Jan 20, 2024; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Kansas State Wildcats fans cheer for their team during the second half against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Bramlage Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-Imagn Images Scott Sewell-Imagn Images

Kansas State Fans Have New Life After Latest Star Acquisition

Originally posted on Kansas State Wildcats on SI
By Jayden Armant | Last updated May 26, 2025 4:08 PM ET

Kansas State basketball fans didn't have much to be excited about after their season ended. Losing nearly their entire starting roster from last year wasn't the most ideal.

Now, they have more than enough to look forward to after their latest star pickup.

And this one might be the biggest one yet. Standout guard PJ Haggerty, the reigning American Athletic Conference (AAC) Player of the Year, committed to the Wildcats Monday afternoon after withdrawing from the NBA Draft.

Ok…. You have my attention Mr. Tang
— Will The Thrill (@Will_KSU) May 26, 2025

Haggerty averaged 21.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists last season at Memphis. He was third in the nation in scoring, shooting 47.6 percent from the field. Haggerty also has stops at TCU and Tulsa.

Are we….. back? pic.twitter.com/54L6WwWv3n
— Vinnie pasquatinos sac flys (@vinniepssac) May 26, 2025

A backcourt of Haggerty and Abdi Bashir Jr. should excite Wildcats fans. The two 20-point scorers reload a unit that lost its two starting guards from last season. Kansas State also boasts the acquisitions like forwards Marcus Johnson and Andrej Kostic, giving them star power to compete in the conference next season.

Kansas State NIL pic.twitter.com/5v6dAftMsY
— Cameron Green (@CameronGreen013) May 26, 2025

Hopefully, the Wildcats can reach their Tournament expectations in 2026. They had a rollercoaster 2024-25 season with their revamped lineup, getting a terrible start in conference play before rattling off six consecutive wins as the country's hottest team. Unfortunately, their short success couldn't be sustained, as they had to be nearly perfect for any chance of postseason competition. Kansas State was officially eliminated in the Big 12 Tournament, falling way below its preseason forecast.

Hopefully, adding players like Haggerty will take the program to new heights this year.

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This article first appeared on Kansas State Wildcats on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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