Kansas State Coaches Eyeing Transfer Portal Targets

New Wildcats staff follows several mid-major players who could make the jump to high-major programs.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:03am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a fragmented, geometric basketball game scene in shades of blue, purple, and gold, conveying the strategic nature of college basketball roster building.The Kansas State coaching staff's strategic approach to the transfer portal aims to quickly rebuild the Wildcats' roster with high-potential talent.Manhattan Today

The new Kansas State basketball coaching staff under Casey Alexander is closely monitoring the transfer portal, following a number of mid-major players who could potentially join the Wildcats' roster. The staff has already started following several players on social media, signaling their interest in bringing them to Manhattan.

Why it matters

With the roster overhaul underway, the players Alexander's staff is tracking in the transfer portal will provide early insight into the direction and priorities of the new-look Wildcats program. Identifying high-potential transfers from smaller schools could be a key strategy as K-State looks to quickly rebuild and return to contention in the Big 12.

The details

Among the notable names the Wildcats' coaching staff have followed in recent days are a mix of mid-major standouts and players from Alexander's recruiting footprint. The list includes a 6-foot-10 forward who shot 35.8% from 3-point range, a 6-foot-7 forward who averaged a double-double, and several guards who put up impressive scoring and assist numbers at the mid-major level.

  • The transfer portal opened up in early April 2026.
  • Alexander was hired as Kansas State's new head coach in March 2026.

The players

Casey Alexander

The new head coach of the Kansas State Wildcats basketball program, tasked with rebuilding the roster through the transfer portal.

Barkley

A 6-foot-7 forward who averaged a double-double (14.6 points, 5.8 rebounds) at East Tennessee State as a sophomore after starting his career at Northwestern.

Dibami

A 6-foot-10 forward who was a Conference USA All-Defense performer as a freshman at UTEP, averaging 9.3 points and 7.4 rebounds while shooting 52.7% from 3-point range.

Foxwell

A 6-foot-1 guard who earned All-WCC honors as a freshman at Gonzaga, averaging 15.6 points, 6.5 assists and 4.3 rebounds.

Pickett

A 6-foot-9 forward who was named the Horizon League Freshman of the Year in 2025-26 after averaging 8.5 points and 5.4 rebounds at Milwaukee.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to learn a lot about the new direction of the Kansas State basketball program over the next few weeks as the new coaching staff attacks the transfer portal.”

— Wyatt D. Wheeler, Reporter

What’s next

As the Wildcats continue to evaluate transfer targets, the coaching staff will work to secure commitments from players who can help rebuild the program under Alexander's leadership.

The takeaway

Kansas State's new coaching staff is being proactive in the transfer portal, identifying mid-major talents who could make an immediate impact as the Wildcats look to quickly turn things around. The players they choose to pursue will provide an early indication of the program's priorities and vision under Casey Alexander.