Kansas State Fans Left Wondering 'What If?' as Final Four Approaches
As the Final Four looms, Kansas State basketball fans might find themselves pondering the elusive "what could have been?" This weekend, Illinois faces UConn in the NCAA Tournament national semifinal at Lucas Oil Stadium, led by a K-State alumnus whose journey has been nothing short of remarkable.
Brad Underwood, a McPherson native and former K-State player and coach, has carved out a reputation as a top-tier coach. His standout player, Keaton Wagler, hailing from Shawnee Mission Northwest, was overlooked by both the Wildcats and Jayhawks but is now projected to be a lottery pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
Kansas State, on the other hand, has struggled recently, missing the last three NCAA Tournaments. The midseason firing of head coach Jerome Tang marked a low point, but the hiring of Casey Alexander brings a glimmer of hope. Yet, Underwood's success story continues to cast a long shadow over Manhattan.
The Path Not Taken: Brad Underwood's Journey
Underwood's journey began at K-State, where he played from 1984-86 and later served on the coaching staff from 2006-12. Despite his deep ties to the Wildcats, he never took the helm as head coach. After stints at various colleges, Underwood returned to K-State as an assistant under Bob Huggins and later Frank Martin, contributing to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances.
When Martin departed for South Carolina in 2012, many believed Underwood was the natural successor. However, K-State opted for Bruce Weber, while Underwood followed Martin to South Carolina before making his mark at Stephen F. Austin.
Underwood's success at Oklahoma State and Illinois only fueled Wildcat fans' longing for what might have been. While Weber initially found success, including an Elite Eight run, Underwood's consistent tournament appearances and his recent achievements at Illinois highlight what K-State missed out on.
Keaton Wagler: The One Who Got Away
Keaton Wagler's rise to prominence is another chapter in this saga. As a three-star prospect from Shawnee Mission Northwest, Wagler wasn't heavily recruited by Kansas State or Kansas. Despite being overshadowed by his high school teammate, Wagler caught the eye of Underwood, who transformed him into a second-team All-American.
Under Tang, Kansas State shifted focus away from high school recruiting, turning instead to the transfer portal and international prospects. This strategy left talents like Wagler to flourish elsewhere, underscoring the Wildcats' recruiting challenges.
Illinois' K-State Connection Runs Deep
Brad Underwood isn't the only link between Illinois and Kansas State. His son, Tyler Underwood, serves as an assistant coach and offensive coordinator for the Illini. Having played for his father at multiple stops, Tyler brings a unique perspective to the team.
Additionally, Neel Ganta, Illinois' director of player personnel, is a K-State graduate and Manhattan native. His role in Illinois' analytical efforts has been pivotal to their success.
As the Final Four unfolds, Kansas State fans might watch with a mix of admiration and wistfulness, knowing the impact their former Wildcat could have had in purple and white.