Kansas State Set to Welcome Casey Alexander as New Head Coach
In a move that's sure to shake up the college basketball landscape, Kansas State is reportedly bringing in Casey Alexander from Belmont to take the reins as head coach. Alexander steps in following the departure of Jerome Tang, who was let go during the 2025-26 season.
A Winning Legacy at Belmont
Alexander's tenure at Belmont was nothing short of impressive. Over seven seasons, he racked up a 226-166 record, steering the Bruins to three regular-season championships-two in the Ohio Valley Conference and one in the Missouri Valley.
His ability to guide Belmont through their transition to the MVC without missing a beat speaks volumes about his coaching acumen. The Bruins consistently posted 20-plus-win seasons, culminating in a standout 26-6 record in 2026, securing their first MVC title.
Under Alexander, Belmont's offense was a force to be reckoned with, often leading the conference in scoring efficiency.
The Elusive NCAA Tournament
Despite his successes, Alexander never had the chance to lead Belmont in an NCAA Tournament game. His first season saw the Bruins win the OVC Tournament and earn a spot in March Madness, but the pandemic led to the cancellation of the 2020 tournament. In the years that followed, the MVC was typically a one-bid league, and Belmont fell just short in the conference tournament, with a recent upset in the MVC quarterfinals.
Developing High-Caliber Talent
Alexander's knack for developing talent is evident. This season, Tyler Lundblade was named the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year under his guidance. His previous squads featured players like Ben Sheppard, Malik Dia, Ja'Kobi Gillespie, and Cade Tyson, all of whom found success in the NBA or at high-major programs.
A Proven Track Record at Lipscomb
Before his success at Belmont, Alexander turned around the program at Lipscomb. He led the Bisons to their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in 2018. Taking over a team that had gone 12-18 the previous year, he transformed them into regular-season champions with a remarkable 29-8 record in his final season.
An Offensive Maestro
Alexander's teams are known for their offensive prowess. This season, Belmont boasted the third-best effective field goal percentage in the nation and ranked second in three-point shooting. His ability to craft high-octane offenses has been a hallmark of his coaching career.
As Kansas State looks to the future, Alexander's track record of success and player development makes him a promising choice to lead the Wildcats. Fans can anticipate a new era of dynamic basketball in Manhattan.