Brandon Rechsteiner is set to enter first year at Kansas State after transferring from Colorado State
Alexander recruited Rechsteiner early on during his high school career. It was that familiarity that led to a reunion once Alexander was hired at K-State earlier this year.
They both hope they can help revive the program after three straight years of missing the NCAA Tournament.
"This time around, I was trying to find some familiarity," Rechsteiner said. "Casey recruited me to Belmont when I was really young. I went to visit Belmont when I was a freshman and sophomore. When I kind of realized I was going to go Power Five, he kind of stopped recruiting me but having that prior relationship ... that was big for me. It was easy."
This is Rechsteiner's third collegiate stop. He began is career by spending two seasons playing for the Virginia Tech Hokies and last year with the Colorado State Rams. Last year he averaged 12 points and started every game for the Rams. At Virginia Tech, he made 15 starts as a sophomore and averaged seven points.
This season, Rechsteiner should earn a spot in the starting lineup. His experience should come in handy, especially with the Wildcats dealing with so much change. Aside from a fist-year coach, the roster is relatively new.
Alexander takes over for Jerome Tang, who was fired after a second straight losing season. It was only three years after leading the Wildcats to the Sweet 16.
PURPLE REIGN IS OUSTED FROM TBT
The Purple Reign's run in the TBT ended Friday night at Bramlage Coliseum.
They were defeated by 62-55 by JHX Hoops, eliminating them from the tournament. After winning the first game, Purple Reign lost the remaining two in the best-of-3 series.
The Purple Reign team featured mostly former Kansas State Wildcats players while JHX Hoops was full of ex-Kansas Jayhawks. Former KU player Zeke Mayo led the way by scoring 18 of his 25 points in the second half.
Michael Beasley had a team-high 17 points for the Purple Reign. JHX Hoops now advances to the single-elimination quarterfinals. The winning team in the tournament receives $2 million.
MORE K-STATE NEWS
Casey Alexander ready to start a new culture at K-State
Kansas State gives offer to three-star basketball player
Wildcats basketball player trying to handle intense spotlight
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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of KStateRoundtable. He can be reached at [email protected]
