Kansas State Coach Rips Team After Blowout Loss

Jerome Tang calls out players after embarrassing home defeat against Cincinnati

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Kansas State men's basketball coach Jerome Tang delivered a scathing rebuke of his team following their 91-62 loss to Cincinnati on Wednesday night at Bramlage Coliseum. The defeat marked the Wildcats' fifth straight loss, prompting Tang to criticize his players' effort and commitment.

Why it matters

Tang's harsh comments highlight the mounting frustration within the Kansas State program as they struggle through a difficult season. The Wildcats were expected to be a contender in the Big 12 this year, making Tang's public dressing down of his team all the more noteworthy.

The details

After the lopsided defeat, Tang did not hold back in his assessment of his players' performance. "These dudes do not deserve to wear this uniform. There will be very few of them in it next year. I'm embarrassed for the university. I'm embarrassed for our fans and our student section. It is just ridiculous", he said.

  • The loss occurred on Wednesday, February 16, 2026 at Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, Kansas.

The players

Jerome Tang

The head coach of the Kansas State men's basketball team.

Cincinnati

The opponent that defeated Kansas State 91-62 on Wednesday night.

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What they’re saying

“These dudes do not deserve to wear this uniform. There will be very few of them in it next year. I'm embarrassed for the university. I'm embarrassed for our fans and our student section. It is just ridiculous”

— Jerome Tang, Head Coach, Kansas State Men's Basketball (The News International)

The takeaway

Coach Tang's scathing rebuke of his players' effort and commitment highlights the growing frustration within the Kansas State program as they struggle through a disappointing season. His comments put the team on notice that major changes could be coming if the Wildcats' performance does not improve.