After a tough 59-54 loss on the road at West Virginia, Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang didn’t hold back. The Wildcats dropped to 1-7 in Big 12 play and 10-11 overall, marking the first time this season they've dipped below .500. And while the defeat itself stung, Tang’s postgame comments pointed to something deeper than just a rough night on the scoreboard - a growing frustration with the NCAA’s shifting eligibility rules that, in his view, are hampering his ability to build a consistent, competitive program.
Asked about the challenges of competing in the Big 12 - a conference Kansas State hasn’t posted a winning record in since Tang’s debut season in 2022-23 - the second-year head coach acknowledged the grind but made it clear he believes the deck isn’t exactly stacked fairly.
“I haven’t figured that out yet because they keep changing the rules on me,” Tang said. “Once they get the rules set, then I can have a consistent plan, because there are three guys that should be on my roster right now that are not on my roster because the rules changed.”
Tang didn’t specify who all three players were, but two names that fit the bill are Max Jones and Tyreek Smith. Jones, a starter last season, had expressed interest in staying in college but is now playing overseas. Smith, who transferred to K-State midyear last season, never suited up for the Wildcats after the NCAA denied his eligibility waiver over the summer.
As for the third player Tang referenced? That remains unclear. But he emphasized that it wasn’t related to the four players ruled out ahead of the West Virginia game due to injury.
“If they will give me consistent rules, then I know how to move forward and operate,” Tang continued. “And we’ll figure it out, because I have a staff that’s relentless.
We don’t stop. If we can bring G League players in, I want to do it.”
That last line wasn’t just a throwaway. Tang was referencing Alabama’s recent addition of Charles Bediako, who joined the Crimson Tide after playing in the G League. Bediako’s eligibility was fast-tracked by a temporary restraining order granted by a judge in Tuscaloosa County - a judge who, notably, is listed as a donor to Alabama’s athletic foundation.
Tang has made it clear he’s watching how other programs are navigating these NCAA waters - particularly when it comes to adding former G League players. Earlier this season, he noted his interest in following the path of his former boss, Baylor’s Scott Drew, who added ex-G Leaguer James Nnaji to his roster in a move that sparked plenty of debate. Tang, of course, spent nearly two decades as an assistant under Drew before taking over at K-State.
“I want to find a judge in Kansas that’s a K-State judge that’s going to give us... you know what I mean?” Tang said, hinting at the legal maneuvering that’s starting to play a role in college eligibility.
“That’s what they’re doing elsewhere. If they’re going to allow us to do it, I want to do it.
Or stop everybody from doing it and let’s proceed the same way. Give me some consistent rules and we’re gonna get it done.
We’re gonna figure this thing out.”
Tang’s frustration isn’t just about this season’s record or the latest loss. It’s about trying to build something stable in a landscape that feels anything but.
And as the Wildcats prepare to host No. 9 Iowa State on Sunday, the challenge only intensifies - both on the court and behind the scenes.
One thing’s clear: Tang isn’t shying away from the fight. He’s just asking for a level playing field.