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.

For the first time in the Lance Leipold era, the Jayhawks enter spring ball with a vacancy at the most important position on the field. With the departure of long-time staples Jaylen Daniels and Jason Bean, the quarterback room is officially an open competition.

While national analysts have been quick to rank the Jayhawks at the bottom of the Big 12 due to a lack of experience, Flaherty and Springer argue that the talent is there—it just needs to be unlocked by the returning Andy Kotelnicki.

Beyond the signal-callers, the crew highlights a defense that is quietly becoming deeper and more athletic. With second-year defensive coordinator DK McDonald at the helm and potential All-Big 12 candidates like linebacker Trey Wilson and defensive end Leroy Harris, the Jayhawks are aiming for a Top 40 defensive finish.

Combine that with the arrival of explosive playmaker Dylan Edwards, and the Jayhawks have the ingredients for a potent 2026 campaign—provided the offensive line can replace three key starters.

🚀 Top Three Takeaways

• The Three-Headed QB Race: The battle between Cole Ballard, Isaiah Marshall, and Rice transfer Chase Jenkins is truly open. Expect this competition to bleed into fall camp, as no single player has yet separated himself by a wide enough margin to secure the Week 1 start.

• The “Dylan Edwards” X-Factor: The former K-State and Colorado back brings a sub-4.4 speed that Kansas hasn’t seen under Leipold. Kotelnicki is expected to use Edwards as a “chess piece,” utilizing him in wheel routes and edge options to create home-run plays.

• Defensive Continuity: Most of the defensive “lumps” taken last year were due to a young secondary. With another year in the weight room and the system, players like Jalen Todd and Austin Alexander are expected to transform the Jayhawks into a more “gap-sound” and physical unit.

The regular season concludes this Saturday with a script that couldn’t be written much better: Senior Day, a chance to lock up a double-bye in the Big 12 tournament, and a visit from Sunflower State rival K-State.

Coach Bill Self emphasized that while the team has struggled recently, the “safety net” is officially gone. “You’re on the highwire now,” Self noted, signaling a mental shift as the team enters March.

The heart of the presser, however, belonged to the players. Self gave special flowers to walk-ons Wilder and Justin, praising them for putting their “handprint” on the program despite starting as guys who paid their own way. Meanwhile, star portal addition Melvin reflected on his unexpected impact on the fan base, admitting he never anticipated the level of love he’d receive in Lawrence.

From Melvin’s plan to “kiss the Jayhawk” at center court to the nerves surrounding the legendary Senior Day speeches, the message was clear: the time in Allen Fieldhouse is short, but the relationships are lifelong.

🚀 Top Three Takeaways

• The “Net-Less” Mindset: Bill Self challenged the team to move past a rough road trip, stating that with the regular season ending, there is no more room for error. The focus is entirely on securing the Big 12 double-bye and finding the intensity shown earlier in the season.

• The Portal Era Senior: Self acknowledged the “new normal” of college basketball, where coaching a senior for 10 months is different than four years. However, he noted that players like Melvin have “surpassed expectations,” proving that short-term Jayhawks can still leave a permanent legacy.

• Tradition Still Matters: Despite the changing landscape of the sport, the players and staff agreed that Kansas Senior Day remains “second to none.” Between Wilder’s marketing degree plans and Melvin’s pro aspirations, the “fraternity” of KU basketball remains the ultimate selling point.

In Kansas City, the NFL offseason is reaching its most aggressive stage, baseball has shifted from workouts to real games, and college basketball programs across the region are staring down the final days before conference tournaments begin. Front offices are maneuvering, lineups are taking shape, and postseason résumés are either being secured or slipping away. Oh, and the World Baseball Classic beginning should be a treat for Royals fans this year.

Here’s where things stand this week across Kansas City sports.

Chiefs Check-In: Clearing space and stockpiling picks

The Kansas City Chiefs have spent the past two weeks aggressively reshaping their financial outlook heading into free agency.

The biggest development came this week when general manager Brett Veach traded two-time All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams. In return, Kansas City received the No. 29 overall pick in the 2026 draft, a fifth- and sixth-round pick this year, and a 2027 third-round selection.

The move added draft capital, bumping the Chiefs from six to nine selections, and created additional salary-cap flexibility.

More cap relief preluded this move when the team released veteran right tackle Jawaan Taylor, freeing roughly $20 million. Combined with the restructuring of Patrick Mahomes’ contract and the earlier release of Mike Danna, Kansas City has moved from roughly $57 million over the cap to about $24.8 million in available space, according to OverTheCap.

With the legal tampering period opening Monday at 11 a.m. CT and the new league year beginning Wednesday, the groundwork has clearly been laid for Kansas City to be active.

Royals Report: Veteran help and international spotlight

Spring baseball continues for the Kansas City Royals, who currently sit at 5–6 in Cactus League play.

Off the field, Kansas City added a notable veteran presence by signing outfielder Starling Marte. The 14-year veteran has spent time with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Arizona Diamondbacks, Miami Marlins, Oakland Athletics, and New York Mets. A two-time Gold Glove winner and twice a former All-Star, Marte brings a career .285 average along with defensive experience and a potential platoon bat against left-handed pitching.

He joins a young Royals outfield that includes Isaac Collins, Lane Thomas, Kyle Isbel, and Jac Caglianone.

Meanwhile, several Royals players are already representing their countries in the World Baseball Classic, including Bobby Witt Jr., Michael Wacha, Salvador Perez, Maikel Garcia, Vinnie Pasquantino, Jac Caglianone, and Seth Lugo. With some teams already completing ball games, the thick of the tournament will take place this week.

College Hoops: Final week before tournament time

With conference tournaments beginning soon, the final stretch of regular-season basketball delivered plenty of movement.

Kansas: Tough trip to the state of Arizona

No. 14 Kansas Jayhawks endured a difficult road trip through Arizona.

The Jayhawks were overwhelmed by No. 2 Arizona Wildcats, 84–61, before falling again to Arizona State, 70–60.

Kansas now sits fifth in the Big 12 at 11–6 in conference play, entering the final week before tournament action begins.

Kansas State: A split week

Kansas State managed to match a loss with a win this week.

K-State fell 77–68 at home to TCU, but rebounded with a narrow 65–63 win over the West Virginia Mountaineers, snapping a three-game losing streak.

The Wildcats now sit 3–14 in Big 12 play.

Missouri: Bubble positioning

Missouri experienced a dramatic week.

After crushing Oklahoma 88–64 in Columbia, Missouri fell 80–64 in the return matchup in Norman.

Missouri is now 20–10 overall and 10–7 in SEC play, tied for fifth with Vanderbilt, Texas A&M, and Kentucky.

What to Watch This Week

NFL

• The legal tampering period begins Monday, March 9, at 11 a.m. CT.

• The new league year officially opens Wednesday, March 11.

• Expect a busy news cycle as free-agent negotiations begin. Additional restructures or releases could be on the horizon to create more cap space, depending on how aggressive Kansas City plans to be.

Royals / World Baseball Classic

• Spring training games continue for players remaining in Arizona.

• The World Baseball Classic is in full swing.

• Team USA opens pool play tonight at 7 p.m. CT against Brazil, followed by games Saturday vs. Great Britain, Monday vs. Mexico, and Tuesday vs. Italy.

• The knockout stage begins a week from today, on March 13, for the qualified teams.

College Basketball

• Kansas and Kansas State meet Saturday to conclude the regular season.

• Conference tournaments begin as early as Tuesday, March 10, in the Big 12.

• Missouri faces a massive

• résumé opportunity against No. 20 Arkansas before the SEC Tournament begins Wednesday.

From salary-cap maneuvering to international baseball and postseason basketball positioning, this coming week marks an inflection point in the Kansas City sports calendar.

We’ll be back next week to see how it all unfolds.

On the latest episode of Run It Back, host Jazsmin Halliburton breaks down a historic day at the T-Mobile Arena. Entering the Big 12 tournament as the 12th seed following a rocky end to the regular season, the K-State Wildcats silenced the skeptics with a dominant 91–66 victory over Cincinnati.

The story of the game was the “Splash Sisters” trio of Jordan Speiser, Taryn Sides, and Nastja Claessens, who combined for 16 of the team’s 17 made three-pointers—setting a new Big 12 tournament record.

The offensive “humming” was fueled by elite ball movement, resulting in 24 assists and a staggering 53% shooting from behind the arc. While Cincinnati dominated the offensive glass, K-State’s defensive pressure forced 20 turnovers to keep the Bearcats at bay. This win doesn’t just keep the season alive; it marks the first-ever competitive win on the new LED glass court in American history.

Now, the Wildcats look to carry this momentum into a Thursday morning showdown against 5-seed Texas Tech, a team they upset earlier this year. With postseason selection committees watching, every “winner-stays” matchup is a chance to solidify their place in the WBIT or beyond.

Top 3 Takeaways

1. A Historic Shooting Clinic: K-State set a Big 12 tournament record and tied a school record with 17 made three-pointers. They are only the 11th team in the nation in the last 27 years to have three players make 5+ threes in a single game.

2. Ball Movement is Key: The Wildcats’ offense reached its ceiling through unselfish play, recording 24 assists on 33 made field goals. When the ball moves and the “extra pass” is made, this young squad is a dangerous matchup for any seed.

3. The Road Through the Raiders: To advance further, K-State must repeat their regular-season success against Texas Tech. The keys to a second upset will be defending the three-point line and matching the Red Raiders’ physical presence in the paint.

The Kansas State coaching search has officially entered a new phase. In the latest edition of 3MAW, John Kurtz, Derek Young, and Cole Manbeck dive into the high-stakes ripples caused by Pete Nakos’ (On3) recent bombshell report.

As K-State Athletic Director Gene Taylor narrows the field, three names have surged to the top of the “Hot Board”: Josh Schertz (Saint Louis), Jerrod Calhoun (Utah State), and Casey Alexander (Belmont).

The crew breaks down what each candidate brings to the table—from Schertz’s tactical brilliance to Alexander’s decade of 20-win consistency—while grappling with the “similar flavors” of this year’s coaching pool. Is there a home-run hire in the bunch, or is this a search defined by “high-floor” reliability?

On the court, the Wildcats provided a rare bright spot Tuesday night, fending off a desperate West Virginia squad 65-63.

Despite being without the nation’s third-leading scorer, PJ Haggerty (unexpectedly scratched with a practice injury), seniors Khamari McGriff and Nate Johnson put the team on their backs in their Bramlage finale.

The guys discuss if the ball movement actually improved without their star guard and what this means heading into a daunting Saturday showdown at Allen Fieldhouse.

Key Takeaways

• The Final Three? Pete Nakos reports that Josh Schertz, Jerrod Calhoun, and Casey Alexander are the primary names to watch. The crew debates if Alexander’s Nashville roots make him a “wild card” or a serious contender.

• Life Without Haggerty: K-State snapped a three-game skid by leaning on a season-high 21-0 run. The guys analyze whether this “addition by subtraction” in ball-stopping is a fluke or a blueprint for the Big 12 Tournament.

• The Lawrence Outlook: With Senior Day looming at Kansas, the guys look ahead to Saturday’s rivalry game and whether K-State has any “magic” left to spoil the Jayhawks’ perfect Senior Day record.

In a physical and emotional encounter in Tempe, No. 14 Kansas saw its late-season momentum stall in a 70–60 upset loss to Arizona State.

The night’s defining moment occurred late in the first half when head coach Bill Self was issued two technical fouls in rapid succession and ejected for just the second time in his 23-year KU tenure after arguing an offensive foul call against Darryn Peterson.

Trailing by 20 at the half, the Jayhawks—led by acting head coach Jacque Vaughn—mounted a furious second-half rally that trimmed the deficit to just two points with four minutes remaining.

However, a scoring drought combined with an 11–0 Sun Devil response proved insurmountable as KU shot a season-low 29.2% from the field and struggled to a 25.9% clip from deep.

Despite double-double efforts from Tre White (16 pts, 14 rebs) and Flory Bidunga (14 pts, 13 rebs), the Jayhawks couldn’t overcome the early deficit, leaving them to search for answers heading into Saturday’s Sunflower Showdown against Kansas State.

In the latest 3MAW, John Kurtz, Derek Young, and Cole Manbeck shift their focus from the dwindling basketball season to a high-stakes coaching search. The clear “man of the hour” is Josh Schirtz, the St. Louis head coach who previously revitalized Indiana State. The crew views Schirtz as a “home run” candidate due to his elite offensive mind—ranking near the top of the country in effective field goal percentage—and his ability to solve K-State’s long-standing defensive rebounding woes.

While industry insiders like Jeff Goodman express skepticism about a mutual fit, the hosts argue that the Big 12’s dominance makes Kansas State a more attractive destination than traditional powers like Pittsburgh or Syracuse. They note that K-State’s NIL infrastructure and recent history of regional final appearances should allow them to outbid ACC programs.

The episode also touches on a somber Senior Day loss to TCU, criticizing the team’s “ridiculous rotations” and the failure to play Marcus Johnson in his final home game. However, with the focus firmly on the future, the conversation centers on whether K-State is willing to “pony up” the $4 million buyout required to land a program-builder like Schirtz.

Key Takeaways

• The Schirtz Factor: Josh Schirtz is the primary target for his elite modern offense (41% from three) and a consistent track record of top-15 national rankings in defensive rebounding.

• Big 12 Superiority: The hosts contend that K-State’s affiliation with the best conference in basketball and superior NIL resources makes it a better job than struggling Northeast programs like Syracuse or Pitt.

• A “Whale” of a Buyout: Landing a top-tier candidate will likely require a buyout in the $4 million range, a price the crew believes the university should pay to secure a long-term winner.

The latest episode of Run It Back on KCSN takes an honest look at a bruising week for Kansas State women’s basketball.

Host Jazsmin Halliburton breaks down the two-game skid that officially dashed hopes for a top-eight seed and a first-round bye in the Big 12 tournament. After a hard-fought Sunflower Showdown loss to Kansas, the young Wildcats ran into a buzzsaw in Waco, falling 80-54 to 18th-ranked Baylor.

Jazsmin highlights the physical toll of playing four games in eight days—a grueling stretch for a roster where 70% of the team is experiencing the college game for the first time.

Despite the losses, the episode finds a silver lining in the development of freshman standout Brandie Harrod. Joining the show, Harrod discusses her “night and day” improvements at the free-throw line and the steep learning curve of transitioning from a high school small forward to a college big man.

As the regular season concludes with a nationally televised “Farmageddon” matchup against Iowa State, the focus shifts to the newly established WBIT (Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament), where K-State looks to be a lock for a high seed and a chance at a deep postseason run.

Key Takeaways for the K-State Faithful

• The Big 12 Gauntlet: K-State’s 10th-place standing reflects a brutal end-of-season schedule. The fatigue of a four-game-in-eight-day stretch was evident in the 26-point loss to Baylor.

• Three-Point Dependency: The Wildcats shot just 26% from deep against Baylor. Jasmine notes that this team’s success is almost entirely tied to their ability to sink the long ball.

• Brandie Harrod’s Rise: The freshman post player is emerging as a consistent threat, posting 10 points and a career-high four steals against the Bears while significantly improving her free-throw shooting.

• Tournament Scenarios: With the NCAA Tournament likely out of reach, K-State is a strong candidate for the WBIT (a 32-team tournament for the top teams not in the Big Dance). Their top-60 NET ranking suggests they could host early rounds.

• Farmageddon Finale: The regular season ends Sunday at 1:00 PM on FS1 against Iowa State. The strategy? Run the floor to tire out the Cyclones’ post players and exploit K-State’s superior depth in the frontcourt.

The latest edition of the “Pay Heed” podcast doesn’t pull any punches following Kansas’s 84-61 drubbing at the hands of the Arizona Wildcats.

Hosts Nick Springer and Kevin Flaherty break down a performance that Bill Self himself described as “physically dominated.” While many fans took to social media to vent about the officiating, our crew digs deeper into the “kill shots”—those devastating 19-0 and 16-0 runs—that ultimately buried KU in the desert.

The conversation centers on a lack of connectivity and the growing pains of team chemistry. As Darryn Peterson navigates his return to the lineup, the “takeover mode” that once served Kansas is now clashing with the need for ball movement. With the Big 12 title slipping away and a three-seed in the NCAA Tournament looking likely, the focus shifts to whether this team can “muddy up” games when their shots aren’t falling.

It’s a raw, honest look at a team with a championship ceiling but a floor that feels dangerously low as March approaches.

Key Takeaways for Jayhawk Fans

• The “Kill Shot” Reality: You cannot survive two separate runs of 15+ points on the road. Arizona’s 19-0 and 16-0 bursts exposed KU’s inability to stop momentum.

• Physicality Gap: Arizona owned the glass by a 22-rebound margin. The duo of Bryson Tiller and Flory Bidunga struggled, combining for just four points.

• The Darryn Peterson Balance: While Peterson finished with 24 points, the first-half “hero ball” stalled the offense. KU is at its best when Peterson’s aggression creates open looks for Melvin Council and Trey White.

• Officiating Isn’t the Excuse: Even with a “fair” whistle, the hosts argue KU still loses by 18. The loss was due to poor shot selection and a lack of defensive “grit.”

• The Road Ahead: Kansas likely faces a 3-seed future. To secure a double-buy in the Big 12 tournament, they must handle business against Arizona State and K-State while cheering for Arizona to beat Iowa State on Monday.

Here’s where things stand across Kansas City sports.

Chiefs Check-In: The offseason news cycle is in motion

After restructuring Patrick Mahomes’ contract last week to create significant cap flexibility, the Kansas City Chiefs made another notable move, releasing six-year veteran defensive end Mike Danna.

The decision frees up nearly $9 million in cap space and signals that the roster reset is more than procedural. Danna developed from a fifth-round pick into a steady contributor and locker-room presence, but this move underscores Kansas City’s emphasis on financial flexibility heading into free agency and the draft.

The timing coincided with the start of the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, where general manager Brett Veach addressed the media. Veach spoke on roster construction philosophy, the importance of drafting well while maintaining cap health, and the balance between retaining core players and staying aggressive.

Holding the No. 9 overall pick has added an extra layer of intrigue. Thus far, Kansas City has reportedly met with several defensive prospects expected to be selected in the top half of the first round, if not the first round, including:

• Texas Tech defensive end David Bailey

• Miami defensive end Rueben Bain Jr.

• Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk

• Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy

Bain, in particular, has emerged as a fan-favorite projection around the ninth pick, and his formal meeting with the club only added fuel to that speculation.

Later-round meetings have included prospects such as South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse and Arizona safety Genesis Smith.

It may appear defense-heavy, but that reflects the Combine schedule; defensive backs and tight ends have wrapped, while quarterbacks, running backs, receivers, and offensive linemen are still to come. Expect more offensive buzz in the coming days.

Royals Report: Early returns are outweighing final scores

The Kansas City Royals closed their first week of Cactus League play at 2–4–1. There’s no prize for spring records, but there have been encouraging signs.

Outfielder Lane Thomas and top catching prospect Carter Jensen each launched their first home runs of the spring yesterday.

Perhaps most notable was right fielder Jac Caglianone driving in three runs on an RBI single and an RBI double, another reminder of the upside he brings to the lineup.

On the mound, incumbents Seth Lugo and Noah Cameron each delivered two scoreless frames in their starts.

There was some concern, however, as Stephen Kolek was scratched from his second spring start due to a left oblique strain. The 28-year-old is competing with Cameron for a rotation spot and is currently undergoing testing to determine severity.

College Hoops: Frustrating losses followed by impressive wins for KU and MU

Kansas: Bounce back at the Field House

No. 14 Kansas split the week.

The Jayhawks were upset at home by Cincinnati, 84–68, as 8.5-point favorites. They responded in statement fashion, knocking off No. 5 Houston Cougars at Allen Fieldhouse.

KU now sits in a three-way tie for second place in the Big 12 with Iowa State, Houston, and Texas Tech — two games behind first-place Arizona.

Kansas State: Bad season gets worse

In their first full week without Jerome Tang, Kansas State returned to its struggles.

A blowout loss at No. 13 Texas Tech was followed by a 79–70 defeat at the hands of Colorado.

P.J. Haggerty led K-State in scoring in both contests (17 and 25 points), but the Wildcats continue to fight uphill.

Missouri: Bubble work continues

The Missouri also split the week.

A 94–86 road loss to No. 20 Arkansas was followed by a critical 73–69 home win over No. 22 Tennessee.

T.O. Barrett carried the Tigers against Tennessee, pouring in 28 points on 12-of-17 shooting.

Missouri is tied for fifth in the SEC with Vanderbilt, Texas A&M, and Kentucky, all teams the Tigers have beaten, and remains firmly on bubble watch, likely in “last four in” territory.

What to Watch This Week

NFL

• Stay locked into the NFL Combine. Beyond prospect evaluations, this is when trade whispers and free agency rumors begin gaining traction.

Royals

• Spring games continue against the Athletics, Rockies, Brewers, Angels, and Rangers.

• The World Baseball Classic begins Wednesday at 9 p.m. CT (Australia vs. Chinese Taipei).

  • Royals participants include:

    • Bobby Witt Jr. & Michael Wacha (USA)

    • Salvador Pérez & Maikel García (Venezuela)

    • Vinnie Pasquantino & Jac Caglianone (Italy)

    • Seth Lugo (Puerto Rico)

Kansas

• The Jayhawks are at No. 2 Arizona in one of the biggest remaining regular-season games nationally before staying in The Grand Canyon State to face Arizona State shortly after.

Kansas State

• The Wildcats host TCU and West Virginia, both middle-of-the-pack opportunities.

Missouri

• The Tigers are at Mississippi State and Oklahoma this week, magnifying two road games that could swing NCAA Tournament positioning.

Cap space is being cleared. Prospects are being vetted. Bubble résumés are being built.

It is a fun stretch of the calendar, indeed. We’ll be back next week to see what moved, what mattered, and what’s coming next across Kansas City sports.