Kansas State men’s basketball experienced major roster changes after the 2025–26 campaign, including the loss of center Dorin Buca, which created a significant gap at one of the most difficult positions to replace.
Kansas State banking on New Mexico transfer JT Rock for upside
The value of elite big men in college basketball has surged in recent years. CBS Sports analyst Adam Finkelstein previously suggested that top centers, such as former Kansas standout Flory Bidunga, could now command as much as $5 million in the current market—an amount he described as effectively “resetting” what big men are worth.
That kind of valuation is reshaping player decisions. When elite frontcourt players can earn that level of money in college, the incentive to leave early for the professional ranks decreases, especially if eligibility remains. In simple terms, if the financial rewards are already strong at the college level, staying put becomes a more attractive option.
However, programs like Kansas State can’t realistically operate anywhere near those figures. Even within most Power Four programs, that level of spending is not sustainable. That’s where a player like JT Rock becomes especially important.
Rock spent a redshirt year at Iowa State under T.J. Otzelberger, learning within a high-level program environment. Although he didn’t see game action, he gained valuable experience practicing against top-tier talent and observing what it takes to compete on a winning team.
That Cyclones roster featured key contributors such as Milan Momcilovic, Tamin Lipsey, Tre King, and Hassan Ward, helping the team capture the Big 12 Tournament title and reach the Sweet 16. That background adds context that doesn’t show up in statistics—development, physicality, and the habits built in a competitive system.
JT Rock’s expected role at Kansas State
If Rock earns a starting spot, his role would likely center on interior production: operating in the paint, developing a midrange presence, and providing a dependable scoring option inside. His minutes, however, will be crucial in determining his impact.
If head coach Jerome Tang instead opts to use Rock in a bench role similar to how Dorin Buca was deployed, Kansas State could lean more heavily on perimeter scoring options like Andrej Kostic and Isaiah Abraham to stretch defenses and generate offense from outside.
Ultimately, Kansas State’s success may depend on striking the right balance between interior strength and perimeter firepower. If Rock adjusts quickly and fulfills his role effectively, he could become a key piece in the Wildcats’ rotation and a major storyline for the upcoming season.
