The Idaho Vandals men's basketball program just landed a major homecoming story. Kase Wynott, the 2024 Idaho Gatorade Player of the Year and the state's all-time high school scoring leader, is coming home after two seasons at Washington State, signing with the Vandals on Friday.
Head coach Alex Pribble couldn't hide his excitement. "Kase is coming home," Pribble said. "He was a recruit we really prioritized when our staff first got here, so it's exciting to officially get him in a Vandal uniform."
Wynott isn't just a local product; he's a prep legend. The 6-foot-6 guard from Lapwai High School owns the Idaho state record with 2,962 career points, including a single-game high of 68. His senior year was otherworldly, as he nearly averaged a triple-double with 36 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game for the small-school powerhouse.
"We want the best players from Idaho to be in this program, and Kase is the all-time leading scorer from the state," Pribble emphasized. "He can really score the ball, he's got a diverse skill set, and he's a competitor. He'll make an immediate impact next year."
Wynott's journey to Moscow has been eventful. After winning three state titles at Lapwai, he initially committed to Utah State before flipping to Washington State. His playing time with the Cougars was limited, appearing in 29 total games over two seasons. He entered the transfer portal following WSU's 12-20 campaign, seeking a fresh start closer to home.
His arrival is a significant boost for a Vandals program riding high after a Big Sky Tournament championship and its first NCAA Tournament bid in 36 years. While Idaho has felt the sting of the transfer portal—losing Big Sky Freshman of the Year Jackson Rasmussen to Oregon State—they are aggressively reloading.
Wynott's signing is part of a recruiting surge for Pribble's squad. The Vandals also recently inked highly-touted Canadian guard TJ Wal from the Overtime Elite league and California prep guard Nolan Newman-Gomez, signaling a clear intent to build on last season's historic success.
For Vandals fans, adding a proven scorer and home-state hero like Wynott is a perfect fit. He brings championship pedigree, elite offensive talent, and a deep local connection, making him a player to watch as Idaho looks to defend its Big Sky crown.