K-State still has one available scholarship for next season. The Wildcats' top target to finish the 2016 class, Neosho County (Kan.) Community College forward Freddie McSwain, chose Indiana over K-State on Sunday evening, and now leaves Bruce Weber and his staff with a tough decision moving forward: What to do with that final scholarship?
Not landing McSwain is a tough blow, for sure, but it is what it is and it's not the end of the world. The goal was to land McSwain and have an athletic forward come off the bench in an Austin Budke-type role for next season. That can still happen. Everything was in limbo until the announcement was made, but the staff has been in contact with other prospects to fill that scholarship. And no, I do not believe it will go to Budke. I am under the impression the final one will be used on a new player.
I think Utah State transfer Lew Evans quickly moves up toward the top of the list, if not at the very top. Evans is a 6-foot-9, 230-pound forward that will be immediately eligible as a senior. It would fit the need of a reserve role and give the scholarship right back for 2017, where the staff has been offering prospects like crazy.
Another option would be a transfer. Jimmy Whitt would be one to look for. K-State was in on Whitt early in his recruitment and has been in contact with the staff to my knowledge. Whitt is extremely talented. The only thing that could be looked as meh is the fact it would add to an already large class after he sits out.
I will continue to follow this and give updates whenever I get more information.
Not landing McSwain is a tough blow, for sure, but it is what it is and it's not the end of the world. The goal was to land McSwain and have an athletic forward come off the bench in an Austin Budke-type role for next season. That can still happen. Everything was in limbo until the announcement was made, but the staff has been in contact with other prospects to fill that scholarship. And no, I do not believe it will go to Budke. I am under the impression the final one will be used on a new player.
I think Utah State transfer Lew Evans quickly moves up toward the top of the list, if not at the very top. Evans is a 6-foot-9, 230-pound forward that will be immediately eligible as a senior. It would fit the need of a reserve role and give the scholarship right back for 2017, where the staff has been offering prospects like crazy.
Another option would be a transfer. Jimmy Whitt would be one to look for. K-State was in on Whitt early in his recruitment and has been in contact with the staff to my knowledge. Whitt is extremely talented. The only thing that could be looked as meh is the fact it would add to an already large class after he sits out.
I will continue to follow this and give updates whenever I get more information.
