It has only been two days since Kansas State men’s basketball lost center Dorin Buca to the transfer portal, but the program has already secured a replacement sooner than many expected.
Kansas State basketball adds New Mexico transfer JT Rock through portal
Kansas State has landed New Mexico transfer JT Rock, a 7-foot-1 junior heading into his third year of eligibility after one season with the Lobos. During his sophomore campaign, Rock averaged 6.2 points and 3.5 rebounds while playing 12.8 minutes per game.
He also shot an efficient 54.5% from the field and posted one of the lowest turnover rates on the New Mexico roster. Notably, Rock previously spent the 2024–25 season at Iowa State under head coach T.J. Otzelberger.
Otzelberger’s coaching tree has also been connected to Kansas State recruiting efforts, including former Wildcats forward Taj Manning, who spent three seasons with the program before transferring.
Kansas State addresses key transfer portal concerns
The departure of Buca left Kansas State searching for help at center, one of the most difficult and expensive positions to fill in college basketball. Reports earlier in the offseason suggested elite centers could command up to $5 million in the transfer market, including speculation surrounding Kansas transfer Flory Bidunga, according to CBS Sports analyst Adam Finkelstein. While those figures remain unconfirmed, they highlight the premium placed on the position.
Rock’s commitment also helps answer another key roster question about remaining portal activity. Following his addition, Kansas State is reportedly down to five remaining spots.
The Wildcats have already added Colorado State transfer Brandon Rechsteiner and former Oregon forward Dezdrick Lindsay. They’ve also brought in high school seniors Jaylen Alexander and Devin Hutcherson, both Belmont recruits.
In addition, Kansas State has pursued Murray State transfer Brock Vice and former Virginia Tech guard Jaden Schutt, both of whom have also committed elsewhere.
At the time of reporting, eight Kansas State players had entered the transfer portal, with two already committed to new programs. If the new head coach can successfully retain or replace key pieces, expectations remain high for the Wildcats’ rebuilt roster.
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