Kansas State’s Mobi Ikegwuruka Remains Away from Team as Coach Tang Offers Support
Kansas State junior guard Mobi Ikegwuruka hasn’t suited up for the Wildcats in several weeks, and while his absence has sparked plenty of speculation, head coach Jerome Tang made it clear on Thursday that the situation is personal - and that the program is standing firmly behind him.
“Mobi is dealing with a private matter and remains a member of our team,” Tang said in a statement. “He is eligible to be with us, but is not personally ready. We love him, and he has our full support.”
Ikegwuruka last saw game action on January 7 in a loss at Arizona, logging six minutes off the bench. That came just days after a 14-minute outing against BYU on January 3. Prior to those two games, he had already missed the final four contests of December.
Through 10 appearances this season, Ikegwuruka has averaged 1.9 points and two rebounds per game, making one start. The Galway, Ireland native joined Kansas State ahead of the 2024-25 season after transferring from Ellsworth Community College in Iowa, where he played in 20 games and posted averages of 2.1 points and 2.4 rebounds.
While the numbers may not jump off the page, Ikegwuruka’s presence has mattered in ways that don’t always show up in a box score - providing depth, energy, and a physical presence on the wing. But for now, the focus is off the court, and Tang has made it clear that health and well-being come first.
Tang has consistently taken a protective approach when it comes to player availability this season, often citing HIPAA regulations when asked about absences. That was the case again on January 20, when he was asked about both Ikegwuruka and forward Elias Rapieque following K-State’s win over Utah.
“I can't really talk about their situation,” Tang said. “Being at the games sometimes could set them back in whatever it is they're dealing with.
I let these guys know that I love them, I care about them, I want them to be healthy for their future. Whatever they tell me they need for them to be healthy and ready to return, that's what I go by.”
It’s a reminder that behind every stat line and scouting report, there’s a human being - often a young one - navigating challenges that go far beyond basketball. Tang’s message was clear: the door remains open for Ikegwuruka, and when he’s ready, the team will be there waiting.
Until then, the Wildcats will continue their season with one of their teammates in mind - and the hope that he’ll be back when the time is right.