MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Just about everyone is back this season for Kansas State — except the coach.
Frank Martin is gone to South Carolina, and former Illinois coach Bruce Weber has taken over. Returning players will be the key as Weber tries to prove that a couple of lean years in Champaign were an aberration.
He’s off to a good start so far, having successfully “re-recruited” 12 lettermen, including six who started 10 games or more for the Wildcats in 2011.
Seniors Rodney McGruder, Jordan Henriquez and Martavious Irving all have considerable experience, and other players have logged meaningful minutes. McGruder led the team in scoring and 10 other categories last season; he and Henriquez were named to the Big 12’s all-defensive team.
Retaining that group was a crucial first step for Weber, and the players say they are buying into Weber’s way.
