SLATE: Two transfers in two days for K-State

Basketball

Well, Bruce Weber has to be a bit happier man after the last couple days. On Monday, the Wildcats landed the commitment of former Missouri guard Mark Smith, a former 4-star recruit who had started his career at Illinois before transferring to Missouri. Smith had been recruited by the K-State coaching staff twice before, and said third time was the charm when asked about picking K-State this time. Smith is a grad transfer guard/wing, and will have one season of eligibility left.

Then late yesterday, they snagged the commitment of another guard transfer, as Markquis Nowell, who spent his first three seasons at Arkansas-Little Rock, announced his intention to transfer to K-State. Nowell was an All-Sun Belt guard in the 2019-20 season, but the 5’7” guard originally from New York spent most of this season in and out of his coach’s doghouse before deciding to opt out in February and then enter his name in the transfer portal. Nowell will have two years of eligibility remaining at K-State.

Clearly, transfers were a recruiting priority for this team this offseason, which is a big change for Bruce Weber and how he likes to recruit, and he credits Chris Klieman for giving him a push to embrace the possibilities of the transfer portal.

Rowing

Coach Patrick Sweeney announced the signing of 13 additional student-athletes to the rowing program on Monday, bringing the total incoming group slated to start in Fall 2021 to 38. The newest 13 includes six Kansans, three Nebraskans, two from Illinois, and one each from Missouri and Arizona.

We here at Bring on the Cats would also like to express our deepest condolences to the Iowa State family, and the families and friends of the two students who tragically lost their lives during practice early Monday morning for the club rowing team.

Tennis

The Wildcats will complete a three-match road trip today, as they are in Tulsa to take on the Golden Hurricane at 2pm CT. The Cats have split this road trip so far, falling 4-2 to No. 33 Iowa State last Friday, before taking a 4-2* over West Virginia on Sunday. They do have what appears will be a video stream link to watch the matches, if you are so inclined to watch collegiate tennis.

Volleyball

K-State volleyball will be looking for a strong showing against a Top Ten-ranked Bears squad tonight to improve their chances at an at-large selection to the NCAA Tournament. The Cats have taken good opponents to the limit, and even have a few ranked pelts under their belt, but have lost five-straight to Baylor and will have a tough atmosphere in Waco. The match, which is set for 2pm CT, will be available on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ (here’s the sign-up link if you need it).

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