It’s been just two days since Kansas State men’s basketball lost center Dorin Buca to the transfer portal, and the program has already found a replacementmuch quicker than most fans and analysts expected.
Kansas State lands New Mexico transfer JT Rock
Stepping in is JT Rock, a 7-foot-1 junior entering his third year of eligibility after spending one season at New Mexico. During his sophomore campaign with the Lobos, Rock averaged 6.2 points and 3.5 rebounds in 12.8 minutes per game.
He shot an efficient 54.5% from the field and maintained one of the lowest turnover rates on the team. Notably, Rock also spent the 2024–25 season at Iowa State under head coach T.J. Otzelberger.
Otzelberger’s staff has prior ties to Kansas State as well, having been involved in recruiting former Wildcats forward Taj Manning, who spent three seasons in Manhattan.
Key questions answered for Kansas State in the portal
Finding a true “big man” is widely considered one of the toughest challenges in college basketball. With Buca entering the portal, how Kansas State would fill that critical and often costly position was a major unknown.
Reports had suggested that top centers in the portal could command as much as $5 million, a figure highlighted by Adam Finkelstein and CBS Sports in connection with Kansas transfer Flory Bidunga. While it’s unclear if Bidunga ever secured that amount, it underscores how competitive the market has become.
Rock’s addition also helps clarify another question for fans: how many more transfers are on the way? With his commitment, the number now stands at five incoming players.
His arrival follows earlier additions, including Colorado State transfer Brandon Rechsteiner and former Oregon forward Dezdrick Lindsay. Kansas State has also secured commitments from former Belmont pledges Jaylen Alexander and Devin Hutcherson, both high school seniors.
The Wildcats have continued to stay active in the portal, landing Murray State transfer Brock Vice and former Virginia Tech guard Jaden Schutt as well.
So far, eight Kansas State players have entered the transfer portal, with two already committed to new programs. If the Wildcats’ first-year head coach can manage to bring those players back, the team’s potential ceiling could rise significantly.
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