Kansas State’s new men’s basketball head coach, Casey Alexander, touched down in Manhattan, Kansas on Monday, greeted by an enthusiastic crowd eager to welcome the program’s 27th head coach to the Little Apple.
Almost immediately, one name began to circulate following a major announcement in the transfer world.
The 2026 Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year, revealed Monday morning that he’s entering the transfer portal. In today’s era of college basketball, it’s increasingly common for players to follow coaches they trust—and Lundblade could be headed to Kansas State.
Lundblade spent two seasons under Alexander after transferring from TCU to Belmont in 2024. His impact at Belmont was significant. The fourth-year senior averaged 15.6 points per game, along with 2.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists. He scored a season-high 31 points against current NCAA March Madness 12-seed Northern Iowa during conference play.
The year before, he averaged just over 12 points per game. A sharpshooter, Lundblade boasts a 43.5% career three-point shooting rate and over 90% from the free-throw line.
Why a Transfer to Kansas State Could Be a Perfect Fit
It’s not uncommon for coaches to bring familiar players to new programs. Ben McCollum at Iowa Hawkeyes has successfully done this, recruiting several players from his previous stint at Northwest Missouri State. While it’s not guaranteed, the option is strong in today’s transfer portal era.
Alexander emphasized on Monday his commitment to recruiting high school talent and developing players, but someone like Lundblade is hard to overlook. With his proven track record in Alexander’s system, he’s a transfer candidate that makes immediate sense and could seamlessly fit into Kansas State’s style of play.
If Lundblade decides to follow Alexander, he might not be the only former Bruin making the jump. While no other moves have been announced, his decision could trigger a chain reaction.
Welcoming Casey Alexander: Big Names in the Little Apple Show Support
Monday’s press conference at Bramlage Coliseum drew more than just basketball fans. First-year football head coach Collin Klein and women’s basketball coach Jeff Mittie were also on hand to greet Alexander.
Klein, introduced in December following the retirement of Chris Klieman, is the Wildcats’ new football leader, while Mittie, a familiar figure in Manhattan, recently made headlines after earning a WBIT invitation.
Evert Nelson/The Capital-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Casey Alexander, right, poses with football head coach Collin Klein, right, during the press conference welcoming him as Kansas State men’s basketball head coach on Monday, March 16, 2026.