Ayrton Oneill
The Kansas State Wildcats have a rich history in college basketball, with a total of 36 All-Americans, 19 regular-season conference championships, and nine conference tournament championships. The team has appeared in 32 NCAA basketball tournaments, most recently in 2023, and has achieved notable successes, including reaching the Final Four four times and the Elite Eight 13 times. However, the Wildcats have never won a national championship in basketball, despite coming close in 1951 when they lost to the University of Kentucky in the national championship game. The women's team has had more success in recent years, participating in 19 NCAA tournaments and winning the Women's National Invitation Tournament in 2005-06.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of NCAA basketball tournaments participated in | 31 or 32 |
| Best finish at the NCAA tournament | Runner-up in 1951 |
| Number of Final Four appearances | 4 |
| Number of Elite Eight appearances | 13 or 14 |
| Number of Sweet Sixteen appearances | 17 or 18 |
| Number of All-Americans | 36 |
| Number of regular-season conference championships | 19 or 36 |
| Number of conference tournament championships | 9 or 13 |
| Number of top-ten finishes in the AP Poll | 8 or 9 |
| Number of top-twenty-five finishes in the AP Poll | 21 or 22 |
| Number of varsity championships | 68 |
| Number of NCAA team championships | 0 |
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What You'll Learn
Kansas State Wildcats men's basketball history
The Kansas State Wildcats men's basketball team has a long and storied history, representing Kansas State University in college basketball competition since 1902. The program is classified in the NCAA Division I and is a member of the Big 12 Conference.
The Wildcats have experienced both triumphs and setbacks over the decades, with notable successes in the early part of their history. They won their first two major-conference regular-season titles in 1917 and 1919, competing in the Missouri Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Association. The team has since accumulated 19 regular-season conference championships, with 32 appearances in the NCAA tournament, including in 2023.
Kansas State's best finish in the NCAA tournament was in 1951, when they reached the national championship game but lost to the University of Kentucky. They have reached the Final Four four times, the Elite Eight 13 or 14 times, and the Sweet Sixteen 17 or 18 times. The Wildcats have also achieved success in individual games, with some of their wins considered classics, such as the 1958 victory over Oscar Robertson's Cincinnati team.
The program experienced a period of lesser success during the 1990s and 2000s but returned to prominence under head coach Frank Martin. In the 2007-2008 season, the Wildcats broke a 12-year drought by qualifying for the NCAA tournament. That year, freshman Michael Beasley was recognised as an All-American and Big 12 Conference Player of the Year. The team continued their winning streak in the 2009-2010 season, spending much of the year ranked in the Top 10 of national polls and advancing to the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament.
The Wildcats have produced notable players, including two overall #1 NBA draft picks: Howie Shannon (1949) and Bob Boozer (1959). The team's success has been guided by several head coaches, including Frank Martin and Bruce Weber, who took over in 2012. The current head coach is Jerome Tang, who was appointed in 2022.
While Kansas State has a rich basketball history, they have yet to win a national championship in an NCAA-sanctioned sport, which remains an elusive goal for the program.
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Kansas State's NCAA tournament appearances
Kansas State University's men's basketball team has appeared in 32 NCAA basketball tournaments, most recently in 2023. The team's all-time record in the NCAA tournament is 39–35 (.527).
Kansas State's best finish at the tournament came in 1951 when they lost to the University of Kentucky in the national championship game. The Wildcats have reached the Final Four four times, the Elite Eight 14 times, and the Sweet Sixteen 18 times.
The team had some notably successful seasons before the creation of the NCAA tournament in 1939, including conference titles in 1917 and 1919 under coach Zora Clevenger. The Helms Athletic Foundation named Frank Reynolds the program's first All-American player in 1917.
After a 12-year absence, the team returned to the NCAA tournament in 2008 under head coach Frank Martin. In the 2009-10 season, the team spent much of the year ranked in the Top 10 of the AP poll and finished second in the Big 12. They advanced to the Elite Eight of the 2010 NCAA tournament, repeating the feat in 2018 and 2023.
Kansas State's women's basketball team has also enjoyed success, participating in 21 total NCAA basketball tournaments and AIAW tournaments (pre-NCAA). They reached the Sweet Sixteen in 2025 and have made it to the NCAA Tournament again in 2025.
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Kansas State's closest rivals
Kansas State University's basketball team, the Kansas State Wildcats, has a long history of competing in the NCAA basketball tournaments, with 32 appearances. While they have had many notable wins and successful seasons, they have never won a national championship.
As for their closest rivals, in basketball, the University of Kansas Jayhawks are considered their main rivals. The rivalry was at its peak in the 1950s when both teams were annual contenders for the national title. However, one source notes that the Kansas Jayhawks are the more dominant team, leading the series by nearly 100 games.
Other rivals include Iowa State, with whom they have a proud basketball rivalry known as "Farmageddon". Oklahoma State and Texas Tech are also mentioned as rivals, with close records against Kansas State.
Outside of basketball, Kansas State's biggest rival as a university is considered to be the University of Kansas.
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Kansas State's most successful seasons
Kansas State University's men's basketball team has had a rich history, with several successful seasons and notable achievements. While the team has never won a national championship, they have had some impressive runs and come close on a few occasions. Here is a look at some of Kansas State's most successful seasons:
1951 Season:
The 1951 season stands out as one of the most successful campaigns for Kansas State. The team reached the national championship game of the NCAA tournament, ultimately losing to the University of Kentucky. This remains the team's best finish in the tournament. The 1951 season was part of a highly successful era for Kansas State basketball, with the team finishing the 1950s as the #3 ranked program in the nation.
1958 Season:
The 1958 season was another memorable year for Kansas State. The team advanced to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament and recorded an 83-80 victory over Oscar Robertson's Cincinnati team. Sports Illustrated hailed this game as "the most exciting game of the 1958 season." This win was a significant accomplishment for the program.
1981 Season:
In 1981, Kansas State added another memorable chapter to its basketball history. The team reached the Sweet Sixteen once more and pulled off a thrilling 50-48 victory over the second-ranked Oregon State. USA Today recognised this game as one of the greatest in NCAA tournament annals.
1987-88 Season:
The 1987-88 season was notable for the rivalry between Kansas State and KU. In the first matchup, Mitch Richmond's stellar performance led Kansas State to a 72-61 win, snapping KU's 55-game home winning streak. The teams later faced off in the 1988 Big Eight Conference tournament, with Kansas State prevailing 69-54. Both teams advanced to the NCAA tournament, and KU ultimately won their matchup en route to the Final Four.
2007-08 Season:
After a period of relatively less success in the 1990s and 2000s, the 2007-08 season marked a resurgence for Kansas State. Under head coach Frank Martin, the team returned to the NCAA tournament after a 12-year absence. Freshman Michael Beasley, arguably the best college basketball player that year, was named an All-American and Big 12 Conference Player of the Year.
2009-10 Season:
Kansas State built on their success in the 2009-10 season, spending much of the year ranked in the Top 10 of the national polls. The team finished second in the Big 12 and advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament. This season solidified the program's return to prominence.
Kansas State has a proud basketball history, with numerous conference championships, tournament appearances, and notable victories. While they have not won a national championship, their most successful seasons have left an indelible mark on the program's legacy.
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Kansas State's most notable players
Kansas State University has had several notable basketball players over the years, with some going on to have successful careers in the NBA. Here are some of the most prominent players in the history of Kansas State Wildcats basketball:
Michael Beasley is one of the most dominant forces in Kansas State basketball history. He showcased a unique scoring touch and fierce rebounding ability, earning him the Big 12 Player of the Year award and First Team All-American honours during his time with the Wildcats. Beasley was drafted second overall by the Miami Heat in the 2008 NBA draft.
Rolando Blackman is another standout player from Kansas State. He was a three-time All-American selection and a four-time NBA All-Star. Blackman was drafted ninth overall by the Dallas Mavericks in 1981 and spent 11 of his 13 seasons with the team. He helped the Mavericks to six postseason appearances and left as their all-time leading scorer.
Mitch Richmond is considered by some as the best player ever to come from Kansas State. He earned First Team All-American honours twice while at Kansas State and was named USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year. Richmond went on to have a successful NBA career, becoming a six-time All-Star and winning an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2001-02. He was also named the NBA All-Star Game MVP in 1995 and Rookie of the Year in 1989.
Bob Boozer is another all-time great for the Wildcats. He was the number one overall pick in the 1959 NBA draft and played for 11 seasons in the NBA. Boozer made it to the All-Star Game in 1968 and won an NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 1971. He also represented Team USA at the 1960 Olympics, helping to secure a gold medal.
Jacob Pullen, a Chicago native, is also worth mentioning. His versatility and leadership quickly made him a fan favourite during his time with the Wildcats. Pullen had an uncanny ability to score from deep or slash to the basket.
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Frequently asked questions
Kansas State University's basketball team, also known as the Kansas State Wildcats, has never won a national championship.
Yes, the Kansas State Wildcats reached the national championship game in 1951, losing to the University of Kentucky.
The Kansas State Wildcats have participated in 31 or 32 NCAA basketball tournaments.
The Kansas State Wildcats have reached the Final Four four times, the Elite Eight 12 to 13 times, and the Sweet Sixteen 16 to 18 times. They have also finished in the top ten of the AP Poll on eight to nine occasions and have been ranked in the top 25 on 21 to 22 occasions.
