K-State men's basketball head coach Casey Alexander is wasting no time shaping his first roster for the Wildcats. With the offseason moving fast, Alexander has been hard at work in the transfer portal, building a team from the ground up in the competitive Big 12 conference.

When Alexander took the reins, he was faced with a unique challenge: only one player from the 2024-25 season—freshman Andrej Kostic—was returning to Manhattan for 2025-26. Kostic, who shot an impressive 37.5% from beyond the arc last season, was a key piece Alexander was thrilled to keep. "He was open and receptive to conversation," Alexander said. "I give the people of Manhattan a lot of credit for his decision to stay. He feels loved there and very much appreciated, and that played a big part in his choice."

The transfer portal has been a busy place for K-State, with several players committing early to the program—some without even taking an official visit. For Alexander, the focus is clear: finding young talent that can grow over time and players who are fully committed to the team. "I want guys that are about the team," he emphasized. "I made it clear I didn't want anyone coming to K-State if they were concerned about anything more than winning, being a great teammate, and playing together."

After seven seasons at Belmont in the Missouri Valley Conference, Alexander is adjusting to the demands of a power-five league like the Big 12. One of his core philosophies remains the same: size matters. "I wouldn't say our mission is to go out and get big," Alexander explained via Zoom. "Over my recent career, I've always leaned on the side of size. Bigger doesn't have to mean better, but all things being equal, it will be."

With 13 players already on the current roster, Alexander isn't closing the door on additions. If the right players come along, he's ready to make a move. As the Wildcats gear up for a new era, fans can expect a roster built on teamwork, development, and a winning mindset.