A New Era for the Wildcats
Casey Alexander arrived in Manhattan with a reputation forged at Belmont, where a 26‑6 season and a 61.0% effective field‑goal percentage had turned heads. His arrival follows the abrupt exit of Jerome Tang, whose tenure ended after a 100‑91 loss to Missouri in 2025 and a 1‑12 start in Big 12 play.
The Wildcats’ roster has been remade through the transfer portal, bringing in Brandon Rechsteiner from Colorado State and Jaden Schutt from Virginia Tech, while Andrej Kostic stands as the sole holdover from the previous year. Additional newcomers such as Dez Lindsay, Isaiah Abraham, Matt Gilhool, Timo Malovec and Pape N'Diaye add depth and experience.
Freshmen Jaylen Alexander, Devin Hutcherson and Nash Stark are expected to provide additional energy, joining transfers like JT Rock from New Mexico. The blend of size, skill and potential forms the core of a rebuilding effort that aims to restore competitiveness in the Big 12.
A home‑and‑home exhibition series against Missouri will serve as Alexander’s first public test, offering an early gauge of how the new system meshes on the court. The games are positioned as a stepping stone toward establishing credibility and momentum for the upcoming season.
Beyond the on‑court challenges, the transition reflects a broader strategy of rebuilding through size and versatility. With a schedule that includes both exhibition matchups and conference play, the Wildcats hope to translate their offseason additions into tangible results when the regular season begins.