In a surprising turn of events, senior guard Tyler Lundblade and sophomore forward Drew Scharnowski have decided to enter the transfer portal following the departure of their coach, Alexander. Lundblade, who was named the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Player of the Year, put up impressive numbers, averaging 15.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. As the leading scorer for the conference's top offense, his contributions were pivotal in their regular-season success.
On the other hand, Scharnowski made a significant impact with his all-around play, averaging 10.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. His efforts earned him First-Team All-MVC and MVC All-Defensive Team honors, with his rebounding prowess ranking him among the top five in the conference. Scharnowski’s ability to excel on both ends of the floor makes him an attractive prospect in the transfer portal.
In a heartfelt message on social media, Scharnowski expressed gratitude to Belmont University and Coach Alexander for their support and guidance. Reflecting on his time there, he highlighted the team’s accomplishments, including 48 wins over two years and an MVC regular-season championship.
Naturally, the big question is whether these talented players might join their former coach at Kansas State. After a challenging season where the Wildcats managed only three conference wins, the program is undergoing a significant transformation. The departure of Jerome Tang marked the need for a fresh start, and Alexander’s arrival is set to bring a new culture and dynamic to the team.
Alexander’s track record at Belmont speaks volumes, boasting a 166-60 record over seven seasons and consistently finishing in the top four of the MVC. His emphasis on a winning culture and player development could attract his former stars to Kansas State, providing a sense of continuity and familiarity.
In his introduction, Alexander emphasized the importance of style in his coaching philosophy. He aims to create a program that is not only successful but also exciting to watch and support.
With a focus on high-tempo play, Alexander’s teams have consistently ranked among the top in the nation in scoring. This vision could be the key to revitalizing Kansas State’s basketball program and integrating players like Lundblade and Scharnowski seamlessly into his system.