Jerome Tang blames Kansas State struggles on NCAA: 'They keep changing the rules on me'

Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang didn’t hold back following his team’s latest loss. He placed much of the Wildcats’ recent struggles at the feet of the NCAA and what he described as constantly shifting rules that make roster building nearly impossible.

Speaking after Kansas State’s five-point loss to the West Virginia Mountaineers, Tang framed the issue as one of instability rather than effort or preparation. As the program’s “CEO,” Tang said his responsibility is to build a sustainable, competitive roster. That’s something he believes has been undermined by an ever-changing regulatory landscape.

“I ain’t figured that out yet, because they keep changing the rules on me,” Tang said. “There are three guys that should be on my roster right now that are not on my roster because the rules change.”

Moreover, Tang stressed that those missing players are separate from injuries, suggesting Kansas State has been caught in limbo while other programs benefit from legal gray areas. His comments came amid widespread controversy after the Alabama Crimson Tide were allowed to bring center Charles Bediako back to Tuscaloosa after previously departing for the NBA, a situation that has shaken the sport and sparked debate over judicial involvement and eligibility loopholes.

“If we can bring G-League players, I want to do it,” Tang added. “If they’re going to allow it, let’s all do it. Or stop everybody from doing it. Just give me some consistent rules, and we’ll get it done.”

The frustration is understandable given Kansas State’s current position. The Wildcats sit at 10-11 overall and 1-7 in Big 12 play, firmly at the bottom of the conference after losing two straight games. Despite strong individual performances, the team has struggled to close out games and string together results.

Junior guard P.J. Haggerty has been outstanding, averaging 23.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game. Abdi Bashir Jr. has provided secondary scoring at 13.2 points per contest, but balance and depth have been inconsistent.

The downturn is stark compared to Tang’s debut season in Manhattan, when Kansas State went 26-10 and reached the Elite Eight. Since that 2022–23 run, the Wildcats haven’t returned to the NCAA Tournament and are once again on the outside looking in.

With 10 games remaining, the urgency is obvious. A massive test awaits Sunday against the Iowa State Cyclones at Bramlage Coliseum. Whether that matchup sparks a turnaround remains to be seen, but for now, Tang believes Kansas State’s biggest obstacle isn’t effort, it’s uncertainty.