Kansas State's roster turnover was always going to define the Wildcats' offseason after Jerome Tang's departure. Unfortunately, the loss of David Castillo only makes that reality hit harder.
David Castillo's NCAA Transfer Portal announcement leaving void in Wildcats backcourt
Castillo was a major part of the Kansas State men's basketball team this season. During the nonconference schedule, he looked untouchable. In five of the last six games leading up to the conference opener, Castillo scored in double figures. That also included a season-high 22 points in the Wildcats' 82-66 loss to Bowling Green.
In conference play, he was quiet. Castillo logged 20 points and four rebounds against Utah, but following the Feb. 7 game against TCU, he failed to regain that same level of momentum.
He shot under 35% from the floor in each of the team's last 10 games, with only two of those ending in favor of the Wildcats. For the casual fans looking at the box score, it raises real concerns about consistency.
Guard play becomes Wildcats biggest question ahead of 2026-27 season
Tang might have struck gold in landing the commitment of P.J. Haggerty last season. Unfortunately, Haggerty looked like the only man on the floor for a good portion of the season. He led the Wildcats in scoring for 18 consecutive games from Dec. 20 through Feb. 28, and in the majority of games it wasn't even close.
There were a few outliers, however, with games like the win over Baylor featuring 30-point performances from both Haggerty and Nate Johnson. The kicker: neither one of them are expected to return.
Yes, things looked bleak for the majority of conference play, but Haggerty and Johnson were a major part of turning games around. Without them, the uncertainty only grows when looking at the rest of the roster.
But agian, that's just the modern landscape. Transfers opting to leave, especially after the departure of the guy who recruited them, isn't uncommon. The same can be said about the staff, which Alexander has already managed with the hire of Kerron Johnson among others.
Should the Wildcats look to the portal for talent at the position, or continue to recruit through the high school ranks? Without a proven track record and only two current committments, it's hard to say.
Limited returning production only adds to the concern
The bench production is equally as important as the starting five, if not more. Recruiting the right guards will only go so far if the bench slots aren't filled. Fans don't want a roster with only two guys in rotation off the bench. That's a dangerous game to play, especially in the Big 12.
Those aforementioned roles only occupy two slots out of five in the starting lineup, leaving more intrigue than answers when it comes to bigs, forwards and another wing. Double that with the caliber of players Alexander has already recruited, and the Wildcats are in good standing.
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