Kansas State fan favorite Dorin Buca is officially playing elsewhere. The Italian big man will play at Rutgers after spending one season with Kansas State.
A beloved man in Manhattan, KS, for a reason, Buca made the most of his limited minutes. Last season, he averaged 3.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks. His offensive presence created plays on the perimeter and some highlight dunks on his own. On the defensive side, his size was perfect for protecting the paint and blocking shots.
Here are the other Kansas State departures:
NEW HOMES
Elias Rapieque, Junior Forward
2025-26 STATS: 3.7 PTS, 2.6 REB, 1.5 AST
NEW TEAM: LOYOLA CHICAGO
Rapieque started in more than half of his 20 Wildcats appearances, a regular rotational player with his off-ball tangibles. His injury hurt the frontcourt production, as Kansas State's rotation was already thin at the forward position.
David Castillo, Sophomore Guard
2025-26 STATS: 10.3 PTS, 1.9 REB, 1.8 AST
NEW TEAM: SANTA CLARA
Castillo headed to the West Coast on Apr. 23, a big loss for those hoping to retain him as one of the only 2024-25 roster returners. He rose in production during the non-conference slate last season, but struggled in Big 12 play.
Exavier Wilson, Freshman Guard
2025-26 STATS: N/A
NEW TEAM: AKRON
Wilson entered the portal on Apr. 4 after getting no playing time last season. He also had offers from West Virginia, FIU, and Missouri State after graduating from Father Tolton High School in Columbia, MO.
Taj Manning, Junior Forward
2025-26 STATS: 4.2 PTS, 5.1 REB, and 0.7 BLK
NEW TEAM: IOWA STATE
Manning's team impact went beyond the box score, being hailed for his defensive intensity, rebounding, and role as the team's glue. Iowa State likely acquired him for forward depth after Milan Momcilovic declared for the NBA Draft.
PJ Haggerty, Junior Guard
2025-26 STATS: 23.4 PTS, 5.3 REB, 3.8 AST
NEW TEAM: LSU
Haggerty was the country's third-leading scorer during the regular season. As the Wildcats' leading scorer, he was often the team's only source of offense, single-handedly keeping them in most of their conference matchups.
STILL IN THE PORTAL
Abdi Bashir Jr., Junior Guard
2025-26 STATS: 13.2 PTS, 2.2 REB, 2.3 AST
One of the country's best sharpshooters, Bashir shot 44.4 percent from 3-point range last season. He was the main scorer outside of PJ Haggerty, so his mid-season injury derailed a team that was already struggling.
Stephen Osei, Sophomore Forward
2025-26 STATS: 0.7 PTS, 1.0 REB
Osei barely saw the court for the Wildcats last season, logging just nine playing minutes with two points, three rebounds, and three turnovers.
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