Sycamore Steal or Wildcat Dream? The Josh Schirtz Pursuit
K-State Sets Sights on an Offensive Genius While the Big 12 Coaching Carousel Spins
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.