Rapid Recap: Kansas State looking forward to crowd advantage in Kansas City

HOME COURT ADVANTAGE

From his time at Baylor, Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang remembers that any “northern team” the Bears played against in the Big 12 tournament held a significant home court advantage. They reached the Big 12 championship game three times in his 19 years, and they lost all three of those contests.

He mentioned that if K-State is “blessed enough” to make it to the tournament final, the Wildcats will likely have an advantage inside the T-Mobile Center. Tang revisited how great the Kansas State fans were when the Wildcats played Nebraska in Kansas City earlier in the season.

He doesn’t want to see the tournament move away from its long-time home anytime soon.

DESI SILLS IS BACK

K-State guard Desi Sills had to miss the final regular season game in Morgantown due to a family matter. He lost his cousin and the funeral fell on that weekend. The Wildcats lost by seven to West Virginia without him, but Sills received the necessary time with his family to mourn the loss of a loved one.

Tang said that it takes time for anyone to grieve and recover from experiences like that, but he added that Sills is a tough dude and will be alright. The Kansas State head coach also expressed that they are a much better team with Sills in the rotation.

The guard has been a great asset this season both off the bench and in the starting lineup for K-State. He was present at the Wednesday afternoon shootaround in the T-Mobile Center and looked focused and hungry.

PLAYING TCU FOR A 3RD TIME & NCAA SEEDING

When healthy, Tang believes TCU is the most talented team in the country. Even without Eddie Lampkin, he sees the Horned Frogs as a big challenge since they’re “three-deep at every position.” He added that Jamie Dixon’s club will miss him, but they’ve played many games without him already this season.

The Kansas State head coach said the keys to victory will be to avoid turnovers, control the glass and let his stars be stars.

Seeding was also asked about in Kansas City on Wednesday.

Tang responded that he is focused on one thing right now, and that is beating TCU. He added that it feels good to know that they’re comfortably in the field of 68, but as anyone who’s been around him long enough knows, he has a one day/game at a time philosophy.

END OF REGULAR SEASON AWARDS

K-State basketball was extended multiple awards. Jerome Tang received Big 12 Coach of the Year honor, while Markquis Nowell and Keyontae Johnson landed on the All-Big 12 first team. Johnson was also named the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year.

Tang said his staff made sure that he announced all the accolades to his team.

He admitted that he doesn’t celebrate stuff like that enough. He did emphasize that they are team awards and not individual awards. He stressed that there are no individual awards handed out without accomplishing great success as a team.

PRIORITY TO REST

Ever since the two game hiccup in Lubbock and Norman, Tang and his staff have shifted to focusing on giving the team rest in order to maintain their legs and energy. That mindset has not changed for Kansas State.

They have cut the fat off of practices and have given players freedom to relax and recover when necessary.