Rapid Recap: Head coach Jerome Tang assesses Kansas State exhibition performance

FIRST GAME JITTERS

Kansas State opened up their year in Bramlage Coliseum with an exhibition contest against Washburn. It also, of course, was the first outing for Jerome Tang’s as head coach for K-State. He admitted he was nervous at first, but the nerves evaporated after the tip and it was just another game for him.

His first home experience as the boss in Manhattan was a blast for him, and he was proud of his players and how they handled their first game inside their home venue, too.

TURNOVERS

19 turnovers were committed by Kansas State in the win over the Ichabods, which is obviously too many. The team goal for turnovers is less than 11 per game. To turn the ball over less, players have to make the simple play but sometimes simple isn’t easy in basketball.

That is what is being drilled into them by Tang and his coaching staff.

K-State guards combined for 14 assists, but they also had 10 turnovers, so it was a bit of a mixed bag. Even Tang mentioned how they were fantastic at facilitating, but to both teams.

Some of the turnovers were miscommunication, which is to be expected on a roster with only two returners. Kansas State also did not run many sets against Washburn on purpose, and some of that led to more turnovers as well.

Handling the ball is the number one thing that K-State will work on. It is their job as a coaching staff to fix the issues, according to Tang.

FIRST HALF ROTATIONS

Jerrell Colbert and Anthony Thomas did not play at all in the first half. Both had a conversation with the Kansas State head coach prior to the contest and learned that they would not play in that particular frame. But it was not disciplinary in nature. It was more of a strategy from Tang to be able to observe other players more and give them an opportunity.

Colbert, specifically, had already played a bunch in the scrimmage versus Southern Illinois in Kansas City.

Tang also wanted the two to be good teammates on the bench and supportive of the rest of their team while they were not on the floor hooping for K-State.

PRAISE FOR STUDENT SECTION

While not being a sold out crowd, the student section at Bramlage Coliseum was as full as it has been for a non-Kansas game the past few years. The Kansas State head coach called the student section incredible and showed his appreciation for their energy.

The players acknowledged and celebrated their support after the game by forming a line and giving them “high-fives” as they left the floor for the locker room. Jerome Tang also walked his way over to the student section after the game and acknowledged their impressive attendance and noise.

That has been an important part of their effort since arriving in Manhattan. They want to build the best home court advantage in the Big 12, and embracing the fans has been a large facet of that operation. Tang mentioned that he would love to see a sellout on Monday evening against UT-Rio Grande Valley, but he noted that he understood that would have to be earned.

The fans have been incredible and contributed to their early recruiting success. As Tang shared afterwards, fans impact winning more than folks realize, and he is thankful and grateful that K-State has the best fans who want to impact winning.