The Big Pivot: K-State Hoops Targets Charnowski as Portal Season Ignites
Strategic Roster Building: Tracking Potential Commits and Core Retentions
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.