K-State confirms Austin Trice transfer

Many K-State fans (myself among them) had high hopes for Austin Trice when he arrived from Wabash Valley College as one of the top juco transfers in the country, according to several recruiting services. We has reason to believe Trice could shore up Kansas State’s rebounding woes while providing some much-needed interior depth.

It turned out the Wildcats would improve significantly on the boards — but Trice didn’t have a whole lot to do with it. He struggled to score and defend against Division I opponents, though he still had his moments, particularly toward the end of the season, so it was a little disappointing to K-State announce on Friday that Trice has entered the notorious transfer portal (Ryan Black/Manhattan Mercury).

During his lone season in Manhattan, Trice averaged 1.9 points, 2.5 rebounds and just 7.7 minutes in 28 games while shooting 59.7% from the field. Off the top of my head, I would guess at least 15 of his 19 field goals were dunks and layups.

It’s notable he averaged about 13 rebounds per 40 minutes, including 10 in 15 minutes against Eastern Kentucky and 12 in 14 minutes against Kennesaw State. He also grabbed seven boards in 20 minutes during the 68-53 win over Oklahoma at Bramlage.

But other than a 12-point explosion in K-State’s 85-46 win vs. Oklahoma State, highlighted by a miraculous 6 for 6 from the free throw line, Trice never reached double figures in scoring. After an encouraging performance vs. Oklahoma, he played just 10 minutes in KSU’s final three games, due in part to the emergence of Levi Stockard.

Trice joins redshirt freshman Goodnews Kpoegel in the tranfer portal, leaving Kansas State with two open scholarships for the 2019-20 season. Bruce Weber and his staff have offered several players, including Maize standout Caleb Grill, Huntington Prep point guard Johnathan McGriff, Trinity Christian School forward Tyreek Smith and four-star guard Sedrick Hammonds.

We wish Austin the best wherever he ends up playing next.