Men

Probable starters

Key reserves

Stats from last season

Center stage

Rodney McGruder is among the Big 12’s top returning players and could challenge for conference player of the year if he can raise his scoring average. Point guard Angel Rodriguez is a year older and a year wiser. He was explosive last year at times, but he was also turnover prone. Jordan Henriquez was a monster inside at the end of last season.

First challenge

K-State doesn’t have many tests out of conference, so it needs to take advantage against Gonzaga, Florida and in the NIT Season Tip-off. Otherwise it can get high-quality wins only in conference.

End game

The Wildcats could be better than last year, even with a new coaching staff. Players need to buy into Bruce Weber’s system, while maintaining the toughness they showed under Frank Martin.

Women

Probable starters

Stats from last season

Center stage

Brittany Chambers is one of the nation’s top three-point shooters, but she needs to be a complete player to lead K-State back to the NCAA Tournament.

First challenge

K-State doesn’t face a highly ranked team until conference play begins. It needs to use that time to prepare for difficult Big 12 games.

End game

The Wildcats aren’t expected to compete for the Big 12 championship, but Chambers gives them a chance to have a surprise year if they can develop some players inside.