Kansas State is going to the Sweet 16 following Sunday’s 75-69 win over Kentucky.
This time last year, Bruce Weber stepped down after a decade as the program’s men’s basketball head coach. Kansas State hired Jerome Tang, who spent the previous 19 years as an assistant and associate coach at Baylor.
It’s not the only coaching hire Kansas State has nailed. Chris Klieman, who was previously coaching in the FCS, led the football program to 10 wins in his fourth season.
The Athletic’s Stewart Mandel praised athletic director Gene Taylor, saying he “hired the right guys” and “didn’t try to win the press conferences.” Others latched on to his assessment.
“ADs, take note,” ESPN’s Adam Rittenbgerg responded.
ADs, take note. https://t.co/35W7XhL97d
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) March 19, 2023
“There’s a big lesson in there,” DawgCentral’s Graham Coffey wrote.
There’s a big lesson in there… https://t.co/SW0xMMWmq7
— Graham Coffey (@GrahamCoffeyDC) March 19, 2023
“Tang won the press conference and was a great hire,” Evan Riggs said. “Possible to have both!”
Tang won the press conference and was a great hire. Possible to have both! https://t.co/VQPrx0lEVI
— Evan Riggs (@EvanRRiggs) March 19, 2023
“Seriously, why don’t schools just hire good coaches?” a fan asked.
Tang became the Big 12 Coach of the Year in his first season as a college head coach. The 56-year-old steered the Wildcats to their first Sweet 16 bid in five years behind 27 points and nine assists from Markquis Nowell.
Kansas State will face the winner of Sunday’s matchup between Marquette and Michigan State on Thursday.