ESPN continues twisting the knife for Kansas State basketball.
Quite literally, the only stories the popular news outlet has written about the program have been compliments to their prior players on their new teams. They issued another one recently, discussing how a few former Wildcats rank nationally and how they will help their new squads in 2026.
PJ Haggerty, Junior Guard
2025-26 STATS: 23.4 PTS, 5.3 REB, 3.8 AST
ESPN RANK: No. 7
NEW TEAM: TEXAS A&M
Haggerty was pretty much the basketball version of former Wildcats receiver Jayce Brown. Haggerty accumulated most of Kansas State's offense, spearheading the attack with his high-level scoring. There were many games where he was seemingly the only offensive presence on the court. Even for his turnovers and first-half slumps, he was one of the Wilcats' only saving graces last season.
The article wrote: "The value Haggerty brings is well known: high usage and plenty of scoring. He should thrive in Bucky McMillan's system. He also gives the Aggies a legitimate go-to scorer when the game slows down, and they're forced to play in the half-court. It's a perfect marriage, assuming Haggerty buys in defensively."
Abdi Bashir Jr., Junior Guard
2025-26 STATS: 13.2 PTS, 2.2 REB, 2.3 AST
ESPN RANK: No. 94
Abdi Bashir Jr. made the list as well, but the outlet didn't give him a new report because he still hasn't found a new team. One of the best shooters in the country, Kansas State felt his absence after he exited mid-season with an injury. Haggerty was pretty much on an offensive island alone without his sharpshooter to help.
Dai Dai Ames, Junior Guard
2025-26 STATS: 16.9 PTS, 2.0 REB, 2.2 AST
ESPN RANK: No. 61
NEW TEAM: TENNESSEE
The site even had a laud for Ames, who spent his freshman season at Kansas State and has since broken out. Last season at California, he averaged 16.9 points and established himself as one of the most notable players in the country. Ames was selected to the All-ACC Third-Team.
The article wrote: "Rick Barnes seems to be leaning into scoring this spring, and Ames brings a score-first mentality to the lead guard position. Ja'Kobi Gillespie ended up being a go-to scorer by the time he left Knoxville, but it will be interesting to see how Barnes structures his offense without a true point guard."
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