
The 7’2”, 23-year-old Romanian center averaged 3.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 13 minutes per game as a junior. pic.twitter.com/u0BBDbcOGI
Buca's numbers last season weren't the greatest, primarily stemming from his lack of minutes. He saw action in 27 games, averaging just 12.9 minutes all season.
During that stretch, he averaged just 3.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and 0.5 assists per contest. If nothing else, he shot 50.7% from the field.
He logged fewer than 10 minutes in eight of those contests, including just four minutes in each of his final two Big 12 regular-season games. He didn’t appear again after March 3, missing the first-round conference tournament matchup against BYU.
Ahead of that March 3 contest against West Virginia, he was upgraded from out to a game time decision on the availability report. Still, he wouldn't play. Next season, he faces a restored hope in the Big 10.
Looking Ahead: What Buca Brings to Rutgers
The starting center role belonged to Emmanuel Ogbole last season. He saw minutes in 34 separate contests, but averaged just 4.7 points per game.
Compared to Buca, he's got similar size and much improved numbers on the boards. All good things, however, must come to an end.
Ogbole won't be returning to Rutgers next season. Not only did he enter the transfer portal, but he's also seeking an extra year of eligibility from the NCAA.
At the time of publication, Baye Fall, another one of Rutgers' centers last season, has committed to play for Fresno State next season. Should the roster stand, that leaves just Buca and now-sophomore Gevonte Ware.
Between the two, Buca brings more experience. That primarily stems from the fact that Ware only saw time in six games last season, scoring just two points against Rider back in November.
The door is wide open for Buca with the Scarlett Knights. Should he utilize his size, transition into less of a bench player and see the court, there's a chance he develops into something special.
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