Wildcats in the NBA

Basketball

Let’s talk about basketball. While that’s generally an unexpected thing to hear in June, we have actual bonafide Kansas State hoops news to share. Sort of.

Dean Wade and Barry Brown, Jr., both integral parts of the Wildcats’ success in the last two seasons have signed NBA deals. Neither player had his name called at the 2019 NBA Draft last night, but neither had to wait long to find a landing spot.

Wade signed a two-way deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers that allows him to play for the Cavs as well as in the G-league. He worked out for 11 different teams and was considered a good draft prospect, although his college injuries may have tempered expectations a bit.

Brown, on the other hand, was a draft long shot but also well regarded by most teams. He signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves and will play for the team in the NBA Summer League.

Football

We’re just 72 days from kickoff! To celebrate, here’s BracketCat with a profile of offensive lineman Evan Curl.

Recruiting continues apace. Although I make no claim to understanding recruiting and can’t get all that excited over prospects who have not played a single down of Kansas State football yet, the steady stream of recruiting news is probably a good thing for the program.

The latest is that Nebraska tight end Will Swanson has committed to the 2020 class. Drew Schneider has more, including the possibility that Swanson might join Cody Stufflebean and Christian Moore on field at the tight end position.

Joe Hall is Kansas State’s first Director of Student-Athlete Development, but getting to this point required Hall to correct course and change his aim. This SE feature about Hall and the tough road he traveled is definitely worth a read.

Track

Several track athletes will be competing this week in the championships of their respective nations. The contingent of Wildcats competing in the Jamaican Senior Nationals is particularly strong, featuring Shardia Lawrence (triple jump national champion), Ranae McKenzie (400H Big 12 champion), Shanae McKenzie (high jump), Taishia Pryce (long jump Big 12 champion), and Jullane Walker (long jump, 200m).

Also in competition are freshman Antoni Hoyte-Small (400m, Barbados) and Cooper Schroeder (5000m, USA).

Miscellany

Kansas State student-athletes are working hard off the field too. The school placed 27 athletes on the Rookie Academic All-Big 12 squad. West Virginia led all teams with 71 athletes.