On the latest episode of 3MAW, hosts John Kurtz, Derek Young, and Cole Manbeck dive into the roster construction of new head basketball coach Casey Alexander and the late-summer momentum of Chris Klieman’s football squad.

Basketball: Length, Logic, and the Alexander System

With 13 scholarship players now on board, including Xavier transfer Pop Injai, the Wildcats are leaning into size. Kurtz notes that this is likely the tallest team of Alexander’s career, with eight players standing 6’6” or taller.

While the hosts worry about backcourt depth—specifically the pressure on true freshman Jaden Alexander—they acknowledge that Alexander’s system-first philosophy often thrives with versatile, role-specific players rather than high-priced stars.

Football: Juco Additions and the 5-for-5 Rule

The football program is bolstering its trenches with late Junior College additions like defensive tackle Elijah Jackson.

However, the biggest looming storyline is a potential NCAA rule change: the “Five-for-Five” rule, which would give athletes five years of eligibility with no redshirt restrictions.

• The Avery Johnson Factor: If the rule passes, star QB Avery Johnson could return for a fifth season.

• NIL vs. NFL: The crew discusses how staying in Manhattan for a fifth year might be more lucrative for Johnson than being a mid-round NFL pick, with top-tier college QBs now commanding upwards of $5–$7 million annually.

Former K-State head coach Jerome Tang is officially finalizing a deal to rejoin Scott Drew’s coaching staff at Baylor University.

On the latest episode of 3MAW, hosts John Kurtz and Cole Manbeck process the inevitable news and what it means for K-State fans.

While the “Baylor family” reunion is no surprise given Tang’s tight relationship with Drew, it opens a fascinating door: Tang could be back on the sideline at Bramlage Coliseum as an opposing coach as early as next season.

How will the K-State faithful, who once packed the Octagon of Doom with “Tang Time” energy, react to his return?

Also on this episode:

• Roster Fallout and NIL Fatigue: The hosts discuss the financial reality of Tang’s departure, highlighting the donor “fatigue” caused by significant NIL investments that didn’t yield long-term results. How will this affect new head coach Casey Alexander’s ability to build his first roster?

• The Buyout Battle: An update from the Manhattan Mercury reveals that K-State has received a draft copy of a lawsuit from Tang’s legal team regarding his $18.7 million buyout clause. Cole and John break down whether this is a legitimate legal threat or a strategic “leverage pull” to force a quicker settlement.

Inside the 2026 Football Recruiting Class

Shift gears to the gridiron, where K-State football continues to make aggressive moves in high school recruiting. The top storyline of the week features a complex “cost-benefit analysis” of the most critical position on the field: Quarterback.

• Pivoting at QB: After missing out on top target Jake Nawrot (who committed to Kentucky), K-State landed a commitment from Cameron Cruse, a developmental piece with a familiar “Skyler Thompson” vibe.

• The NIL Dilemma: Cole asks the key question: Is it smarter to spend seven figures to land a top-tier high school quarterback who needs years to develop (and might transfer), or save that money to secure an established, “plug-and-play” quarterback from the transfer portal when needed?

The Jayhawks have officially landed their “superstar” piece for the 2026 season.

On the latest episode of the Pay Heed Podcast, hosts Nick Springer and Shreyas Laddha dive deep into the commitment of five-star phenom Tyran Stokes and what his arrival means for Bill Self’s squad.

The Price of Success

The duo engages in some “reckless speculation” regarding the Jayhawks’ NIL budget, estimating that KU has already spent upwards of 80% of its roster funds.

With high-profile additions like Stokes, Dawes, and Blyden Jr., the conversation shifts to how the team is navigating the “hyperinflation” of the current transfer market to build a title-contending rotation.

Sharpshooters Wanted

While the roster is taking shape, one glaring need remains: consistent perimeter shooting. Shreyas highlights two key names to watch for the final rotation spot:

• Victorius Miller: The versatile Oklahoma State wing.

• Abdy Bashir: The K-State transfer and elite marksman who Jerome Tang once called the best shooter in the country.

Can Bill Self mold a “pure shooter” into a reliable defender? The hosts debate whether the Jayhawks’ ceiling is higher than last year’s, even with a younger core.

In the high-stakes world of college basketball recruiting, few names carry the weight of Tyran Stokes.

On the latest episode of the Pay Heed Podcast via KC Sports Network, the crew dives deep into the monumental news: the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2026 class has officially committed to the Kansas Jayhawks.

This isn’t just another five-star addition; it’s a seismic shift in the national landscape. Standing at 6-foot-7 with a professional-grade frame, Stokes chose Lawrence over heavy hitters like Kentucky and Oregon. The podcast highlights Bill Self’s masterful “long game” recruitment, noting that Self has viewed Stokes as the world’s best player since his freshman year of high school. That trust paid off in a big way.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

• Immediate Impact: The hosts discuss how Stokes’ versatility—blending explosive athleticism with elite playmaking—allows him to slot into multiple positions, giving KU a “Josh Jackson-esque” physical presence on the wing.

• The 2026 Class: Stokes joins an already loaded class featuring Taylen Kinney and Davion Adkins, signaling a potential “super-team” era for the Jayhawks.

• Roster Construction: With Darryn Peterson’s NBA declaration in the rearview, the pod explores how Stokes becomes the new focal point of KU’s long-term offensive identity.

Whether you’re a die-hard member of the Phog or just a fan of elite hoops, this episode is a must-listen. Bill Self has his alpha; now, the road to the Final Four looks a lot clearer.

In this episode of 3MAW, hosts John Kurtz and Derek Young (DY) break down the final stages of the Kansas State basketball roster overhaul and address explosive comments from a former face of the program.

The discussion begins with the commitment of Bradley transfer Montana Wheeler. The hosts argue that Wheeler represents a strategic “market efficiency” for K-State; by landing a talented guard who put up impressive numbers as a true freshman in the Missouri Valley, K-State may have secured a future star before his “price tag” became unattainable in the NIL market.

The conversation takes a sharp turn into the football world, focusing on an Athletic article featuring former K-State quarterback Will Howard. Now at Ohio State, Howard claimed that “politics” and NIL money influenced his playing time during the 2023 season, suggesting he split reps with Avery Johnson primarily because Johnson was being paid more. John and DY don’t hold back, calling the comments “intellectually dishonest.” They remind listeners that while NIL dynamics were certainly at play in the locker room, Howard’s benching followed a string of erratic performances, including a disastrous three-interception game against Oklahoma State.

The hosts wrap up by discussing the “mystery international big man” potentially joining the basketball roster and reflecting on how the charm of college athletics is shifting as players now navigate multiple programs and high-stakes financial negotiations throughout their careers.

Key Takeaways

• The Montana Wheeler Bet: K-State is prioritizing high-upside young transfers. Wheeler, who averaged 8 points and 3 assists as a freshman, is viewed as a high-value acquisition who addresses the need for a dynamic ball-handler.

• A “Dishonest” Exit: The crew critiques Will Howard for attributing his 2023 struggles to “politics” rather than on-field performance, highlighting that Chris Klyman stood by Howard longer than most coaches would have after his early-career struggles.

• Roster Nearing Completion: With 11 players currently on the basketball roster, the staff is likely looking to add one more guard and a significant frontcourt piece (potentially an international player) to finalize the group.

In this episode of the Pay Heed Podcast, hosts Nick Springer and Shreyas Laddha dive into the frantic world of the Kansas Basketball transfer portal.

The show opens with a lighthearted yet necessary “re-education” for Shreyas, who delivers a formal apology to Jayhawk fans for previously underestimating the intensity of the Kansas-Missouri rivalry. After acknowledging the historical weight of the “Border War,” the hosts pivot to the biggest news of the day: the commitment of Toledo guard Leroy Blyden Jr.

The duo breaks down why Blyden is a massive win for Bill Self. As the MAC Freshman of the Year, Blyden brings elite shooting—hitting over 40% from deep—and a defensive pestilence that KU lacked last season, averaging nearly two steals per game. While there are minor concerns regarding a potentially “undersized” backcourt when paired with Dajuan Harris Jr., Shreyas argues that Bill Self’s ability to coach up smaller guards makes this a non-issue.

The conversation then shifts to the “big fish” remaining: They discuss the financial leverage agents are using this cycle and provide updates on other targets, including centers Moustapha Thiam and Christian Reeves. With the portal entry deadline looming, the hosts also monitor the status of Paul Mbiya and the potential for a “triple-big” lineup.

Key Takeaways

• Elite Shooting Added: Leroy Blyden Jr. addresses KU’s most desperate need with his 40.7% three-point average and high-volume scoring ability.

• The “Big” Search Continues: The Jayhawks are aggressively pursuing seven-footers like Christian Reeves and Gabe Dynes to bolster rim protection and rebounding.

• Rivalry Readiness: After a brief social media backlash, the crew reaffirms that the “pro-hate” spirit of the Kansas-Missouri rivalry is alive and well heading into the next season.

The “3MAW” crew—John Kurtz, Derek Young, and Cole Manbeck—broke down a whirlwind week for Kansas State basketball following four quick commitments: Jaden Schutt (Virginia Tech), JT Rock (New Mexico), Isaiah Abraham (Georgetown), and Matt Gilhool (LSU).

While some fans expressed “consternation” over the lack of proven high-major double-digit scorers, the guys preached patience and perspective. Derek Young noted that Coach Casey Alexander is operating with a clear, aggressive plan, targeting players who fit his specific “archetype”—highly skilled, versatile, and often undervalued in previous systems.

Key Storylines:

• The System over the Star: The crew discussed how Alexander’s offensive-minded system is designed to “breed” bucket-getters rather than buying expensive, established stars.

• Frontcourt Focus: The addition of 7’1” JT Rock is seen as the most critical move. Despite a limited role at New Mexico, Rock’s “per 40” numbers and 40% three-point shooting suggest a massive ceiling in a “finesse” system.

• Guard Needs: Cole Manbeck emphasized that while the wings and bigs are solidified, the Wildcats still need a “true point guard” and a proven scoring threat in the backcourt to round out the 2026 roster.

With the portal price tag rising 60% this year, K-State is betting on Alexander’s proven track record of player development to turn these “role players” into Big 12 contributors.

After a quiet start to the transfer window, Kansas basketball officially landed its first commitment: Keanu Dawes, a 6’9” forward from Utah. Daw averaged 12.8 points and 8.8 rebounds last season, ranking 12th nationally in defensive rebounding.

The hosts emphasize that Dawes addresses KU’s biggest weakness from the 2025-26 season: physicality on the glass. While his three-point shooting (32%) is respectable, his efficiency inside the arc (68%) and his “high-floor” veteran presence make him an immediate plug-and-play starter at the four-spot.

The Rivalry Sting: Bryson Tiller to Missouri

A former Jayhawk heads to the “other side” of the Border War.

The most controversial news of the week is Bryson Tiller’s commitment to the Missouri Tigers. Despite Tiller’s high NBA upside, his tenure at KU was marked by a “gentle giant” reputation and a late-season rift with the coaching staff.

• The Reaction: Springer expresses pure “historical hate” for the move, while Laddha looks through a professional lens, noting that Missouri’s NIL donors likely “ponied up” to stick it to their rivals.

• The Matchup: The hosts look forward to the inevitable T-Mobile Center matchup where Tiller is expected to receive a “raucous” reception from the Jayhawk faithful.

Roster Watch: Tyron Stokes and Paul Ebua

Looking ahead to the next wave of roster building.

The Jayhawks aren’t done yet. With nearly 6–8 roster spots still to fill, the focus shifts to two key names:

1. Tyron Stokes: The #1 player in the 2026 class recently visited Kentucky, but reports suggest it “did not go well.” Kansas appears to be the frontrunner, with the staff moving as if they expect him on campus.

2. Paul Ebua: Despite portal rumors, it looks increasingly likely that Ebua will return to KU. Laddha reports that Ebua has “fallen in love with Kansas,” and his return would provide much-needed continuity and rim protection.

Top Takeaways

• The Belmont Dream Deferred: Despite hiring head coach Casey Alexander and much of his staff, K-State has failed to land top Belmont targets like Drew Charnowski, who is trending toward Vanderbilt or Iowa.

• NIL “Perfect Storm”: A combination of donor fatigue—following significant spending during the Jerome Tang era—and athletic department delays in creating new revenue streams (like stadium naming rights) has left the Wildcats with a smaller war chest than many Big 12 and Big Ten peers.

• “Moneyball” Recruitment: Lacking the funds to chase flashy, million-dollar names, Alexander is pivoting to “hidden gems”—players like Brandon Rexsteiner (Colorado State) and Tyreek Coleman (Illinois State) who offer high potential at a fraction of the cost.

Podcast Recap: Navigating Financial Limitations

In this episode of 3MAW, John Kurts, Derek Young, and Cole Manbeck pull back the curtain on a sobering week for Kansas State basketball. While the hire of Casey Alexander was expected to jumpstart the roster through his previous Belmont ties, the reality of modern NIL has proven to be a significant roadblock.

The Belmont Fallout

The most disconcerting news involves center Drew Charnowski. Despite widespread rumors that he was a “lock” for Manhattan, Charnowski has yet to visit K-State and is instead considering Iowa and Vanderbilt. The hosts note that missing out on the Belmont core is a “bad look,” especially as other Belmont stars like Tyler Lundblade are commanding rumored NIL packages exceeding $2 million at Tennessee. The hosts suggest that K-State isn’t even in the ballpark for these figures, which might explain the lack of visits from top-tier targets.

Donor Fatigue and Revenue Gaps

The crew explores why K-State is falling behind financially. They point to “NIL burnout” among donors who watched large sums of money “lit on fire” during the previous regime. Furthermore, the hosts criticize the athletic department for moving too slowly on revenue-generating opportunities like naming rights for Bramlage Coliseum or football field sponsorships, which could alleviate the burden on the donor base.

The Pivot to Plan B

Despite the frustration, the hosts express confidence in Alexander’s ability to develop talent. They highlight new commits and targets:

• Brandon Rexsteiner: A productive guard from Colorado State who fits the offensive system.

• Desert Lindsay: An athletic forward from Oregon described as a “lockdown defender” with elite finishing ability.

• Tyreek Coleman: A high-upside freshman from Illinois State who the staff hopes to “lock down” before he visits Nebraska or Iowa.

Football Recruiting Note

The show wraps up with a brief look at the miss on elite QB prospect Jake Nairo, who chose Kentucky. While disappointing, the hosts view this as a competitive loss to an SEC program that has significantly upgraded its recruiting staff, rather than a systemic failure for Chris Klieman’s squad.

In this episode of the Pay Heed Podcast, Nick Springer and Shreyas Laddha break down the high-stakes puzzle of the Kansas Jayhawks’ roster reconstruction. The central theme of the discussion is the collision between traditional program loyalty and the “instant gratification” era of the transfer portal, underscored by massive NIL valuations.

The hosts highlight the return of Elmarko Jackson as a critical win for continuity. In a year where Kansas faced the possibility of returning zero minutes from the previous season, Jackson’s commitment to a “delayed gratification” mindset provides a necessary foundation. The situation remains fluid for Passage Enby, whose delay in entering the portal suggests he may be “deeply in love” with Kansas, potentially choosing legacy over higher pay elsewhere.

The conversation turns candid regarding Flory Bidunga’s departure to Louisville. Lada reports eye-popping NIL figures—estimated between $5M and $6.5M—noting that it is difficult for any program to justify spending a third of its entire budget on one player when seven to nine roster spots remain open.

Looking ahead, the staff is aggressively scouting guards to pair with Dajuan Harris. VCU’s Terrence Hill and Robert Morris forward Deshawn Good are key visitors on campus. The hosts also touch on the recruitment of Tyron Stokes, suggesting that while Kentucky is pushing hard, Kansas’s lack of movement on other wings indicates a quiet confidence in landing the top-tier prospect.

Top Takeaways

• Roster Continuity: The return of Elmarko Jackson is a major win for a coaching staff seeking stability amidst massive portal turnover.

• The Price of Talent: The $5M+ deal for Flory Bidunga at Louisville signals a new era where “lottery-pick money” is available at the collegiate level, forcing KU to be strategic with its budget.

• Prioritizing the Perimeter: KU is focused on finding a high-volume scoring guard (like Terrence Hill or AJ Storr) to complement Dajuan Harris’s pass-first style.

For more in-depth coverage and live updates on the Jayhawks’ portal moves, subscribe to KCSN on YouTube and follow the Kansas City Star.

The transfer portal has officially opened, and Kansas State is moving with quiet precision under the new leadership of Casey Alexander.

Hosts John Kurtz and Cole Manbeck break down the early momentum, highlighting a potential “literal and figurative” massive addition to the roster and the return of a high-potential wing from the previous regime.

The Top Priority: Drew Scharnowski

The most significant storyline centers on Belmont transfer Drew Scharnowski. A 7-foot-plus big man with first-team All-Missouri Valley honors, Scharnowski is currently ranked among the top 30 players in the portal nationally. Known for his elite passing (22.1% assist rate) and efficient finishing at the rim (75%), he fits the prototypical “passing big” mold Casey Alexander’s system requires. While his 44% free-throw shooting is a concern, the staff’s track record for development suggests a “Gassan-style” jump could be on the horizon.

Core Retention: Andre Kostich Returns

In a move that provides much-needed continuity, Andre Kostich has announced he is sticking around Manhattan. Despite limited minutes last season, Kostich remains a tantalizing prospect with NBA-caliber potential and a 38% clip from three. His self-awareness regarding his defensive struggles and his commitment to stay in Manhattan under a new staff is viewed as a major positive for the program’s culture.

The Belmont Connection & Portal Targets

• Sam Orm (Belmont): A 6’9 stretch-four who is highly coveted. K-State is in a dogfight with home-state favorites Indiana and Louisville for his services.

• Blake Barkley (East Tennessee State): A versatile forward from Morgantown, WV, who boasts strong offensive ratings and high-major interest.

• Tylin Riley (Tulsa): A scoring point guard with an elite free-throw rate (top 10 nationally) who the staff is currently monitoring.

Top 3 Takeaways

• Operating in the Shadows: Unlike the previous staff, Casey Alexander’s team is working “in the shadows.” While it makes tracking targets harder for fans, it suggests a strategic, calculated approach to filling the potentially 10 open roster spots.

• Prioritizing the Spine: Alexander has made it clear that the Big Man and the Point Guard are the top priorities. Securing Charnowski would satisfy the most critical piece of that puzzle before the April 10th visit period even begins.

• Athleticism on the Rise: A staggering stat reveals that potential targets Charnowski and Orm combined for more dunks last season (69) than the entire K-State roster (71). Fans should expect a team that plays much more effectively above the rim.

In this episode of 3MAW, John Kurtz and Derek Young dive into the “boring” but brilliant strategy currently unfolding in Manhattan.

While the college basketball world is fixated on the looming chaos of the transfer portal, K-State football is quietly crushing the high school recruiting ranks. The guys break down the massive gets of safety Julian Elsey and linebacker Colton McComas, explaining why building a program through high school “backbones” is a refreshing and necessary change of pace from the portal-heavy era.

But don’t worry, hoops fans—the basketball talk is just as hot. With the portal set to open at the stroke of midnight, the duo explores the “rarity investment” strategy of new head coach Casey Alexander. They discuss why true point guards and post players like Drew Charowski are the high-dollar priorities, while shooters and wings are in higher supply.

From the departure of David Castillo and Abdi Bashir to the “dual-whammy” of competing against national powerhouses for elite talent, this episode is a masterclass in modern roster construction. If you want to understand how K-State is blending “old-school” development with “new-school” portal hunting, this is a must-watch.

Top 3 Takeaways:

• The “Rarity” Investment: Casey Alexander’s staff prioritizes investing NIL funds into “rare finds”—elite point guards and true post players—while viewing wings as a higher-supply commodity.

• Football Recruiting Resurgence: K-State football has flipped the script by securing high-profile high school commitments (like Julian Elsey and Colton McComas) earlier in the cycle than in years past.

• High School vs. Portal Data: Despite transfer portal news getting 25x more clicks, the hosts argue that high school recruiting remains the essential “cornerstone” for long-term program stability and retention.

The college basketball landscape just shifted under Lawrence.

In this high-stakes episode of the Pay Heed Podcast, Nick Springer and Shreyas Laddha break down a Monday morning bombshell: the entire Kansas frontcourt is seemingly headed for the transfer portal.

With Flo Bidunga, Bryson Tiller, and Paul M’Boua all declaring intentions to exit, the Jayhawks are facing a total roster reconstruction for the 2026 season—which many speculate could be Bill Self’s “Last Dance.”

The guys dive deep into the $5 million NIL rumors surrounding Bidunga and why his NBA Draft feedback will dictate KU’s financial flexibility. But the conversation goes beyond just names; we look at the cold, hard data from the Final Four. The numbers prove that elite rebounding and “length at every position” are the new requirements for a championship.

If Kansas wants to bridge the gap between a second-round exit and a national title, they must replace finesse with physicality. Whether you’re a die-hard Jayhawk fan or a portal junkie, this episode is a mandatory roadmap for the most chaotic six weeks in Kansas basketball history.

Top 3 Takeaways:

• The Big Three Exodus: Kansas is losing its entire frontcourt rotation, including Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Flo Bidunga and former starter Bryson Tiller, necessitating a massive portal haul.

• Physicality is the New Meta: Statistical analysis of Final Four teams like Arizona and Illinois shows that KU’s rebounding (ranked 118th) must drastically improve to compete for a 2026 title.

• The NIL & Draft Waiting Game: Bidunga’s unique “dual-status” as an NBA prospect and portal entrant creates a high-pressure timeline for the KU coaching staff to balance their budget and roster spots.

In this raw, post-game edition of the Pay Heed Podcast, Nick Springer and Kevin Flaherty digest a “self-inflicted” 67-65 loss to St. John’s that bounced Kansas from the NCAA Tournament in the Round of 32.

Despite a late 14-point comeback to tie the game, the Jayhawks fell victim to a last-second Dylan Darling layup, marking the fourth consecutive year KU has failed to reach the second weekend. The duo analyzes the tactical “daring” of Rick Pitino, whose St. John’s squad exploited KU’s interior defense and capitalized on 16 Jayhawk turnovers.

Beyond the box score, the conversation shifts to an uncertain future. With starters like Dajuan Harris and Trey White departing, and stars like Flory Bidunga (Flo) testing NBA waters, a massive roster reconstruction via the transfer portal is inevitable. Most significantly, the show addresses a stunningly candid quote from Bill Self regarding his coaching future.

As Self nears a decision with his family, the hosts discuss potential successors—including assistant Jacque Vaughn—and the immense pressure on AD Travis Goff to manage a transition for one of college basketball’s most storied programs.

It is an emotional farewell to the season and a bittersweet goodbye to Flaherty in his final live appearance.

Top Three Takeaways:

• A “Self-Inflicted” Exit: While the buzzer-beater is the highlight, the loss was rooted in 35 minutes of stagnant offense, poor spacing, and a 24% turnover rate that gifted St. John’s 15 more shot attempts than Kansas.

• The Bill Self Question: For the first time, Self’s retirement feels like a 50/50 proposition. His post-game comments about “needing to feel good” to coach suggest that health and family will dictate if he returns for 2026.

• Roster Reboot Incoming: With three starters graduating and NIL battles looming for young talents like Bryson Tiller, KU faces a “fast and furious” April. The program must quickly identify its next core—and potentially its next coach—before the portal opens on April 7th.

Here’s where things stand across Kansas City sports.

Chiefs Check-In: A quiet week, with one notable exception

It was a relatively quiet week for the Kansas City Chiefs, but they did make one move that is perhaps not as minor as it seemed.

General manager Brett Veach traded a 2027 sixth-round pick to the New York Jets in exchange for quarterback Justin Fields.

Fields now steps in as the likely offseason leader of the offense while Patrick Mahomes continues to rehab from knee surgery. The hope remains that Mahomes will be ready for Week 1, but Fields adds an intriguing dynamic whether he is or not.

His athleticism gives Kansas City another option in short-yardage and red-zone situations. At a minimum, the former Bear, Steeler, and Jet provides experienced depth behind the franchise quarterback and will give defenses a much different look if he is ever thrust into meaningful football in Kansas City.

Competency at quarterback throughout OTAs, mini-camp, and perhaps parts of training camp is no small thing for the wide receivers looking to get good looks as well.

It is a fairly radical change of philosophy in terms of style, on the heels of four straight seasons of Gardner Minshew, Carson Wentz, Blaine Gabbert, and Chad Henne. Head coach Andy Reid has had success with run-first quarterbacks in the past, however.

Royals Report: KC buzz in WBC and one week till Opening Day

The countdown is on for the Kansas City Royals.

Kansas City opens the 2026 season one week from today in Atlanta against the Atlanta Braves, with Cole Ragans set to face veteran left-hander Chris Sale.

But the biggest Royals headlines this week didn’t come from Arizona; they came from the World Baseball Classic in Miami.

Maikel Garcia helped power Venezuela to a championship run, earning MVP honors and further establishing himself as one of the game's rising stars. His performance, alongside contributions from several Royals players on the international stage, put Kansas City firmly in the spotlight during the tournament.

Now, the focus shifts back to the regular season, with final tune-ups wrapping up before the games start to count.

College Hoops: Tigers and Jayhawks march on

Kansas: Back as an NCAA Tournament contender

The Kansas Jayhawks saw their Big 12 Tournament run end in the semifinals with a 69–47 loss to Houston, but still secured a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Kansas opens play tonight against California Baptist, where they are 14.5-point favorites. The challenge will be slowing down Dominique Daniels Jr., who enters averaging 23.1 points per game.

Missouri: No more bubble talk

Despite late-season uncertainty, the Missouri Tigers avoided the bubble entirely, earning a No. 10 seed, even after losing three-straight to end the season.

They will face No. 7 Miami in St. Louis, a favorable location just over an hour from Columbia. Statistically, the matchup is close, but Miami carried more consistency (25–8, third in the ACC) throughout the season.

Missouri enters as a 1.5-point underdog, essentially a toss-up.

What to Watch This Week

Royals

• Final two Cactus League games today and tomorrow.

• Two exhibition games at Globe Life Field in Arlington against the Texas Rangers on Monday and Tuesday.

• Then it’s Opening Day one week from today in Atlanta.

Kansas

• vs. California Baptist tonight at 8:45 p.m. CT (CBS).

• With a win, KU will face the winner of St. John’s vs. Northern Iowa in the Round of 32.

Missouri

• vs. Miami tonight at 9:10 p.m. CT (truTV).

• With a win, Mizzou advances to face Purdue or Queens University.

For Kansas and Missouri, the next few days will define their seasons. For the Royals, the long buildup to Opening Day is nearly complete. And for the Chiefs, you never know when news will drop. If it does, KCSN will have it covered.

We’ll be back next week to see who’s still dancing and how everything else across Kansas City sports is taking shape.

It was a night of chaos at the Sprint Center as the Big 12 tournament marched on, but the real fireworks happened off the court.

In this emergency reaction episode, John Kurtz, Derek Young, and Cole Manbeck break down the breaking news: Casey Alexander is reportedly the next head coach of Kansas State basketball.

The crew dives into the rapid-fire pivot that saw K-State move on from Jared Calhoun to secure Alexander, a man widely considered the best talent evaluator in the mid-major ranks.

While some fans expressed initial “wonky” vibes over his lack of NCAA tournament hardware, the guys argue that Alexander offers the highest “floor” of any candidate. With an offensive philosophy described as a “PhD in basketball,” Alexander’s Belmont teams consistently led the nation in effective field goal percentage and three-point shooting.

The discussion highlights the mouth-watering potential of Alexander’s evaluation skills paired with K-State’s NIL resources. For years, Alexander developed high-major stars (like Tennessee’s Jacobe Gillespie and Florida’s Will Richard) only to lose them to the portal.

Now, in Manhattan, he has the tools to keep that talent home. Despite questions regarding his defensive track record, the consensus is clear: K-State just landed a sharp, stable winner.

Top 3 Takeaways

1. The “Highest Floor” Candidate: While he lacks the “splashy” tournament resume of others, Alexander is a proven winner with 15 years of head coaching experience and a track record of consistent 20-win seasons.

2. Offensive Innovation: K-State is getting a coaching staff that prioritizes “PhD-level” fundamentals—cutting, screening, and spacing. His Belmont teams were statistical juggernauts, leading the country in three-point percentage (41%) this past year.

3. Elite Talent Evaluation: Alexander’s greatest strength is finding “hidden gems.” The crew notes that with Power Conference resources and NIL backing, Alexander can finally retain the elite players he has spent a career discovering for other programs.

Here’s where things stand across Kansas City sports.

Chiefs Check-In: New faces arrive, familiar Super Bowl Champions depart

The Kansas City Chiefs made several moves as the 2026 free agency period opened, bringing in reinforcements while saying goodbye to several notable contributors from recent seasons.

The biggest splash came with the signing of Kenneth Walker III, the reigning Super Bowl LX MVP. Walker brings explosive playmaking ability to a backfield that Kansas City clearly wanted to upgrade after a difficult 2025 season.

The Chiefs also brought back a field stretcher, strengthened the middle of their defense and secondary, signing:

• Defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga

• Safety Alohi Gilman

• Conerback Kader Kohou

• Running back Emari Demercado

• Wide receiver Tyquan Thornton

The emphasis appears clear: add toughness and stability inside the defense while injecting more explosiveness into the offense.

But the roster also saw significant turnover, particularly from the well-regarded 2022 draft class.

Departures this week included:

• Safety Bryan Cook → Cincinnati Bengals

• Linebacker Leo Chenal → Washington Commanders

• Cornerback Joshua Williams → Tennessee Titans

• Cornerback Jaylen Watson → Los Angeles Rams

• Running back Isiah Pacheco → Detroit Lions

After a 6–11 season, Kansas City clearly entered this offseason ready to reshape large portions of the roster. The first wave of free agency has brought both fresh optimism and plenty of work still to do, namely along the defensive line’s edge.

Royals Report: Classic moments on the global stage

While Cactus League games continue in Surprise, Arizona, much of the attention surrounding the Kansas City Royals this week has centered on the World Baseball Classic.

First baseman Vinnie Pasquantino delivered one of the tournament’s biggest performances, blasting three home runs against Mexico to make history for Italy.

Right fielder Jac Caglianone also made headlines, launching a home run in Italy’s thrilling 8–6 upset over Team USA.

Despite the loss, the United States National Team advanced to the knockout stage. The American lineup has been led by Bobby Witt Jr., who is hitting .357 with a .500 slugging percentage through pool play.

Meanwhile, starting pitcher Michael Wacha delivered three innings of three-run baseball in the United States’ opening 15–5 win over Brazil before returning to Arizona to rejoin the Royals in Cactus League action.

College Hoops: Postseason pressure

Kansas: Still dancing in Kansas City

Kansas advanced to the upcoming semi-finals of the Big 12 Men’s Basketball Tournament with a 78–73 win over TCU in the field of eight.

Freshman standout Darryn Peterson led the Jayhawks with 24 points, eight rebounds, and three steals in the victory at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City.

Kansas State: Season ends, new era begins

The season came to a close for Kansas State after a 105–91 loss to TCU in the first round of the Big 12 tournament.

But the bigger news arrived shortly after.

Kansas State announced the hiring of Casey Alexander as its next head coach. Alexander arrives after leading Belmont Bruins to a Missouri Valley regular-season title this season and has produced 10 consecutive 20-win seasons between Belmont and Lipscomb.

Missouri: Waiting for Selection Sunday

Missouri saw its postseason hopes take a hit with a 78–72 loss to Kentucky in the opening round of the SEC tournament.

The defeat extended Missouri’s losing streak to three games and left the Tigers at 20–12 overall and 10–8 in SEC play.

Now, their NCAA Tournament fate rests in the hands of the selection committee.

What to Watch This Week

Chiefs / NFL

• The first wave of free agency has passed, but the second and third waves are still unfolding.

• Stay tuned to KCSN.com for updates as Kansas City continues filling roster holes.

World Baseball Classic / Royals

• Team USA faces Canada tonight at 7 p.m. CT.

• Salvador Perez and Maikel Garcia’s Venezuela squad faces Japan tomorrow night.

• Earlier that afternoon, Pasquantino and Caglianone’s Italy team will take on Seth Lugo and Puerto Rico.

• Kansas City plays seven games this week in Cactus League play, with an off day on Monday and a doubleheader scheduled on Thursday.

College Basketball

• Kansas faces No. 5 Houston tonight at 8:30 p.m. CT in the Big 12 tournament.

• With a win, KU will face either No. 7 Iowa State or No. 2 Arizona in Saturday’s championship game.

• Selection Sunday arrives March 15 at 5 p.m. CT on CBS, revealing the full NCAA Tournament bracket, including Kansas’ seeding and whether Missouri earns a bid.

This week genuinely had a little bit of everything across all Kansas City sports. It looks like we still have a week left of prime entertainment with the NCAA Tournament starting up, the WBC entering the knockout stage, and free agency signings seemingly still trickling in.

We’ll sort through it all again next week.

The 2025-26 Kansas State basketball season didn’t just end on Wednesday night; it evaporated. In a performance that John Kurtz and Cole Manbeck described as a “mercy killing,” the Wildcats surrendered 105 points to BYU—the most ever allowed in a single game in Big 12 Tournament history.

Between AJ Dybantsa “clowning” the defense and the irony of mock cheers for late garbage-time buckets, the 12-20 campaign reached a fittingly chaotic conclusion.

With the season buried, the focus shifts entirely to the coaching search. The “buzz” at the Sprint Center suggests Athletics Director Gene Taylor wants a deal finalized this week. The name at the top of the list? Utah State’s Jared Calhoun.

Fresh off being named Mountain West Coach of the Year, Calhoun brings a resume of turning around dormant programs like Youngstown State and maintaining high-level success in Logan.

While Creighton’s Alan Huss remains a person of interest, all signs point to Calhoun as the man to rebuild the culture. Despite the on-court disaster, the 3MA crew noted a surprising lack of “bad blood” in the locker room, suggesting the roster’s issues were less about chemistry and more about a fundamental lack of defensive identity.

Top 3 Takeaways

• A Historic Defensive Low: K-State’s 105-60 loss to BYU wasn’t just a defeat; it was a record-setting failure. It marked the fourth time this season the Wildcats allowed over 100 points, the most in school history, signaling a total breakdown of the defensive system.

• The Jared Calhoun Lean: Jared Calhoun has emerged as the clear frontrunner for the head coaching vacancy. With a 51-14 record over the last two seasons at Utah State and deep ties to Bob Huggins, Calhoun is viewed as the “energy” hire capable of fixing the Wildcats’ player evaluation issues.

• The Roster “Spring Break”: While players like Andre Costic and David Castillo expressed a desire to stay in college, most are waiting to see who the new hire is before deciding on the portal. However, the 3MA crew suggests a “clean slate” is likely necessary, with Taj Manning being one of the few current players viewed as a potential “program guy” for the next era.

The Kansas State basketball coaching search has reached a fever pitch, and the 3MAW crew is here to navigate the smoke.

Between conflicting reports from national insiders Jeff Goodman and Matt Norlander, the guys dive into the reality of Josh Schertz’s candidacy and why Jared Calhoun remains the name to watch as the process moves toward a conclusion.

The episode centers on the polarizing profile of Belmont’s Casey Alexander. While Alexander has an elite eye for talent—having recruited NBA-level players and high-major stars like Jacobe Gillespie—his defensive metrics and lack of high-major experience leave some, like Cole Manbeck, feeling skeptical. Beyond the bench, the guys vent about the “humiliating” finish to the Sunflower Showdown, questioning rotation decisions regarding Andrej Akostic and the team’s lack of offensive identity.

On a brighter note, the “Batcats” are smashing records, hitting eight home runs in a single game to sweep SIU Edwardsville. Whether it’s the baseball team’s power surge or the women’s basketball team’s gritty run in Kansas City, there is plenty of momentum in Manhattan—now the administration just needs to nail the hire to get the men’s program back on track.

Top Three Takeaways

1. The Casey Alexander Debate: While Alexander is a proven talent evaluator and the Missouri Valley Coach of the Year, his “defense-optional” KenPom numbers and lack of high-major Power Conference experience make him a high-variance candidate for the Big 12.

2. Reporters at Odds: A “source-off” is brewing between national media members regarding Josh Schirtz. While some claim he is out, the crew suggests he is likely still in play but potentially leveraging for a massive extension at St. Louis.

3. The “Mystery Candidate” Factor: Hints of a “mystery name” continue to linger—someone who would generate significant fan excitement but whose timing (likely due to postseason play) makes a deal difficult if the school wants to wrap the search up by the end of the week.

The "Sunflower Showdown" in Lawrence was less of a fight and more of a coronation as the Kansas Jayhawks dismantled the Kansas State Wildcats on Senior Day.

With a high-octane offensive performance that eclipsed the 100-point mark, KU improved to 22-9 and reminded the Big 12 that they are still the kings of the state.

The Game Recap

It was a personal dunk contest for Flory Bidunga, who finished with 13 points on a perfect 6-of-6 shooting—nearly all of which were rim-rocking alley-oops. Trey White shook off his mid-season slump in spectacular fashion, leading the scoring with 23 points and five triples, while Melvin Council flirted with a triple-double (17 pts, 10 ast, 8 reb) in his final game at Allen Fieldhouse.

The highlight of the afternoon came late when Wilder Evers buried a three-pointer to push KU over the century mark, sending the Phog into a frenzy. Despite some late garbage-time scoring from K-State, the game was never in doubt.

Top Three Takeaways

• The Darryn Peterson Resurgence: Peterson looked the most explosive he has since early conference play. Scoring 27 points with an aggressive, smiling demeanor, his health and “joy” on the court are the biggest positive indicators for a deep March run.

• The “Spags” of Basketball? Just as Steve Spagnuolo has a “type” for his defense, Bill Self’s offense thrived on length and verticality today. The connection between the guards and Bidunga at the rim proved that when KU plays with pace, few teams can match their athleticism.

• Big 12 Tournament Seeding: While the CBS broadcast caused some confusion, KU is essentially locked into the 4-seed, barring a BYU upset of Texas Tech tonight (which could bump KU to the 3-seed). As it stands, the Jayhawks are likely on a collision course with Iowa State this coming Thursday in Kansas City.