The transfer portal period has nearly stripped Kansas State men’s basketball of its entire 2025-26 roster, including key names like P.J. Haggerty, Taj Manning, and David Castillo. Yet one familiar player has yet to make a decision.
Elias Rapieque still weighing his future with the Kansas State Wildcats
Elias Rapieque, a junior from Berlin, Germany, last season, has not indicated whether he will enter the transfer portal or commit to first-year head coach Casey Alexander at Kansas State. His final call carries significant weight.
Rapieque played in 20 games last season, posting averages of 3.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. He logged about 15.3 minutes per game while shooting 46% from the field and 40% from three-point range.
Like several teammates, he missed a substantial stretch due to injury, from the January 10 game against Arizona State through late February. He returned to action more than a month later against the Colorado Buffaloes, a 79-70 loss for the Wildcats.
If he stays, Rapieque would become the second returning Wildcat alongside sophomore Andrej Kostic. That choice, however, may not come without challenges.
Rapieque’s potential playing time with the Wildcats
Listed as a 6’9″ forward, Rapieque would face competition at his position if he returns, including Georgetown transfer Isaiah Abraham, LSU transfer Matt Gilhool, and Oregon transfer Dezdrick Lindsay.
If he plays as a big, the situation becomes less clear. Coach Alexander and his staff have pursued two centers: New Mexico transfer JT Rock and Murray State big man Brock Vice.
Unlike Rapieque, Vice hasn’t seen as many minutes. But making a case to start over Rock would be difficult, given Rock’s height, shooting efficiency, and postseason experience as a sophomore big.
If Rapieque wants starting minutes, entering the portal is the smarter move. Staying would likely mean coming off the bench and serving as a dependable backup.
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