<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=22596&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Watch Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/chris-klieman-press-conference-august-8-2023/4802" target="_blank">Listen to Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a> MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;met with members of the media for the first time during preseason camp on Tuesday at the Vanier Family Football Complex. Links to video and audio of the press conference – which was streamed live on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ – are above, while a transcript of Klieman’s opening statement is below.

“Good afternoon, everyone. It’s great to see everybody here as we wrap up practice six of fall camp. I just want to start off by saying that our thoughts and prayers are with President Linton right now. Hopefully they caught it in time. I know he's going through some treatments in the near future. We're thinking of him with K-State Football, for sure, and obviously the entire K-State community. We're praying for you. We've got your back, Prez. Wishing you well.

“The first six practices are in the books. There are some really good things. A lot of installs, so there's a lot of young guys that are probably swimming a little bit mentally. The older kids kind of pick up where they leave off from spring and their own stuff in the summer. So, we're ahead of schedule with some of the older guys. Our install starts to slow down here in the next couple of practices, and then we'll be able to hone in on a lot of the basic schemes and techniques and try to get more guys understanding of what we're doing. But I’m pleased with the energy. We talked last night in our team meeting that we're kind of catching a break right now with the weather the last few days. It's been really good. So, we've had really good energy, really good competition, but adversity is going to come back on us here once that heat fires up. We need it, we like it. The players may not, but coaches do to make sure that we're prepared for early season football.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691528867996.png" alt="Klineman Conference" />
 <figcaption>Klineman Conference</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=22596&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Watch Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/chris-klieman-press-conference-august-8-2023/4802" target="_blank">Listen to Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a> MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;met with members of the media for the first time during preseason camp on Tuesday at the Vanier Family Football Complex. Links to video and audio of the press conference – which was streamed live on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ – are above, while a transcript of Klieman’s opening statement is below.CHRIS KLIEMAN, HEAD COACHOpening Statement…“Good afternoon, everyone. It’s great to see everybody here as we wrap up practice six of fall camp. I just want to start off by saying that our thoughts and prayers are with President Linton right now. Hopefully they caught it in time. I know he's going through some treatments in the near future. We're thinking of him with K-State Football, for sure, and obviously the entire K-State community. We're praying for you. We've got your back, Prez. Wishing you well.“The first six practices are in the books. There are some really good things. A lot of installs, so there's a lot of young guys that are probably swimming a little bit mentally. The older kids kind of pick up where they leave off from spring and their own stuff in the summer. So, we're ahead of schedule with some of the older guys. Our install starts to slow down here in the next couple of practices, and then we'll be able to hone in on a lot of the basic schemes and techniques and try to get more guys understanding of what we're doing. But I’m pleased with the energy. We talked last night in our team meeting that we're kind of catching a break right now with the weather the last few days. It's been really good. So, we've had really good energy, really good competition, but adversity is going to come back on us here once that heat fires up. We need it, we like it. The players may not, but coaches do to make sure that we're prepared for early season football.”

K-State holds first preseason camp press conference

Chiefs Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo Quotes

Q:&nbsp;What are your takeaways from Bryan Cook here in camp?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Yeah so Bryan (Cook) is really going to become the quarterback of the defense. Him and Nick (Bolton), and (he is) especially the quarterback on the back end. One other thing about Bryan (Cook) is he’s always looking for feedback. He came the other day and he wanted to do some more drills. That’s one thing he’s got, we saw that when we were looking at him out of (The University of) Cincinnati, his work, he loves football, passionate about football and we’re banking on him in that regard.”

Q:&nbsp;On how the defense has done well against the offense.

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“I remember all the ones we weren’t successful on. We’ve had our moments. Today, that first team period that you saw was third and seven-plus. We should, from a statistical standpoint, we should win those. We won a number of those today which was good. The other day, it was a third and two-to-four and those were challenging, we didn’t win as many. So today we had a little more success, but it might have been more of the situation. The thing about that situation – I talked to the guys last night – is we’ve got to get them in that situation to be able to do what we do. They’ve been working hard. I got no complaints with the work ethic. I enjoy working with this group. They’re eager, very eager group.”

Q:&nbsp;Are there guys you’re particularly interested in seeing in the first preseason game?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Obviously all the young guys that we don’t know anything about, (I’d) put them all in the same category. Maybe guys that are getting off of nicks, and bumps and bruises, see where they’re at. Other than that, the guys we know about certainly, (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid typically doesn’t have them out there too long. I think I’ve probably said this every first preseason game, I’m particularly more interested in finding out where we are as a tackling group. Where we are at eliminating big plays. You got to do that stuff first before you think about being any good.”

Q:&nbsp;How have the second-year guys like Joshua Williams and Jaylen Watson been handling trying to take steps forward in year two?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“At times, it’s up and down, but they’re light years ahead of where they were last year, so that part’s good. In the midst of the middle of training camp, everyone has an off play here or there, but the expectations for them are so much higher now than they were a year ago and we try to keep that expectation up high.”

Q:&nbsp;How comfortable do you feel right now, compared to last year?

WATSON:&nbsp;“I’m super – I mean everything just slows down and the process just seems a lot slower than it did last year. Just everything (was) happening so fast, the offense moving so fast, now that I know what I’m doing and the guys I’m playing next to, I can move faster and more comfortable.”

Q:&nbsp;Defensive Coordinator Coach Steve Spagnuolo said he wants the second-year guys to put the mistakes behind them from rookie year and move forward. How do you feel you are doing with that?

WATSON:&nbsp;“I just try to stay consistent; I think that’s what (Defensive Coordinator) Coach (Steve) Spags (Spagnuolo) looks for who can he trust on the field. That’s what I try to do when we practice, I try to show the coaches that they can trust me to be in the right spots and the right places and my teammates can too.”

Q:&nbsp;What have you seen from Bryan Cook as far as improvement from him?

WATSON:&nbsp;“Bryan (Cook) has always been a person that has always been in the playbook, knows what he’s doing back there. Loud and confident last year behind Juan (Thornhill) as well, so we know if he went down (Bryan) Cook would be the next man ready. He’s just continuing to do that this year. He’s been a leader putting us in the right positions and he’s doing a great job.”

Q:&nbsp;With the first preseason game coming up, how excited are you to face another team?

WATSON:&nbsp;“I’m very excited. You know, training camp – you kind of get tired of each other, we’ve been here so long, you get tired of playing the same players. You get to play another opponent, so that’s always fun when you get to tackle, hit a little bit, and get our pads warmed backed up. Should be a great time.”

Q:&nbsp;What do you want to get out of the first preseason game?

BOLTON:&nbsp;“Yeah, I think we can come in and get a lot out of it. Tackling for one, stopping the run, run game hasn’t really been a huge thing in this training camp, we’re more pass oriented. So, getting an opportunity to see how we compare against the run, get D-linemen inside blocks, linebackers stack and shed getting off of blocks and tackling on the perimeter. I feel like those are big things especially Weeks 1 through 5. As a defense, the kind of things we want to be on top of to help us out.”&nbsp;

Q:&nbsp;How would you compare how the defense has done this training camp versus last year?

BOLTON:&nbsp;“Yeah, I feel like this training camp for sure, I think everybody’s a little bit older in the scheme wise. J (Justin) Reid’s a second-year guy, I’m going into my third year, (it’s) Willie’s (Gay) fourth year, (L’Jarius) Sneed’s fourth year. So, the communication part, where we left off, where we were coming in from last year to this year, it’s night and day. Everybody’s communicating, everybody feels more comfortable. We can talk to each other, give people hand signals and know what each other are thinking. It helps us out a lot. So if we can keep doing that, keep building on that, I feel like we’ll be in a good position.”

Q:&nbsp;How excited are you to see the rookies and how they can tackle in the preseason games?

BOLTON:&nbsp;“Oh yeah, I’m excited for sure. We’ve got a lot of young rookies that came in, learning the scheme, and helping themselves get the scheme part down, so they can just strictly learn about playing just football and just hitting, tackling, making plays out in space, and trying to get back to where they were. I tell all the rookies that the goal is to try to mentally get to the part where you feel like you’re back in college again. Just go out there and line up, you hear the call, you go out there and just play. So, if we can get those guys to that point, I know we will be good and set up for the rest of the season.”

Q:&nbsp;Do you sense a different confidence in this group this year?

BOLTON:&nbsp;“Yeah, I think (it’s) a testament to our coaches, how much time people have put in the offseason. Granted we played at the end of February, so our downtime wasn’t as much as it was the year before. So, guys picking up where we left off and just understanding the communication of what we’re trying to do in the grand scheme of things. I think that’s helped propel us to where we are right now, and going against the offense, you know what they bring to the table. (They’re) the best in the league at what they do, so we can go out there every day and compete and make everything contested – even if they do catch the ball, make it contested – and that’ll help us down the road.”

Q:&nbsp;Are you guys ready to see some different faces to hit when the first preseason game comes around?

BELL:&nbsp;“Absolutely. You know it’s always fun to come out here and work against teammates and stuff, but I think most of the guys would say the same thing, we’re ready to hit somebody else.”

Q:&nbsp;You guys don’t fully tackle here at camp. What’s it going to feel like once you get tackled in the first game?

BELL:&nbsp;“Yeah, I think it’s different. Here, you got guys trying to thud you and hitting you up high. A lot of the time in the games, safeties come and try to get your ankles and knees for some of us bigger guys. It’s fine you know; you get good work out here still, too. Sometimes in short yardage goal line (drills) we go live. Not that that’s really crazy tackling, but that’s still going live. I think we’ll be excited to get out there, especially defense, to hit some dudes.”

Q:&nbsp;After getting hurt in the preseason last year, how are you feeling now and how excited are you?

BELL:&nbsp;“I’m feeling good, I really am. You know just trying to get back this offseason and trying to stretch to keep my body loose a little bit. I’m feeling good. (It was) such a freak injury and the doctors did a great job last year getting me fixed up. The trainers did a great job, too, as well so I’m feeling great ready to roll.”

Q:&nbsp;Do you see more things coming out of this offense that we didn’t see last year?

BELL: “Yeah, always. You know I think that’s what’s great about the offensive staff, they’re always thinking. You see the ‘Ring Around the Rosie’ deal and plays like that. That’s why they do such a great job, and then all of a sudden, that’s when they give it to us. Pat (Mahomes) does a great job of just making everything fun in the huddle and doing these types of plays. So, you never know, we’ll see.”<a></a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686767718163.png" alt="Chiefs Logo no cut off" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs Logo no cut off</figcaption>
 </figure>Chiefs Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo QuotesAugust 8, 2023Q:&nbsp;What are your takeaways from Bryan Cook here in camp?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Yeah so Bryan (Cook) is really going to become the quarterback of the defense. Him and Nick (Bolton), and (he is) especially the quarterback on the back end. One other thing about Bryan (Cook) is he’s always looking for feedback. He came the other day and he wanted to do some more drills. That’s one thing he’s got, we saw that when we were looking at him out of (The University of) Cincinnati, his work, he loves football, passionate about football and we’re banking on him in that regard.”Q:&nbsp;On how the defense has done well against the offense.SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“I remember all the ones we weren’t successful on. We’ve had our moments. Today, that first team period that you saw was third and seven-plus. We should, from a statistical standpoint, we should win those. We won a number of those today which was good. The other day, it was a third and two-to-four and those were challenging, we didn’t win as many. So today we had a little more success, but it might have been more of the situation. The thing about that situation – I talked to the guys last night – is we’ve got to get them in that situation to be able to do what we do. They’ve been working hard. I got no complaints with the work ethic. I enjoy working with this group. They’re eager, very eager group.”Q:&nbsp;Are there guys you’re particularly interested in seeing in the first preseason game?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Obviously all the young guys that we don’t know anything about, (I’d) put them all in the same category. Maybe guys that are getting off of nicks, and bumps and bruises, see where they’re at. Other than that, the guys we know about certainly, (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid typically doesn’t have them out there too long. I think I’ve probably said this every first preseason game, I’m particularly more interested in finding out where we are as a tackling group. Where we are at eliminating big plays. You got to do that stuff first before you think about being any good.”Q:&nbsp;How have the second-year guys like Joshua Williams and Jaylen Watson been handling trying to take steps forward in year two?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“At times, it’s up and down, but they’re light years ahead of where they were last year, so that part’s good. In the midst of the middle of training camp, everyone has an off play here or there, but the expectations for them are so much higher now than they were a year ago and we try to keep that expectation up high.”Chiefs Player QuotesCB JAYLEN WATSONQ:&nbsp;How comfortable do you feel right now, compared to last year?WATSON:&nbsp;“I’m super – I mean everything just slows down and the process just seems a lot slower than it did last year. Just everything (was) happening so fast, the offense moving so fast, now that I know what I’m doing and the guys I’m playing next to, I can move faster and more comfortable.”Q:&nbsp;Defensive Coordinator Coach Steve Spagnuolo said he wants the second-year guys to put the mistakes behind them from rookie year and move forward. How do you feel you are doing with that?WATSON:&nbsp;“I just try to stay consistent; I think that’s what (Defensive Coordinator) Coach (Steve) Spags (Spagnuolo) looks for who can he trust on the field. That’s what I try to do when we practice, I try to show the coaches that they can trust me to be in the right spots and the right places and my teammates can too.”Q:&nbsp;What have you seen from Bryan Cook as far as improvement from him?WATSON:&nbsp;“Bryan (Cook) has always been a person that has always been in the playbook, knows what he’s doing back there. Loud and confident last year behind Juan (Thornhill) as well, so we know if he went down (Bryan) Cook would be the next man ready. He’s just continuing to do that this year. He’s been a leader putting us in the right positions and he’s doing a great job.”Q:&nbsp;With the first preseason game coming up, how excited are you to face another team?WATSON:&nbsp;“I’m very excited. You know, training camp – you kind of get tired of each other, we’ve been here so long, you get tired of playing the same players. You get to play another opponent, so that’s always fun when you get to tackle, hit a little bit, and get our pads warmed backed up. Should be a great time.”LB NICK BOLTONQ:&nbsp;What do you want to get out of the first preseason game?BOLTON:&nbsp;“Yeah, I think we can come in and get a lot out of it. Tackling for one, stopping the run, run game hasn’t really been a huge thing in this training camp, we’re more pass oriented. So, getting an opportunity to see how we compare against the run, get D-linemen inside blocks, linebackers stack and shed getting off of blocks and tackling on the perimeter. I feel like those are big things especially Weeks 1 through 5. As a defense, the kind of things we want to be on top of to help us out.”&nbsp;Q:&nbsp;How would you compare how the defense has done this training camp versus last year?BOLTON:&nbsp;“Yeah, I feel like this training camp for sure, I think everybody’s a little bit older in the scheme wise. J (Justin) Reid’s a second-year guy, I’m going into my third year, (it’s) Willie’s (Gay) fourth year, (L’Jarius) Sneed’s fourth year. So, the communication part, where we left off, where we were coming in from last year to this year, it’s night and day. Everybody’s communicating, everybody feels more comfortable. We can talk to each other, give people hand signals and know what each other are thinking. It helps us out a lot. So if we can keep doing that, keep building on that, I feel like we’ll be in a good position.”Q:&nbsp;How excited are you to see the rookies and how they can tackle in the preseason games?BOLTON:&nbsp;“Oh yeah, I’m excited for sure. We’ve got a lot of young rookies that came in, learning the scheme, and helping themselves get the scheme part down, so they can just strictly learn about playing just football and just hitting, tackling, making plays out in space, and trying to get back to where they were. I tell all the rookies that the goal is to try to mentally get to the part where you feel like you’re back in college again. Just go out there and line up, you hear the call, you go out there and just play. So, if we can get those guys to that point, I know we will be good and set up for the rest of the season.”Q:&nbsp;Do you sense a different confidence in this group this year?BOLTON:&nbsp;“Yeah, I think (it’s) a testament to our coaches, how much time people have put in the offseason. Granted we played at the end of February, so our downtime wasn’t as much as it was the year before. So, guys picking up where we left off and just understanding the communication of what we’re trying to do in the grand scheme of things. I think that’s helped propel us to where we are right now, and going against the offense, you know what they bring to the table. (They’re) the best in the league at what they do, so we can go out there every day and compete and make everything contested – even if they do catch the ball, make it contested – and that’ll help us down the road.”TE BLAKE BELL Q:&nbsp;Are you guys ready to see some different faces to hit when the first preseason game comes around?BELL:&nbsp;“Absolutely. You know it’s always fun to come out here and work against teammates and stuff, but I think most of the guys would say the same thing, we’re ready to hit somebody else.”Q:&nbsp;You guys don’t fully tackle here at camp. What’s it going to feel like once you get tackled in the first game?BELL:&nbsp;“Yeah, I think it’s different. Here, you got guys trying to thud you and hitting you up high. A lot of the time in the games, safeties come and try to get your ankles and knees for some of us bigger guys. It’s fine you know; you get good work out here still, too. Sometimes in short yardage goal line (drills) we go live. Not that that’s really crazy tackling, but that’s still going live. I think we’ll be excited to get out there, especially defense, to hit some dudes.”Q:&nbsp;After getting hurt in the preseason last year, how are you feeling now and how excited are you?BELL:&nbsp;“I’m feeling good, I really am. You know just trying to get back this offseason and trying to stretch to keep my body loose a little bit. I’m feeling good. (It was) such a freak injury and the doctors did a great job last year getting me fixed up. The trainers did a great job, too, as well so I’m feeling great ready to roll.”Q:&nbsp;Do you see more things coming out of this offense that we didn’t see last year?BELL: “Yeah, always. You know I think that’s what’s great about the offensive staff, they’re always thinking. You see the ‘Ring Around the Rosie’ deal and plays like that. That’s why they do such a great job, and then all of a sudden, that’s when they give it to us. Pat (Mahomes) does a great job of just making everything fun in the huddle and doing these types of plays. So, you never know, we’ll see.”<a></a>

Chief Quotes, Spagnuolo, Watson, Bolton, Bell

MANHATTAN, Kansas –&nbsp;K-State women’s basketball head coach Jeff Mittie announced the complete non-conference schedule for the upcoming 2023-24 season on Tuesday. The Wildcats' non-conference slate features 10 home games, including a visit from Big Ten foe Wisconsin, a visit to the 2023 NCAA national runner-up Iowa, participation in the 2023 Clean Simple Eats Gulf Coast Showcase, and a neutral-site matchup against Missouri in the Bill Snyder Basketball Classic in St. Joseph, Missouri.

K-State’s 2023-24 non-conference schedule includes five games against teams that reached the postseason in 2022-23, including two teams that played in the NCAA Tournament (Iowa and Southern) and three teams that played in the WNIT (Jackson State, Little Rock, and Western Kentucky).

K-State officially begins its 56th season of action on Monday, November 6, as the Wildcats host Presbyterian. This will be the first meeting in the series between the programs.

Presbyterian finished the 2022-23 season with an overall record of 13-17 and a 9-9 mark in the Big South.

The Wildcats begin a two-game road trip on Saturday, November 11, as K-State faces Little Rock. K-State will visit Little Rock for the second straight meeting in the series and the second time ever. The Wildcats lead the all-time series between the schools, 3-1, winning the last matchup 53-47 on December 16, 2018.

Little Rock, led by longtime head coach Joe Foley, ended the 2022-23 season with a 21-11 overall record and won the regular season Ohio Valley Conference crown with a 17-1 league mark. After falling in the OVC title game, the Trojans fell at SMU in the first round of the 2023 WNIT.

The Wildcats will face the first of two Big Ten opponents as they visit 2023 All-American Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes on Thursday, November 16.

K-State leads the all-time series against the Hawkeyes 5-1, as the Wildcats downed fourth-ranked Iowa in Manhattan on November 17, 2022, 84-83. This marks the first regular-season visit to a Big Ten opponent’s home floor by the Wildcats since playing at Iowa on December 5, 2010.

Following its meeting with the Hawkeyes, K-State returns to Bramlage on Sunday, November 19, to host Wisconsin. This will be the third meeting in the series between the schools and the first at either of the campus sites. The Wildcats captured the Brew City Battle 77-63 on Nov. 11, 2022, in Milwaukee at American Family Field.

Wisconsin, led by third-year head coach Maria Moseley, ended the 2022-23 season with an 11-20 overall record and a Big Ten mark of 6-12.

During the Thanksgiving holiday, the Wildcats will play in the 2023 Clean Simple Eats Gulf Coast Showcase at Hertz Arena in Estero, Florida. The games will take place from November 24-26, 2023, with all games streamed on FloHoops. This will be K-State’s first appearance in the Gulf Coast Showcase.

K-State will face Western Kentucky on Friday, November 24, at 10 a.m. (CT) in the first round. In this bracketed event, the Wildcats will play either North Carolina or Vermont in the semifinals (4 p.m.) or the consolation semifinals (10 a.m.) on November 25. The final games will be played on Sunday, November 26.

This will be the fourth meeting between the Wildcats and Lady Toppers, with K-State holding a 2-1 edge in the series. K-State won the last meeting 76-44 on November 14, 2021, in Manhattan during the 2021 Preseason WNIT.

Western Kentucky finished the 2022-23 season with a 19-14 overall record and dropped its 2023 WNIT first-round game at Kansas, 86-72.

The other half of the bracket for the Clean Simple Eats Gulf Coast Showcase includes Delaware, Florida Gulf Coast, Iowa, and Purdue Fort Wayne.

The Wildcats will begin the month of December with a visit from Jackson State on Friday, December 1. This will be the second-ever meeting between the programs, as the teams last squared off on Dec. 22, 1981, in Manhattan, a 73-56 K-State win.

Jackson State finished the 2022-23 season with an overall record of 21-10 and a record of 17-1, securing the SWAC regular season title. The Tigers played in the 2023 WNIT, falling at Memphis in the first round.

K-State will tangle with McNeese State on Wednesday, December 6. This will be the first meeting between the schools. McNeese State finished the 2022-23 season with a 12-19 overall record and an 8-10 mark in the Southland Conference.

The Wildcats will challenge Missouri in the inaugural Bill Snyder Basketball Classic on Saturday, December 9, at 5 p.m. in St. Joseph, Missouri.

K-State leads the all-time series against the Tigers 45-39, including a 5-4 mark in games played at a neutral site. This marks the 10th neutral site meeting in the series and the first since K-State secured a 79-58 win over Missouri in the 2004 Big 12 Championship in Dallas, Texas, on March 10, 2004.

Missouri completed the 2022-23 season with an 18-14 overall mark and a 6-10 record in the SEC. The Tigers reached the second round of the 2023 WNIT under the guidance of head coach Robin Pingeton.

K-State will close out its 2023-24 non-conference regular season schedule with a trio of home games. The Wildcats will face North Florida on Saturday, December 16, and then host Oral Roberts on Monday, December 18, and before a break for the holidays will host Southern on Wednesday, December 20.

In preparation for the 2023-24 non-conference schedule, K-State will host Pittsburg State on Friday, November 3.

The Wildcats enter the 2023-24 season with the return of 10 letter winners, including four starters from last season’s 2023 WNIT squad. The Wildcats will be led by 2022 All-American center Ayoka Lee, who returns for her senior season, senior guard and 2023 All-Big 12 First Team selection Gabby Gregory, and the junior trio of Brylee Glenn, Jaelyn Glenn, and Serena Sundell.

The 10 returning letter winners were responsible for 84 percent of K-State’s scoring, 82 percent of the team’s assists, and 67 percent of the team’s rebounding in the 2022-23 season. The Wildcats will also welcome transfers Imani Lester and Zyanna Walker, redshirt sophomore Gisela Sanchez, and freshmen Alexis Hess and Taryn Sides.

The 2023-24 Big 12 schedule, game times, promotional and television schedules will be released later this summer.

The 2024 Phillips 66 Big 12 Women’s Basketball Championship will be contested at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, from March 7-12, 2024. Ticket information will be available later this year.

K-State women’s basketball season tickets for the 2023-24 season are available now for purchase. For more information on season ticket packages for the Wildcats’ home schedule, contact the K-State Athletics Ticket Office by calling 1-800-221-CATS or visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>.

2023-24 K-State Women’s Basketball Non-Conference Schedule

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691514015767.jpeg" alt="K-State Women's Schedule" />
 <figcaption>K-State Women's Schedule</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kansas –&nbsp;K-State women’s basketball head coach Jeff Mittie announced the complete non-conference schedule for the upcoming 2023-24 season on Tuesday. The Wildcats' non-conference slate features 10 home games, including a visit from Big Ten foe Wisconsin, a visit to the 2023 NCAA national runner-up Iowa, participation in the 2023 Clean Simple Eats Gulf Coast Showcase, and a neutral-site matchup against Missouri in the Bill Snyder Basketball Classic in St. Joseph, Missouri.K-State’s 2023-24 non-conference schedule includes five games against teams that reached the postseason in 2022-23, including two teams that played in the NCAA Tournament (Iowa and Southern) and three teams that played in the WNIT (Jackson State, Little Rock, and Western Kentucky).K-State officially begins its 56th season of action on Monday, November 6, as the Wildcats host Presbyterian. This will be the first meeting in the series between the programs.Presbyterian finished the 2022-23 season with an overall record of 13-17 and a 9-9 mark in the Big South.The Wildcats begin a two-game road trip on Saturday, November 11, as K-State faces Little Rock. K-State will visit Little Rock for the second straight meeting in the series and the second time ever. The Wildcats lead the all-time series between the schools, 3-1, winning the last matchup 53-47 on December 16, 2018.Little Rock, led by longtime head coach Joe Foley, ended the 2022-23 season with a 21-11 overall record and won the regular season Ohio Valley Conference crown with a 17-1 league mark. After falling in the OVC title game, the Trojans fell at SMU in the first round of the 2023 WNIT.The Wildcats will face the first of two Big Ten opponents as they visit 2023 All-American Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes on Thursday, November 16.K-State leads the all-time series against the Hawkeyes 5-1, as the Wildcats downed fourth-ranked Iowa in Manhattan on November 17, 2022, 84-83. This marks the first regular-season visit to a Big Ten opponent’s home floor by the Wildcats since playing at Iowa on December 5, 2010.Following its meeting with the Hawkeyes, K-State returns to Bramlage on Sunday, November 19, to host Wisconsin. This will be the third meeting in the series between the schools and the first at either of the campus sites. The Wildcats captured the Brew City Battle 77-63 on Nov. 11, 2022, in Milwaukee at American Family Field.Wisconsin, led by third-year head coach Maria Moseley, ended the 2022-23 season with an 11-20 overall record and a Big Ten mark of 6-12.During the Thanksgiving holiday, the Wildcats will play in the 2023 Clean Simple Eats Gulf Coast Showcase at Hertz Arena in Estero, Florida. The games will take place from November 24-26, 2023, with all games streamed on FloHoops. This will be K-State’s first appearance in the Gulf Coast Showcase.K-State will face Western Kentucky on Friday, November 24, at 10 a.m. (CT) in the first round. In this bracketed event, the Wildcats will play either North Carolina or Vermont in the semifinals (4 p.m.) or the consolation semifinals (10 a.m.) on November 25. The final games will be played on Sunday, November 26.This will be the fourth meeting between the Wildcats and Lady Toppers, with K-State holding a 2-1 edge in the series. K-State won the last meeting 76-44 on November 14, 2021, in Manhattan during the 2021 Preseason WNIT.Western Kentucky finished the 2022-23 season with a 19-14 overall record and dropped its 2023 WNIT first-round game at Kansas, 86-72.The other half of the bracket for the Clean Simple Eats Gulf Coast Showcase includes Delaware, Florida Gulf Coast, Iowa, and Purdue Fort Wayne.The Wildcats will begin the month of December with a visit from Jackson State on Friday, December 1. This will be the second-ever meeting between the programs, as the teams last squared off on Dec. 22, 1981, in Manhattan, a 73-56 K-State win.Jackson State finished the 2022-23 season with an overall record of 21-10 and a record of 17-1, securing the SWAC regular season title. The Tigers played in the 2023 WNIT, falling at Memphis in the first round.K-State will tangle with McNeese State on Wednesday, December 6. This will be the first meeting between the schools. McNeese State finished the 2022-23 season with a 12-19 overall record and an 8-10 mark in the Southland Conference.The Wildcats will challenge Missouri in the inaugural Bill Snyder Basketball Classic on Saturday, December 9, at 5 p.m. in St. Joseph, Missouri.K-State leads the all-time series against the Tigers 45-39, including a 5-4 mark in games played at a neutral site. This marks the 10th neutral site meeting in the series and the first since K-State secured a 79-58 win over Missouri in the 2004 Big 12 Championship in Dallas, Texas, on March 10, 2004.Missouri completed the 2022-23 season with an 18-14 overall mark and a 6-10 record in the SEC. The Tigers reached the second round of the 2023 WNIT under the guidance of head coach Robin Pingeton.K-State will close out its 2023-24 non-conference regular season schedule with a trio of home games. The Wildcats will face North Florida on Saturday, December 16, and then host Oral Roberts on Monday, December 18, and before a break for the holidays will host Southern on Wednesday, December 20.In preparation for the 2023-24 non-conference schedule, K-State will host Pittsburg State on Friday, November 3.The Wildcats enter the 2023-24 season with the return of 10 letter winners, including four starters from last season’s 2023 WNIT squad. The Wildcats will be led by 2022 All-American center Ayoka Lee, who returns for her senior season, senior guard and 2023 All-Big 12 First Team selection Gabby Gregory, and the junior trio of Brylee Glenn, Jaelyn Glenn, and Serena Sundell.The 10 returning letter winners were responsible for 84 percent of K-State’s scoring, 82 percent of the team’s assists, and 67 percent of the team’s rebounding in the 2022-23 season. The Wildcats will also welcome transfers Imani Lester and Zyanna Walker, redshirt sophomore Gisela Sanchez, and freshmen Alexis Hess and Taryn Sides.The 2023-24 Big 12 schedule, game times, promotional and television schedules will be released later this summer.The 2024 Phillips 66 Big 12 Women’s Basketball Championship will be contested at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, from March 7-12, 2024. Ticket information will be available later this year.K-State women’s basketball season tickets for the 2023-24 season are available now for purchase. For more information on season ticket packages for the Wildcats’ home schedule, contact the K-State Athletics Ticket Office by calling 1-800-221-CATS or visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>.2023-24 K-State Women’s Basketball Non-Conference Schedule<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691513956008.png" alt="2023-24 K-State Women's Basketball Non-Conference Schedule. K-State Image" />
 <figcaption>2023-24 K-State Women's Basketball Non-Conference Schedule. K-State Image</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691513980681.png" alt="2023-24 K-State Women's Basketball Non-Conference Schedule. K-State Image" />
 <figcaption>2023-24 K-State Women's Basketball Non-Conference Schedule. K-State Image</figcaption>
 </figure>

K-State Completes 2023-24 Non-Conference Schedule

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Jalon Daniels has been named to the 2023 Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award Preseason Watch List, a group that includes 35 of the nation’s top returning college quarterbacks.

The watch list was announced today by the Davey O’Brien Foundation. This is the third preseason watch list for Daniels, who has previously been named to lists for the Maxwell Award and the Wuerffel Trophy.

Compiled by a subset of the Davey O’Brien National Selection Committee, this year’s list was selected based on career player performance and expectations heading into the 2023 college football season. All nominees are required to have previously started at least one game at an NCAA Division I institution.

Daniels, the Big 12 Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, was a breakthrough player during the 2022 season as he led the Jayhawks to a 5-0 start and the program’s first bowl game appearance since 2008. He was a Second Team All-Big 12 selection after completing 152-of-230 (66.1 percent) passes for 2,014 yards and 18 touchdowns, while adding 425 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. Daniels capped off the season with a record-setting performance in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, where he went 37-of-55 for 544 yards and five touchdowns, while also rushing for a touchdown.

A native of Lawndale, California, Daniels was previously named to the Preseason All-Big 12 First Team and earned preseason all-conference honors from Athlon Sports and Phil Steele. He earned All-Big 12 Second Team honors and was a Second Team Academic All-American in 2022 and was named the Walter Camp National FBS Offensive Player of the Week following his performance at Houston. Daniels was a four-time Manning Award Star of the Week and a three-time Davey O’Brien Great 8 List honoree in 2022.

The Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award is presented annually to the nation’s best college quarterback and is the oldest and most prestigious national quarterback award. The 47th Annual Davey O’Brien Awards Dinner honoring the winner will be held Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, at The Fort Worth Club in Fort Worth, Texas.

The official Davey O’Brien Midseason Watch List will be released on Tuesday, Oct. 17, and will contain all active quarterbacks from the Preseason Watch List, all players honored as a weekly Great 8 recipient through the season’s first seven weeks and any additional quarterbacks approved by the selection subcommittee.

The list of semifinalists selected from the QB Class will be named on Tuesday, Nov. 7. The Foundation will announce the three finalists two weeks later (Tuesday, Nov. 21). The 2023 Davey O’Brien Award winner will be unveiled live on ESPN on Thursday, Dec. 7, during The Home Depot College Football Awards.

Daniels leads the Jayhawks into the upcoming season on Friday, September 1, taking on Missouri State at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Season tickets, mini plans and non-conference single game tickets are on sale now for the 2023 Kansas football season. Mini plans are designed to allow fans to pick the games that work the best for them. During the purchasing process, fans have the option to add a premium seatback to their order for less than $8 per game. To purchase tickets, and for more information, please click&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=29a8186ee5&amp;e=42e2e56024" target="_blank">here</a>.

Furthermore, Sports Combo Passes for KU Students are also available for just $175. The pass includes access to both football and basketball tickets and can be purchased online through Enroll and Pay. For more information on student tickets, or to purchase today, click&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=709ed619ea&amp;e=42e2e56024" target="_blank">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691513795364.jpeg" alt="Jalon Daniels. KU IMAGE" />
 <figcaption>Jalon Daniels. KU IMAGE</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Jalon Daniels has been named to the 2023 Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award Preseason Watch List, a group that includes 35 of the nation’s top returning college quarterbacks.The watch list was announced today by the Davey O’Brien Foundation. This is the third preseason watch list for Daniels, who has previously been named to lists for the Maxwell Award and the Wuerffel Trophy.Compiled by a subset of the Davey O’Brien National Selection Committee, this year’s list was selected based on career player performance and expectations heading into the 2023 college football season. All nominees are required to have previously started at least one game at an NCAA Division I institution.Daniels, the Big 12 Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, was a breakthrough player during the 2022 season as he led the Jayhawks to a 5-0 start and the program’s first bowl game appearance since 2008. He was a Second Team All-Big 12 selection after completing 152-of-230 (66.1 percent) passes for 2,014 yards and 18 touchdowns, while adding 425 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. Daniels capped off the season with a record-setting performance in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, where he went 37-of-55 for 544 yards and five touchdowns, while also rushing for a touchdown.A native of Lawndale, California, Daniels was previously named to the Preseason All-Big 12 First Team and earned preseason all-conference honors from Athlon Sports and Phil Steele. He earned All-Big 12 Second Team honors and was a Second Team Academic All-American in 2022 and was named the Walter Camp National FBS Offensive Player of the Week following his performance at Houston. Daniels was a four-time Manning Award Star of the Week and a three-time Davey O’Brien Great 8 List honoree in 2022.The Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award is presented annually to the nation’s best college quarterback and is the oldest and most prestigious national quarterback award. The 47th Annual Davey O’Brien Awards Dinner honoring the winner will be held Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, at The Fort Worth Club in Fort Worth, Texas.The official Davey O’Brien Midseason Watch List will be released on Tuesday, Oct. 17, and will contain all active quarterbacks from the Preseason Watch List, all players honored as a weekly Great 8 recipient through the season’s first seven weeks and any additional quarterbacks approved by the selection subcommittee.The list of semifinalists selected from the QB Class will be named on Tuesday, Nov. 7. The Foundation will announce the three finalists two weeks later (Tuesday, Nov. 21). The 2023 Davey O’Brien Award winner will be unveiled live on ESPN on Thursday, Dec. 7, during The Home Depot College Football Awards.Daniels leads the Jayhawks into the upcoming season on Friday, September 1, taking on Missouri State at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Season tickets, mini plans and non-conference single game tickets are on sale now for the 2023 Kansas football season. Mini plans are designed to allow fans to pick the games that work the best for them. During the purchasing process, fans have the option to add a premium seatback to their order for less than $8 per game. To purchase tickets, and for more information, please click&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=29a8186ee5&amp;e=42e2e56024" target="_blank">here</a>.Furthermore, Sports Combo Passes for KU Students are also available for just $175. The pass includes access to both football and basketball tickets and can be purchased online through Enroll and Pay. For more information on student tickets, or to purchase today, click&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=709ed619ea&amp;e=42e2e56024" target="_blank">here</a>.

Jalon Daniels Selected to Davey O’Brien Award Watch List

BAYAMON, Puerto Rico&nbsp;– Redshirt junior guard Dajuan Harris Jr. scored 23 points as the Kansas men’s basketball team lost to the Bahamian National Team, 87-81,&nbsp;Monday afternoon&nbsp;in an exhibition game at Ruben Rodriguez Coliseum. A crowd of 3,422 saw Kansas pull within one at 81-80 on a Harris putback with&nbsp;2:30&nbsp;remaining in the game. The Bahamian Team then scored five-straight points that included a three point field goal with just under a minute remaining to keep a cushion. The loss ended a 35-game exhibition winning streak for Kansas dating back to 2012. KU is now 94-10 all-time in exhibition play. Harris shot 10-for-14 from the field, including three three pointers, along with a game-high five steals. Graduate guard Kevin McCullar Jr. had 19 points and a team-high seven assists, while senior center Hunter Dickinson just missed a double-double with 16 points and a team-high nine rebounds. Graduate Nicolas Timberlake scored 13 points for KU that included three threes. The Bahamian National Team is made of professional and college players as it is prepping for the upcoming 2023 FIBA World Cup. Included are current NBA standouts Buddy Hield and Eric Gordon. Hield led his team with 19 points, while Gordon scored 12.&nbsp; “It was good for us,” Kansas head coach Bill Self said of playing a competitive game against quality competition. “We could play better, but I actually thought we did some good things. We didn’t execute down the stretch on both ends of the ball. We couldn't get the ball to go through the basket and missed all of our free throws. They doubled Hunter in the post, went under everything, but all that being said there were some good offensive possessions.” With the score 8-6, Harris drained a three from the left side and had a steal and lay-in on the next possession. Harris ended the quarter with seven points. It was a quarter of runs as KU led 17-9 before the Bahamian team scored six-straight points. KU responded with seven straight that included a McCullar dunk, a three by Timberlake and a pair of Elmarko Jackson free throws. Jackson ended the contest with seven points and five assists. KU led 24-17 after the first quarter. The Bahamian National Team came out strong in the second quarter, outscoring KU 16-4 to take its first lead of the game at 30-29 with&nbsp;5:30&nbsp;to go in the half. Harris would score Kansas’ final seven points of the half that included two fast break lay-ins and his second three pointer of the contest. The Bahamian team led 46-40 at the half. Kansas opened the third quarter on a 12-2 run and tied the game at 54-54 on a Dickinson baseline jumper. The remainder of the game had two ties and five lead changes as neither team led by more than six. Next up for Kansas basketball is the 39th annual Late Night in the Phog&nbsp;on Friday, Oct. 6.&nbsp;Late Night started in 1985 and features music by the KU pep band, routines from KU’s spirit squad and dance teams, crowd-engaging activities by both men’s and women’s basketball teams, video highlights from KU’s award-winning Rock Chalk Video department, coach and player introductions, scrimmages and much more.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691440652409.jpeg" alt="Photo: Dajuan Harris Jr. (credit: Missy Minear, Kansas Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Photo: Dajuan Harris Jr. (credit: Missy Minear, Kansas Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>BAYAMON, Puerto Rico&nbsp;– Redshirt junior guard Dajuan Harris Jr. scored 23 points as the Kansas men’s basketball team lost to the Bahamian National Team, 87-81,&nbsp;Monday afternoon&nbsp;in an exhibition game at Ruben Rodriguez Coliseum. A crowd of 3,422 saw Kansas pull within one at 81-80 on a Harris putback with&nbsp;2:30&nbsp;remaining in the game. The Bahamian Team then scored five-straight points that included a three point field goal with just under a minute remaining to keep a cushion. The loss ended a 35-game exhibition winning streak for Kansas dating back to 2012. KU is now 94-10 all-time in exhibition play. Harris shot 10-for-14 from the field, including three three pointers, along with a game-high five steals. Graduate guard Kevin McCullar Jr. had 19 points and a team-high seven assists, while senior center Hunter Dickinson just missed a double-double with 16 points and a team-high nine rebounds. Graduate Nicolas Timberlake scored 13 points for KU that included three threes. The Bahamian National Team is made of professional and college players as it is prepping for the upcoming 2023 FIBA World Cup. Included are current NBA standouts Buddy Hield and Eric Gordon. Hield led his team with 19 points, while Gordon scored 12.&nbsp; “It was good for us,” Kansas head coach Bill Self said of playing a competitive game against quality competition. “We could play better, but I actually thought we did some good things. We didn’t execute down the stretch on both ends of the ball. We couldn't get the ball to go through the basket and missed all of our free throws. They doubled Hunter in the post, went under everything, but all that being said there were some good offensive possessions.” With the score 8-6, Harris drained a three from the left side and had a steal and lay-in on the next possession. Harris ended the quarter with seven points. It was a quarter of runs as KU led 17-9 before the Bahamian team scored six-straight points. KU responded with seven straight that included a McCullar dunk, a three by Timberlake and a pair of Elmarko Jackson free throws. Jackson ended the contest with seven points and five assists. KU led 24-17 after the first quarter. The Bahamian National Team came out strong in the second quarter, outscoring KU 16-4 to take its first lead of the game at 30-29 with&nbsp;5:30&nbsp;to go in the half. Harris would score Kansas’ final seven points of the half that included two fast break lay-ins and his second three pointer of the contest. The Bahamian team led 46-40 at the half. Kansas opened the third quarter on a 12-2 run and tied the game at 54-54 on a Dickinson baseline jumper. The remainder of the game had two ties and five lead changes as neither team led by more than six. Next up for Kansas basketball is the 39th annual Late Night in the Phog&nbsp;on Friday, Oct. 6.&nbsp;Late Night started in 1985 and features music by the KU pep band, routines from KU’s spirit squad and dance teams, crowd-engaging activities by both men’s and women’s basketball teams, video highlights from KU’s award-winning Rock Chalk Video department, coach and player introductions, scrimmages and much more.

Kansas Falls in Exhibition Finale, 87-81

MANHATTAN, Kansas –&nbsp;K-State women’s basketball was successful in the classroom as well as the court during the 2022-23 season, as the Wildcats received Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Academic Honor Roll Special Mention for its team grade point average last season. K-State was one of four Big 12 programs to be included on the WBCA Academic Honor Roll.

Under the direction of head coach Jeff Mittie, K-State women’s basketball completed the 2022-23 academic year with a team grade point average of 3.297. This was the second straight season K-State has received Special Mention honors for the WBCA Academic Honor Roll.

During the 2022-23 season, K-State received seven Academic All-Big 12 honors and two College Sports Communicators (CSC Academic All-District citations.

In Mittie’s nine seasons at K-State, the Wildcats have collected 51 Academic All-Big 12 citations, five Big 12 Scholar-Athlete of the Year recipients, 12 Big 12 Academic All-Rookie Team honorees, 10 CSC/CoSIDA Academic All-District honorees, four CSC/CoSIDA Academic All-Americans and one Senior CLASS Award finalist.

The Wildcats enter the 2023-24 season with the return of 10 letter winners including all four starters from last season’s 2023 WNIT squad. The Wildcats will be led by 2022 All-American center Ayoka Lee, senior guard and 2023 All-Big 12 First Team selection Gabby Gregory, and the junior trio of Brylee Glenn, Jaelyn Glenn and Serena Sundell.

The 10­ returning letter winners were responsible for 84 percent of K-State’s scoring, 82 percent of the team’s assists and 67 percent of the team’s rebounding in the 2022-23 season. The Wildcats will also welcome in transfers Imani Lester and Zyanna Walker, redshirt sophomore Gisela Sanchez and freshmen Alexis Hess and Taryn Sides.

K-State women’s basketball season tickets for the 2023-24 season are available now for purchase. For more information on season ticket packages for the Wildcats’ home schedule, contact the K-State Athletics Ticket Office by calling 1-800-221-CATS or visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691423206298.jpeg" alt="2023-2024 Women's Basketball Special Mention. K-State Athletics Photo" />
 <figcaption>2023-2024 Women's Basketball Special Mention. K-State Athletics Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kansas –&nbsp;K-State women’s basketball was successful in the classroom as well as the court during the 2022-23 season, as the Wildcats received Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Academic Honor Roll Special Mention for its team grade point average last season. K-State was one of four Big 12 programs to be included on the WBCA Academic Honor Roll.Under the direction of head coach Jeff Mittie, K-State women’s basketball completed the 2022-23 academic year with a team grade point average of 3.297. This was the second straight season K-State has received Special Mention honors for the WBCA Academic Honor Roll.During the 2022-23 season, K-State received seven Academic All-Big 12 honors and two College Sports Communicators (CSC Academic All-District citations.In Mittie’s nine seasons at K-State, the Wildcats have collected 51 Academic All-Big 12 citations, five Big 12 Scholar-Athlete of the Year recipients, 12 Big 12 Academic All-Rookie Team honorees, 10 CSC/CoSIDA Academic All-District honorees, four CSC/CoSIDA Academic All-Americans and one Senior CLASS Award finalist.The Wildcats enter the 2023-24 season with the return of 10 letter winners including all four starters from last season’s 2023 WNIT squad. The Wildcats will be led by 2022 All-American center Ayoka Lee, senior guard and 2023 All-Big 12 First Team selection Gabby Gregory, and the junior trio of Brylee Glenn, Jaelyn Glenn and Serena Sundell.The 10­ returning letter winners were responsible for 84 percent of K-State’s scoring, 82 percent of the team’s assists and 67 percent of the team’s rebounding in the 2022-23 season. The Wildcats will also welcome in transfers Imani Lester and Zyanna Walker, redshirt sophomore Gisela Sanchez and freshmen Alexis Hess and Taryn Sides.K-State women’s basketball season tickets for the 2023-24 season are available now for purchase. For more information on season ticket packages for the Wildcats’ home schedule, contact the K-State Athletics Ticket Office by calling 1-800-221-CATS or visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>.

K-State WBB Receives Special Mention on WBCA Academic Honor Roll

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Brandon Schneider announced today the signing of three student-athletes who will join Kansas women’s basketball for the upcoming 2023-24 season.

The newest Jayhawks include a pair of Kansas natives returning to their home state, and one incoming freshman. Graduate transfer Ryan Cobbins is a guard/forward from Kansas City, Kansas, and comes to KU from Alabama after playing the first three seasons of her career at North Dakota State. Skyler Gill is a guard/forward from Wichita, Kansas, who joins the Jayhawks after two seasons at North Alabama, and Paris Gaines is a freshman center from Orlando, Florida, who will start her career in Lawrence.

“We are excited to be able add depth, length, and athleticism to our roster late in the summer,” Schneider said. “All three players have different skills sets but will add great value to our team.”

Ryan Cobbins G/F, 6-0, S-Sr.-TR Kansas City, Kan. (Alabama)

Notes: Has four years of college experience as she arrives at Kansas…Played the 2022-23 season at Alabama and appeared in 29 games, averaging 13.6 minutes per game…Scored a season-high 10 points against Auburn (Dec. 2) and had a season-best six rebounds against Ole Miss (Jan. 15)…Shot 87.5% from the free throw line and 31% from the three-point line during her season at Alabama…Started her career at North Dakota State, where she was coached by current KU assistant Morgan Paige during her freshman and sophomore seasons…Three-year starter at NDSU, where she averaged 10.5 points per game over 83 contests…Named All-Summit League Honorable Mention in 2020-21 after being selected to the Summit League All-Newcomer Team in 2019-20…Played for four years at Piper HS in Kansas City, graduating in 2019…Scored 1,243 points and grabbed 464 rebounds in her prep career…Four-time Kansas Class 4A All-State selection and helped her team to three medal finishes at the state tournament, including runner-up in 2019.

Coach Brandon on Ryan: “Ryan’s experience vs. high level competition, leadership, and versatility will allow her to make a seamless transition and immediate impact in our program.”

Paris Gaines C, 6-3, Fr.-HS Orlando, Fla. (Jones HS)

Notes: Played at the Class 5A level for Jones HS in Florida, graduating in 2022…Averaged 5.7 blocked shots per game her senior season…Totaled 10.0 points, 10.5 rebounds and 3.6 blocks per game over her final two seasons at the prep level…Played for West Orange club team at the Brazz Sports Elite Preseason Classic, where she was named a tournament all-star in 2019.

Coach Brandon on Paris: “We are thrilled to add a frontline player with Paris’s upside and potential. Her skill level, feel, and passing ability have really stood out in our late July practices.”

Skyler Gill G/F, 5-11, Jr.-TR Wichita, Kan. (North Alabama)

Notes: While at North Alabama, was a two-time ASUN Conference Defensive Player of the Year (2022, 2023) and All-ASUN Second Team selection…Named the ASUN Freshman of the Year in 2022, which also included a spot on the ASUN All-Freshman Team…Five times selected as the ASUN Freshman of the Week while earning the league’s Newcomer of the Week honor once…Started 52-of-53 games played at UNA, averaging 10.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game…Has totaled 161 blocked shots in 53 games for an average of 3.0 per game…Had nine double-doubles as a sophomore after seven during her freshman season… Led the ASUN in blocks in both seasons, finishing 11th nationally as a freshman and No. 9 in the country last season…Averaged 10.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.0 blocks and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 38.4 percent from the field in her collegiate career…Scored a career-high 23 points during her sophomore season at No. 4 Ohio State (Nov. 27), and had a career-best 17 rebounds on two occasions as a freshman…Set the UNA single-season record for blocked shots during both of her years at the school…Played her prep career at Hardin County High School, where she helped her team to a pair of district titles, including a playoff run that included a regional championship, sub-state title and an appearance in the 3A Kansas State Final Four…Twice tabbed district and district tournament MVP… Named region MVP, all-state all-tournament and all-state.

Coach Brandon on Skyler: “Skyler’s accolades in the ASUN are extremely impressive. Her toughness, defensive mindset, and ability to rebound will bring instant value in a significant area of need for our team.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691422986072.jpeg" alt="Women's Basketball adds three for 2023-2024" />
 <figcaption>Women's Basketball adds three for 2023-2024</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Brandon Schneider announced today the signing of three student-athletes who will join Kansas women’s basketball for the upcoming 2023-24 season.The newest Jayhawks include a pair of Kansas natives returning to their home state, and one incoming freshman. Graduate transfer Ryan Cobbins is a guard/forward from Kansas City, Kansas, and comes to KU from Alabama after playing the first three seasons of her career at North Dakota State. Skyler Gill is a guard/forward from Wichita, Kansas, who joins the Jayhawks after two seasons at North Alabama, and Paris Gaines is a freshman center from Orlando, Florida, who will start her career in Lawrence.“We are excited to be able add depth, length, and athleticism to our roster late in the summer,” Schneider said. “All three players have different skills sets but will add great value to our team.” Ryan Cobbins G/F, 6-0, S-Sr.-TR Kansas City, Kan. (Alabama)Notes: Has four years of college experience as she arrives at Kansas…Played the 2022-23 season at Alabama and appeared in 29 games, averaging 13.6 minutes per game…Scored a season-high 10 points against Auburn (Dec. 2) and had a season-best six rebounds against Ole Miss (Jan. 15)…Shot 87.5% from the free throw line and 31% from the three-point line during her season at Alabama…Started her career at North Dakota State, where she was coached by current KU assistant Morgan Paige during her freshman and sophomore seasons…Three-year starter at NDSU, where she averaged 10.5 points per game over 83 contests…Named All-Summit League Honorable Mention in 2020-21 after being selected to the Summit League All-Newcomer Team in 2019-20…Played for four years at Piper HS in Kansas City, graduating in 2019…Scored 1,243 points and grabbed 464 rebounds in her prep career…Four-time Kansas Class 4A All-State selection and helped her team to three medal finishes at the state tournament, including runner-up in 2019.Coach Brandon on Ryan: “Ryan’s experience vs. high level competition, leadership, and versatility will allow her to make a seamless transition and immediate impact in our program.”Paris Gaines C, 6-3, Fr.-HS Orlando, Fla. (Jones HS)Notes: Played at the Class 5A level for Jones HS in Florida, graduating in 2022…Averaged 5.7 blocked shots per game her senior season…Totaled 10.0 points, 10.5 rebounds and 3.6 blocks per game over her final two seasons at the prep level…Played for West Orange club team at the Brazz Sports Elite Preseason Classic, where she was named a tournament all-star in 2019.Coach Brandon on Paris: “We are thrilled to add a frontline player with Paris’s upside and potential. Her skill level, feel, and passing ability have really stood out in our late July practices.”Skyler Gill G/F, 5-11, Jr.-TR Wichita, Kan. (North Alabama)Notes: While at North Alabama, was a two-time ASUN Conference Defensive Player of the Year (2022, 2023) and All-ASUN Second Team selection…Named the ASUN Freshman of the Year in 2022, which also included a spot on the ASUN All-Freshman Team…Five times selected as the ASUN Freshman of the Week while earning the league’s Newcomer of the Week honor once…Started 52-of-53 games played at UNA, averaging 10.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game…Has totaled 161 blocked shots in 53 games for an average of 3.0 per game…Had nine double-doubles as a sophomore after seven during her freshman season… Led the ASUN in blocks in both seasons, finishing 11th nationally as a freshman and No. 9 in the country last season…Averaged 10.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.0 blocks and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 38.4 percent from the field in her collegiate career…Scored a career-high 23 points during her sophomore season at No. 4 Ohio State (Nov. 27), and had a career-best 17 rebounds on two occasions as a freshman…Set the UNA single-season record for blocked shots during both of her years at the school…Played her prep career at Hardin County High School, where she helped her team to a pair of district titles, including a playoff run that included a regional championship, sub-state title and an appearance in the 3A Kansas State Final Four…Twice tabbed district and district tournament MVP… Named region MVP, all-state all-tournament and all-state.Coach Brandon on Skyler: “Skyler’s accolades in the ASUN are extremely impressive. Her toughness, defensive mindset, and ability to rebound will bring instant value in a significant area of need for our team.”

KU Women's Basketball adds three for 2023-2024

<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=22592&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Watch Jerome Tang Press Conference</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=22593&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Watch Player Press Conference</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2023/8/2/mens-basketball-k-state-traveling-to-israel-abu-dhabi-august-9-20.aspx" target="_blank">K-State Traveling to Israel, Abu Dhabi August 9-20</a>

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang&nbsp;and selected players met with the media on Friday afternoon (August 4) to discuss their preparations for the historic 10-day trip to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, Israel and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates [UAE] from August 9-20.

The traveling party will spend 3 nights each in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and 4 nights in Abu Dhabi, departing the U.S., on Wednesday, August 9 and returning Sunday, August 20.

K-State, along with the University of Arizona, are the first college teams to ever take a foreign tour to Abu Dhabi.

The exhibition tour is being generously sponsored by Athletes for Israel and its Founder and Chairman&nbsp;Daniel Posner&nbsp;as well as the Abu Dhabi Tourism Board. In their efforts to combat antisemitism and racism, Athletes For Israel brings athletes to Israel so they can experience the Holy Land and develop a connection with its history, culture, innovation and people.

For more information on the organization and its mission, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.athletesforisrael.org/" target="_blank">athletesforisrael.org</a>.

On what he is most looking forward to…

“The food. I hear they have great fruit over there. Dylan Cowell from Auburn. He talked to our team. And he said it was the best watermelon he's ever eaten. It's life over there. And then I've heard that their breakfast are incredible. So, looking forward to that.”

On if his team is ready for this trip…

“I think the time together is gonna be important, but we need some people to take leadership roles, understand what that looks like in different aspects and then see who can step up to the plate.”

On strategy playing games on the trip…

“I want every guy to come back and think he's gonna play 30 minutes and has got a major role on the team. In this day and age of the portal and all of that, the last thing you want is to lose a kid after a foreign tour.”

On deciding to take a foreign tour to Israel and Abu Dhabi…

“Well, for me personally, it's a bucket list. Something I wanted to do. (Complete Sports Management)&nbsp;Lea Miller-Tooley and (Athletes for Israel) Daniel Posner reached out to us about it. We were actually going to Greece. And so, when this came about, it was just something that you couldn't turn down.

On what player has impressed the most in summer workouts…

“Really impressed with Cam's (Carter) work ethic, like he just is carrying himself differently. You can just see how much Markquis’s work ethic has rubbed off on him, where Cam is living in the gym and really focused about what he's doing. That has been really good. I mean, he just lives in the gym.”

“Well, he has a different confidence about him. You know, because he is so close to doing what he wants to do, but I mean yet it's so far away, and so he's got to think about just doing the right thing every day.”

“Complete Sports Management and Lea Miller-Tooley’s group have done all preparations for us. They have everything scheduled for us and things that we're gonna get to see and you know, it's the birthplace of three religions and we're going to experience a little bit of each religion and learn about it. We've had two people come in and talk to us from today was we learned about the Jewish culture and faith and a couple days ago it was the significance of the Christian faith in Jerusalem, the whole thing with Jesus and how everything is, you know, the city's divided and, and then I think on Monday, we have Imam coming in to share about the Islamic faith and how its presence is there in Jerusalem. We want to learn about each one, but we also want to be respectful of everyone. I told our staff, we got three things on this trip, the first one is every kid comes back and still wants to be part of this program. Number two is that when we're in public, we do anything that we represent K-State in a way that we shine the best light on our university and how we conduct ourselves and the number three is that we have a great time together.”

“Well, it's a whole lot better thinking about the conference growing than wondering whether you're going to be in a conference, and I was at Baylor when the last time it happened. And we were wondering, you know, I mean, obviously there was going to be a place for certain schools, but we weren't sure where we would be. And I'm sure our fan base. We've experienced that during that same time, too. So right now, being a part of an expanded conference have grown conference, one of the top three conferences in the country and, man I'm like, let's go get them all. I'm excited about some of the schools that are coming in and the potential of other schools to come to.”

“Well, Brett is cutting edge. Like he is like he's a go-getter and he's got a ton of great ideas and it's fun to be a part of something that is always pushing the needle. And you know, on wanting to be the first and not just following what everybody else is doing and I love that about him and the event in Rucker Park was a terrific idea. And it was extremely well executed except for rain. I mean, it was terrific. And I look forward to being a part of that. I look forward to being a part of games in Mexico and some of the other things that we have planned. I want to spread the brand all over the world. And that's what we're going to do when we are in Israel. And, hopefully play some good basketball and, just people get to see what terrific young men we have on this team and just spread the K-State brand across the world.”

“We are actively looking for the right two guys to be a part of our program. And if we find them, we can be really really good. If we don't find them, we have an NCAA tournament team. But our goal is not just to go to the NCAA.”

On his impressions of Tylor Perry…

“Well, that he is a winner. He knows how to win. He's a terrific kid, so people like him and he likes people to like him and but part of being a leader is that people aren't always going to like you and that's something that he's gonna have to learn. He wants to get to the NCAA Tournament. He’s never done that before. And I want to be a part of helping that happen. And part of that happening will be him, being comfortable not being liked, in order to get the team to be the best that they can be.”

“So last year in the NCAA Tournament, I'm very outspoken about my faith. And given the opportunity I take joy in sharing what's important to me and but also we had Baybe (Abayomi Iyiola) and Ish (Massoud) on our team, who are both Muslims. We provided the opportunity for those guys to observe Ramadan to go to the mosque for prayer and, be able to share their faith because this is about loving people, right? And so, Daniel Posner, and Athletes for Israel and some of the other sports organizations there in Israel that represented different religions saw how we conducted ourselves and said that's what we want, because we want to be able to build unity through sports. And so that's what attracted them to us. And so, we're excited about this opportunity. We're gonna be one of the first U.S. colleges (along with Arizona) to ever play in Abu Dhabi. And we're part of what Abraham Accords now allows communications between Israel and Arab countries. N college team has ever flown from Israel to an Arab country, and we get to do that. And so, anytime you get a chance to be, you know, a first in something and, you know, be part of building peace. I mean, that's exciting.”

On if the players are excited about one particular part of the trip…

“I'm not sure yet. We're learning so much information and we're finding out so much of how culturally diverse Israel is. I hope that when we go there, we have the type of experience I expect us to have. And we represent ourselves the way that we expect to represent ourselves that our players will be able to talk positively about their experience that other people will want to visit those countries also and that we do such a good job that they want to have us back.”

On the benefits of a foreign trip and his experience at Baylor…

“(In 2019-20), we lost our second game of the season to Washington, in Alaska. And then won 23 in a row from there, and then COVID hit. So yeah, so there was some good and bad. I mean, it helped us. And so when the season was actually going really terrific. And then, you know, COVID hit so it didn't particularly end well. These trips are incredible for team building. And it's great, the educational part of it. And, you could go to, Cancun or the Bahamas and play a few games, but you get a chance to help your guy’s experience something that they may never get to do again. You have to take the opportunity.”

K-State to Travel to Israel, Abu Dhabi August 9-20

For the first time since 2016, K-State will embark on an international tour with a 10-day trip to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, Israel and Abu Dhabi, UAE from August 9-20.

During the Israeli portion of the trip, the team will enjoy walking tours of the Old City Jerusalem, the City of David, Bethlehem and Old City Jaffa, visits to the Yad Vashem – the World Holocaust Remembrance Center – as well as the Western Wall and the Dead Sea. While in Abu Dhabi, they will visit the Abraham Peace Accords House and the Grand Mosque among other cultural experiences.

K-State is expected to play up to 3 games with further information to follow. Currently, the Wildcats are scheduled to play the Israeli Select Team on Tuesday, August 15 at 11 a.m., CT (7 p.m. local time) at the Hadar Yosef Sports Center in Tel Aviv. Any broadcast information will be made public once official.

The trip is being sponsored by Athletes for Israel and its Founder and Chairman&nbsp;Daniel Posner&nbsp;as well as the Abu Dhabi Tourism Board, while it is&nbsp;being coordinated by Complete Sports Management (CSM), which specializes in running high level international tours for men’s and women’s programs highlighting the educational, cultural and team bonding aspects of travel abroad.

The NCAA permits teams to make an international trip once every four years and this will be the first by the men’s basketball since August 2016 when the Wildcats played 5 games in various cities in Italy and Switzerland. The team was scheduled to take a trip overseas in 2020 but it was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Overall, this will be the program’s sixth trip outside the country for a summer exhibition tour, which includes excursions to Japan in 1981, Finland, the Netherlands and Sweden in 1993, Vancouver, British Columbia in 2004, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2012 as well as Italy and Switzerland in 2016.

Fans will be able to follow the Wildcats throughout the tour on&nbsp;<a href="http://kstatesports.com/" target="_blank">kstatesports.com</a>&nbsp;and various department social media channels.

Led by Naismith National Coach of the Year&nbsp;Jerome Tang, the Wildcats compiled a 26-10 record in 2022-23, which included a tie for third place in the Big 12 and the school’s 13th&nbsp;trip to the Elite Eight. The 26 wins are the third-most in school history and the most since winning 27 in 2012-13.

Senior&nbsp;Nae’Qwan Tomlin, who declared for the NBA Draft before opting to return for his senior season, headlines six returners, including three starters, for K-State in 2023-24.

The 6-foot-8, 195-pound forward from Harlem, N.Y., was third in scoring (10.4 ppg.) and double-digit scoring games (21) behind All-Americans&nbsp;Markquis Nowell&nbsp;and&nbsp;Keyontae Johnson&nbsp;and second in rebounding (5.9 rpg.) to Johnson, while he led the way in blocks (1.0 bpg.) and dunks (43).

Tomlin averaged 10.4 points on 50 percent (147-of-294) shooting from the field, including 27.5 percent (19-of-69) from 3-point range, to go with 5.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks in 27.3 minutes per game. He ranked among the Big 12’s top-15 in 4 categories, including seventh in blocked shots and ninth in rebounding.

Tomlin will be joined by fellow regular starters – senior&nbsp;David N’Guessan&nbsp;and junior&nbsp;Cam Carter&nbsp;– along with sophomores&nbsp;Jerrell Colbert&nbsp;and&nbsp;Dorian Finister&nbsp;and redshirt freshman&nbsp;Taj Manning&nbsp;as returners.

Carter, along with Tomlin, was among four players to start all 36 games a year ago, as he ranked fourth on the team in 3-point field goals (35), assists (1.4 apg.) and steals (0.9 spg.) and fifth in scoring (6.5 ppg.), field goals made (86) and minutes (26.3 mpg.). He scored in double figures in 8 games, including a career-best 17 points in the win at No. 6/6 Texas as well as 12 points in the win over Michigan State in the NCAA Tournament.

N’Guessan started 11 of the first 12 games before an injury sidelined him for 6 games at the start of Big 12 play. He returned to play the last 16 games, including 7 starts, highlighted by an 11-point performance in the win over Michigan State. He led the team in field goal percentage (70.6) while averaging 6.4 points to go along with 3.5 rebounds in 19.5 minutes per game.

Colbert and Manning both redshirt the 2022-23 season, while Finister was limited to just 6 games.

Graduate transfer&nbsp;Tylor Perry&nbsp;(North Texas) and junior&nbsp;Arthur Kaluma&nbsp;(Creighton) as well as the top-30 freshman recruiting class of&nbsp;Dai Dai Ames,&nbsp;R.J. Jones&nbsp;and&nbsp;Macaleab Rich&nbsp;arrived on campus in early June.

Kaluma and Perry were both rated among the top-20 transfers by ESPN in June.

Kaluma arrives after a 2-year stint at Creighton, where he was selected to the BIG EAST All-Freshman and All-Tournament teams in 2021-22. He averaged double figure scoring both seasons as a Bluejay, including 11.8 points on 42.3 percent shooting with 6.0 rebounds per game as a sophomore in 2022-23.

Perry, the 2023 Conference USA Player of the Year and NIT Most Outstanding Player, joined the team as a graduate transfer from North Texas, where he tallied more than 1,000 points in his 2-year career. This past season, he was the leading scorer (17.3 ppg.) on the first 30-win season in Mean Green history, guiding the school to a second-place finish in the C-USA standing and the NIT crown.

A Chicago native, Ames was selected as Jordan Brand Classic All-American after concluding his high school career at Kenwood Academy with more than 1,500 career points. As a senior, he averaged 21.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.4 steals, connecting on 51.3 percent from the field.

Jones played his senior season at prep powerhouse Wasatch Academy in Mount Pleasant, Utah, where he led the Tigers in both scoring (11.9 ppg.) and assists (5.2 apg.) en route to earning All-NIBC honors.

Rich led his East St. Louis High School to a third-place finish at the Class 3A State Tournament, joining Ames on the All-State First Team after averaging a near double-double with 20 points and 9.1 rebounds per game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691422742591.jpeg" alt="Tang, players discuss the upcoming international trip to Israel, Abu Dhabi" />
 <figcaption>Tang, players discuss the upcoming international trip to Israel, Abu Dhabi</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=22592&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Watch Jerome Tang Press Conference</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=22593&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Watch Player Press Conference</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2023/8/2/mens-basketball-k-state-traveling-to-israel-abu-dhabi-august-9-20.aspx" target="_blank">K-State Traveling to Israel, Abu Dhabi August 9-20</a> MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang&nbsp;and selected players met with the media on Friday afternoon (August 4) to discuss their preparations for the historic 10-day trip to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, Israel and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates [UAE] from August 9-20.The traveling party will spend 3 nights each in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and 4 nights in Abu Dhabi, departing the U.S., on Wednesday, August 9 and returning Sunday, August 20.K-State, along with the University of Arizona, are the first college teams to ever take a foreign tour to Abu Dhabi.The exhibition tour is being generously sponsored by Athletes for Israel and its Founder and Chairman&nbsp;Daniel Posner&nbsp;as well as the Abu Dhabi Tourism Board. In their efforts to combat antisemitism and racism, Athletes For Israel brings athletes to Israel so they can experience the Holy Land and develop a connection with its history, culture, innovation and people.For more information on the organization and its mission, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.athletesforisrael.org/" target="_blank">athletesforisrael.org</a>.Head Coach Jerome TangOn what he is most looking forward to…“The food. I hear they have great fruit over there. Dylan Cowell from Auburn. He talked to our team. And he said it was the best watermelon he's ever eaten. It's life over there. And then I've heard that their breakfast are incredible. So, looking forward to that.”On if his team is ready for this trip…“I think the time together is gonna be important, but we need some people to take leadership roles, understand what that looks like in different aspects and then see who can step up to the plate.”On strategy playing games on the trip…“I want every guy to come back and think he's gonna play 30 minutes and has got a major role on the team. In this day and age of the portal and all of that, the last thing you want is to lose a kid after a foreign tour.”On deciding to take a foreign tour to Israel and Abu Dhabi…“Well, for me personally, it's a bucket list. Something I wanted to do. (Complete Sports Management)&nbsp;Lea Miller-Tooley and (Athletes for Israel) Daniel Posner reached out to us about it. We were actually going to Greece. And so, when this came about, it was just something that you couldn't turn down.On what player has impressed the most in summer workouts…“Really impressed with Cam's (Carter) work ethic, like he just is carrying himself differently. You can just see how much Markquis’s work ethic has rubbed off on him, where Cam is living in the gym and really focused about what he's doing. That has been really good. I mean, he just lives in the gym.”On Nae’Qwan Tomlin…“Well, he has a different confidence about him. You know, because he is so close to doing what he wants to do, but I mean yet it's so far away, and so he's got to think about just doing the right thing every day.”On preparations for the trip…“Complete Sports Management and Lea Miller-Tooley’s group have done all preparations for us. They have everything scheduled for us and things that we're gonna get to see and you know, it's the birthplace of three religions and we're going to experience a little bit of each religion and learn about it. We've had two people come in and talk to us from today was we learned about the Jewish culture and faith and a couple days ago it was the significance of the Christian faith in Jerusalem, the whole thing with Jesus and how everything is, you know, the city's divided and, and then I think on Monday, we have Imam coming in to share about the Islamic faith and how its presence is there in Jerusalem. We want to learn about each one, but we also want to be respectful of everyone. I told our staff, we got three things on this trip, the first one is every kid comes back and still wants to be part of this program. Number two is that when we're in public, we do anything that we represent K-State in a way that we shine the best light on our university and how we conduct ourselves and the number three is that we have a great time together.”On the growth of the Big 12…“Well, it's a whole lot better thinking about the conference growing than wondering whether you're going to be in a conference, and I was at Baylor when the last time it happened. And we were wondering, you know, I mean, obviously there was going to be a place for certain schools, but we weren't sure where we would be. And I'm sure our fan base. We've experienced that during that same time, too. So right now, being a part of an expanded conference have grown conference, one of the top three conferences in the country and, man I'm like, let's go get them all. I'm excited about some of the schools that are coming in and the potential of other schools to come to.”On Commissioner Yormark…“Well, Brett is cutting edge. Like he is like he's a go-getter and he's got a ton of great ideas and it's fun to be a part of something that is always pushing the needle. And you know, on wanting to be the first and not just following what everybody else is doing and I love that about him and the event in Rucker Park was a terrific idea. And it was extremely well executed except for rain. I mean, it was terrific. And I look forward to being a part of that. I look forward to being a part of games in Mexico and some of the other things that we have planned. I want to spread the brand all over the world. And that's what we're going to do when we are in Israel. And, hopefully play some good basketball and, just people get to see what terrific young men we have on this team and just spread the K-State brand across the world.”On the two open scholarships…“We are actively looking for the right two guys to be a part of our program. And if we find them, we can be really really good. If we don't find them, we have an NCAA tournament team. But our goal is not just to go to the NCAA.”On his impressions of Tylor Perry…“Well, that he is a winner. He knows how to win. He's a terrific kid, so people like him and he likes people to like him and but part of being a leader is that people aren't always going to like you and that's something that he's gonna have to learn. He wants to get to the NCAA Tournament. He’s never done that before. And I want to be a part of helping that happen. And part of that happening will be him, being comfortable not being liked, in order to get the team to be the best that they can be.”On Athletes For Israel…“So last year in the NCAA Tournament, I'm very outspoken about my faith. And given the opportunity I take joy in sharing what's important to me and but also we had Baybe (Abayomi Iyiola) and Ish (Massoud) on our team, who are both Muslims. We provided the opportunity for those guys to observe Ramadan to go to the mosque for prayer and, be able to share their faith because this is about loving people, right? And so, Daniel Posner, and Athletes for Israel and some of the other sports organizations there in Israel that represented different religions saw how we conducted ourselves and said that's what we want, because we want to be able to build unity through sports. And so that's what attracted them to us. And so, we're excited about this opportunity. We're gonna be one of the first U.S. colleges (along with Arizona) to ever play in Abu Dhabi. And we're part of what Abraham Accords now allows communications between Israel and Arab countries. N college team has ever flown from Israel to an Arab country, and we get to do that. And so, anytime you get a chance to be, you know, a first in something and, you know, be part of building peace. I mean, that's exciting.”On if the players are excited about one particular part of the trip…“I'm not sure yet. We're learning so much information and we're finding out so much of how culturally diverse Israel is. I hope that when we go there, we have the type of experience I expect us to have. And we represent ourselves the way that we expect to represent ourselves that our players will be able to talk positively about their experience that other people will want to visit those countries also and that we do such a good job that they want to have us back.”On the benefits of a foreign trip and his experience at Baylor…“(In 2019-20), we lost our second game of the season to Washington, in Alaska. And then won 23 in a row from there, and then COVID hit. So yeah, so there was some good and bad. I mean, it helped us. And so when the season was actually going really terrific. And then, you know, COVID hit so it didn't particularly end well. These trips are incredible for team building. And it's great, the educational part of it. And, you could go to, Cancun or the Bahamas and play a few games, but you get a chance to help your guy’s experience something that they may never get to do again. You have to take the opportunity.”K-State to Travel to Israel, Abu Dhabi August 9-20For the first time since 2016, K-State will embark on an international tour with a 10-day trip to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, Israel and Abu Dhabi, UAE from August 9-20.During the Israeli portion of the trip, the team will enjoy walking tours of the Old City Jerusalem, the City of David, Bethlehem and Old City Jaffa, visits to the Yad Vashem – the World Holocaust Remembrance Center – as well as the Western Wall and the Dead Sea. While in Abu Dhabi, they will visit the Abraham Peace Accords House and the Grand Mosque among other cultural experiences.K-State is expected to play up to 3 games with further information to follow. Currently, the Wildcats are scheduled to play the Israeli Select Team on Tuesday, August 15 at 11 a.m., CT (7 p.m. local time) at the Hadar Yosef Sports Center in Tel Aviv. Any broadcast information will be made public once official.The trip is being sponsored by Athletes for Israel and its Founder and Chairman&nbsp;Daniel Posner&nbsp;as well as the Abu Dhabi Tourism Board, while it is&nbsp;being coordinated by Complete Sports Management (CSM), which specializes in running high level international tours for men’s and women’s programs highlighting the educational, cultural and team bonding aspects of travel abroad.The NCAA permits teams to make an international trip once every four years and this will be the first by the men’s basketball since August 2016 when the Wildcats played 5 games in various cities in Italy and Switzerland. The team was scheduled to take a trip overseas in 2020 but it was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.Overall, this will be the program’s sixth trip outside the country for a summer exhibition tour, which includes excursions to Japan in 1981, Finland, the Netherlands and Sweden in 1993, Vancouver, British Columbia in 2004, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2012 as well as Italy and Switzerland in 2016.Fans will be able to follow the Wildcats throughout the tour on&nbsp;<a href="http://kstatesports.com/" target="_blank">kstatesports.com</a>&nbsp;and various department social media channels.The Wildcats At A GlanceLed by Naismith National Coach of the Year&nbsp;Jerome Tang, the Wildcats compiled a 26-10 record in 2022-23, which included a tie for third place in the Big 12 and the school’s 13th&nbsp;trip to the Elite Eight. The 26 wins are the third-most in school history and the most since winning 27 in 2012-13.Senior&nbsp;Nae’Qwan Tomlin, who declared for the NBA Draft before opting to return for his senior season, headlines six returners, including three starters, for K-State in 2023-24.The 6-foot-8, 195-pound forward from Harlem, N.Y., was third in scoring (10.4 ppg.) and double-digit scoring games (21) behind All-Americans&nbsp;Markquis Nowell&nbsp;and&nbsp;Keyontae Johnson&nbsp;and second in rebounding (5.9 rpg.) to Johnson, while he led the way in blocks (1.0 bpg.) and dunks (43).Tomlin averaged 10.4 points on 50 percent (147-of-294) shooting from the field, including 27.5 percent (19-of-69) from 3-point range, to go with 5.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks in 27.3 minutes per game. He ranked among the Big 12’s top-15 in 4 categories, including seventh in blocked shots and ninth in rebounding.Tomlin will be joined by fellow regular starters – senior&nbsp;David N’Guessan&nbsp;and junior&nbsp;Cam Carter&nbsp;– along with sophomores&nbsp;Jerrell Colbert&nbsp;and&nbsp;Dorian Finister&nbsp;and redshirt freshman&nbsp;Taj Manning&nbsp;as returners.Carter, along with Tomlin, was among four players to start all 36 games a year ago, as he ranked fourth on the team in 3-point field goals (35), assists (1.4 apg.) and steals (0.9 spg.) and fifth in scoring (6.5 ppg.), field goals made (86) and minutes (26.3 mpg.). He scored in double figures in 8 games, including a career-best 17 points in the win at No. 6/6 Texas as well as 12 points in the win over Michigan State in the NCAA Tournament.N’Guessan started 11 of the first 12 games before an injury sidelined him for 6 games at the start of Big 12 play. He returned to play the last 16 games, including 7 starts, highlighted by an 11-point performance in the win over Michigan State. He led the team in field goal percentage (70.6) while averaging 6.4 points to go along with 3.5 rebounds in 19.5 minutes per game.Colbert and Manning both redshirt the 2022-23 season, while Finister was limited to just 6 games.Graduate transfer&nbsp;Tylor Perry&nbsp;(North Texas) and junior&nbsp;Arthur Kaluma&nbsp;(Creighton) as well as the top-30 freshman recruiting class of&nbsp;Dai Dai Ames,&nbsp;R.J. Jones&nbsp;and&nbsp;Macaleab Rich&nbsp;arrived on campus in early June.Kaluma and Perry were both rated among the top-20 transfers by ESPN in June.Kaluma arrives after a 2-year stint at Creighton, where he was selected to the BIG EAST All-Freshman and All-Tournament teams in 2021-22. He averaged double figure scoring both seasons as a Bluejay, including 11.8 points on 42.3 percent shooting with 6.0 rebounds per game as a sophomore in 2022-23.Perry, the 2023 Conference USA Player of the Year and NIT Most Outstanding Player, joined the team as a graduate transfer from North Texas, where he tallied more than 1,000 points in his 2-year career. This past season, he was the leading scorer (17.3 ppg.) on the first 30-win season in Mean Green history, guiding the school to a second-place finish in the C-USA standing and the NIT crown.A Chicago native, Ames was selected as Jordan Brand Classic All-American after concluding his high school career at Kenwood Academy with more than 1,500 career points. As a senior, he averaged 21.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.4 steals, connecting on 51.3 percent from the field.Jones played his senior season at prep powerhouse Wasatch Academy in Mount Pleasant, Utah, where he led the Tigers in both scoring (11.9 ppg.) and assists (5.2 apg.) en route to earning All-NIBC honors.Rich led his East St. Louis High School to a third-place finish at the Class 3A State Tournament, joining Ames on the All-State First Team after averaging a near double-double with 20 points and 9.1 rebounds per game.

Tang, Players Discuss Upcoming International Trip to Israel, Abu Dhabi

MANHATTAN, Kansas –&nbsp;K-State women’s basketball redshirt sophomore Gisela Sanchez completed action at the 2023 FIBA U20 European Championship on Sunday, as Spain captured third place at the event with a 94-36 win over Serbia in the third-place game.

In seven games, Sanchez registered averages of 8.3 points, shooting 41.7 percent from the field including 47.1 percent from 3-point range. She also notched 3.3 rebounds, 0.9 assists and 0.7 steals in 15.8 minutes of play. She carded double figures in scoring in three games including a team-leading 14 against France in the semifinals.

K-State enters the 2023-24 season with the return of 10 letter winners including four starters from last season’s 2023 WNIT squad. The Wildcats will be led by 2022 All-American center Ayoka Lee, who returns for her senior season, senior guard and 2023 All-Big 12 First Team selection Gabby Gregory, and the junior trio of Brylee Glenn, Jaelyn Glenn and Serena Sundell.

The 10­ returning letter winners were responsible for 84 percent of K-State’s scoring, 82 percent of the team’s assists and 67 percent of the team’s rebounding in the 2022-23 season. The Wildcats will also welcome in transfers Imani Lester and Zyanna Walker, Sanchez and freshmen Alexis Hess and Taryn Sides.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691422603715.jpeg" alt="Gisela Sanchez Image Courtesy Kansas State University Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Gisela Sanchez Image Courtesy Kansas State University Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kansas –&nbsp;K-State women’s basketball redshirt sophomore Gisela Sanchez completed action at the 2023 FIBA U20 European Championship on Sunday, as Spain captured third place at the event with a 94-36 win over Serbia in the third-place game.In seven games, Sanchez registered averages of 8.3 points, shooting 41.7 percent from the field including 47.1 percent from 3-point range. She also notched 3.3 rebounds, 0.9 assists and 0.7 steals in 15.8 minutes of play. She carded double figures in scoring in three games including a team-leading 14 against France in the semifinals.K-State enters the 2023-24 season with the return of 10 letter winners including four starters from last season’s 2023 WNIT squad. The Wildcats will be led by 2022 All-American center Ayoka Lee, who returns for her senior season, senior guard and 2023 All-Big 12 First Team selection Gabby Gregory, and the junior trio of Brylee Glenn, Jaelyn Glenn and Serena Sundell.The 10­ returning letter winners were responsible for 84 percent of K-State’s scoring, 82 percent of the team’s assists and 67 percent of the team’s rebounding in the 2022-23 season. The Wildcats will also welcome in transfers Imani Lester and Zyanna Walker, Sanchez and freshmen Alexis Hess and Taryn Sides.K-State women’s basketball season tickets for the 2023-24 season are available now for purchase. For more information on season ticket packages for the Wildcats’ home schedule, contact the K-State Athletics Ticket Office by calling 1-800-221-CATS or visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>.

K-State’s Sanchez Helps Spain to Third-Place Finish at FIBA U20 Women’s Euros

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Lina Hurtig's converted her penalty and Sweden knocked the United States out of the World Cup 5-4 on penalties after a scoreless draw at the Women's World Cup.

U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher fruitlessly argued she had saved Hurtig's attempt, but it was ruled over the line. The stadium played Abba's "Dancing Queen" in the stadium as the Swedes celebrated.

The United States, which has a record four World Cup titles overall and was trying to win an unprecedented third consecutive title, was eliminated in the Round of 16 for the first time in team history.

Previously, the Americans' worst finish had been third place, three different times.

“I am proud of the women on the field," said U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski. “I know we were criticized for the way we played, and for different moments in the group stage. I think we came out today and showed the grit, the resilience, the fight. The bravery showed we did everything we could to win the game. And, unfortunately, soccer can be cruel sometimes.”

It was the first match at this World Cup to go to extra time.

Two-time World Cup participant Julie Ertz was in tears after the match.

“We didn't put anything in the back of the net,” she sobbed. “The penalties was tough as well. It's just emotional because it's probably my last game ever. It's just tough. It's an emotional time. It obviously sucks. Penalties are the worst.”

It was the fourth time a U.S. match at the World Cup went to extra time. All of the three previous matches went to penalties, including the 2011 final won by Japan. The U.S. won on penalties in a 2011 quarterfinal match against Brazil, and in the 1999 final at the Rose Bowl against China.

Sweden knocked the United States out of the 2016 Olympics in the quarterfinals on penalties.

Sweden goes on to the quarterfinals to play Japan, the 2011 World Cup winner, which defeated Norway 3-1 on Saturday night.

Sweden has never won a major international tournament, either the World Cup or the Olympics. The closest the team has come is World Cup runner-up in 2003. They finished third in the 1999, 2011 and 2019 editions, and won silver medals in the last two Olympics.

The Americans struggled through group play with just four goals in three matches.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-states-portugal-rose-lavelle-lynn-williams-rapinoe-9ab96954dd053ec7b91fc9aa45868cd6">They were nearly eliminated last Tuesday by first-timers Portugal, but eked out a 0-0 draw</a>&nbsp;to fall to second in their group for just the second time at a World Cup.

The Americans looked far better against Sweden, dominating possession and outshooting the Swedes 5-1 in the first half alone. Lindsey Horan’s first-half header hit the crossbar and a second-half blast was saved by goalkeeper Zecira Musovic, who had six saves in regulation.

Sweden won all three of their group games,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/womens-world-cup-sweden-italy-match-summary-39130a2c83404fb1b6ec8f475d28109c">including a 5-0 rout of Italy in its final group match.</a>&nbsp;Coach Peter Gerhardsson made nine lineup changes for the match, resting his starters in anticipation of the United States.

Naeher punched the ball away from a crowded goal on an early Sweden corner kick. Three of the Swedes’ goals against Italy came on set pieces.

Trinity Rodman’s shot from distance in the 18th minute was easily caught by Musovic, who stopped another chance by Rodman in the 27th.

Horan’s header off Andi Sullivan’s corner in the 34th hit the crossbar and skipped over the goal. Horan was on target in the 53rd minute but Musovic dove to push it wide. Horan crouched to the field in frustration while Musovic was swarmed by her teammates.

The United States was without Rose Lavelle, who picked up her second yellow card of the tournament in the group stage finale against Portugal and has to sit out against Sweden.

In Lavelle’s absence, Andonovski started Emily Sonnett, who was making her first start for the team since 2022. The addition of Sonnett allowed Horan to move up higher in the midfield.

Sweden pressed in the final 10 minutes of regulation. Sofia Jakobsson, who came in as a substitute in the 81st minute, nearly scored in the 85th but Naeher managed to catch it for her first save of the tournament.

Neither Caroline Seger or Megan Rapinoe started the match, but Rapinoe came in as a sub for Alex Morgan in the first overtime period.

Seger, whose 235 appearances for Sweden are the most for any woman in Europe, was on the bench to start the match. The 38-year-old has been struggling with a calf problem all year and trained alone in the two days of practice leading into the showdown with the U.S.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/womens-world-cup-united-states-rapinoe-665f43d32ff45c859422072fdb99dd60">Rapinoe, also 38, previously announced that this would be her last World Cup.</a>&nbsp;She has taken on a smaller role for the Americans in her final tournament. She was a substitute in the United States’ first and third games of group play and didn’t get off the bench in the middle match. She made her 200th appearance for the national team at the World Cup.

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Lina Hurtig's converted her penalty and Sweden knocked the United States out of the World Cup 5-4 on penalties after a scoreless draw at the Women's World Cup.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Naeher saves it, but it&#39;s ruled over the line. Sweden advances. 🇺🇸 ✅✅✅ ❌ ❌ ✅ ❌ 🇸🇪 ✅✅❌ ❌ ✅ ✅ ✅&mdash; U.S. Women&#39;s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) <a href="https://twitter.com/USWNT/status/1688154109772460032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher fruitlessly argued she had saved Hurtig's attempt, but it was ruled over the line. The stadium played Abba's "Dancing Queen" in the stadium as the Swedes celebrated.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Our time Down Under comes to an end. 💔<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USWNT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USWNT</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/Visa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Visa</a> <a href="https://t.co/X2g0NHqg38">pic.twitter.com/X2g0NHqg38</a>&mdash; U.S. Women&#39;s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) <a href="https://twitter.com/USWNT/status/1688155300904529920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The United States, which has a record four World Cup titles overall and was trying to win an unprecedented third consecutive title, was eliminated in the Round of 16 for the first time in team history.Previously, the Americans' worst finish had been third place, three different times.“I am proud of the women on the field," said U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski. “I know we were criticized for the way we played, and for different moments in the group stage. I think we came out today and showed the grit, the resilience, the fight. The bravery showed we did everything we could to win the game. And, unfortunately, soccer can be cruel sometimes.”It was the first match at this World Cup to go to extra time.Two-time World Cup participant Julie Ertz was in tears after the match.“We didn't put anything in the back of the net,” she sobbed. “The penalties was tough as well. It's just emotional because it's probably my last game ever. It's just tough. It's an emotional time. It obviously sucks. Penalties are the worst.”It was the fourth time a U.S. match at the World Cup went to extra time. All of the three previous matches went to penalties, including the 2011 final won by Japan. The U.S. won on penalties in a 2011 quarterfinal match against Brazil, and in the 1999 final at the Rose Bowl against China.Sweden knocked the United States out of the 2016 Olympics in the quarterfinals on penalties.Sweden goes on to the quarterfinals to play Japan, the 2011 World Cup winner, which defeated Norway 3-1 on Saturday night.Sweden has never won a major international tournament, either the World Cup or the Olympics. The closest the team has come is World Cup runner-up in 2003. They finished third in the 1999, 2011 and 2019 editions, and won silver medals in the last two Olympics.The Americans struggled through group play with just four goals in three matches.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-states-portugal-rose-lavelle-lynn-williams-rapinoe-9ab96954dd053ec7b91fc9aa45868cd6">They were nearly eliminated last Tuesday by first-timers Portugal, but eked out a 0-0 draw</a>&nbsp;to fall to second in their group for just the second time at a World Cup.The Americans looked far better against Sweden, dominating possession and outshooting the Swedes 5-1 in the first half alone. Lindsey Horan’s first-half header hit the crossbar and a second-half blast was saved by goalkeeper Zecira Musovic, who had six saves in regulation.Sweden won all three of their group games,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/womens-world-cup-sweden-italy-match-summary-39130a2c83404fb1b6ec8f475d28109c">including a 5-0 rout of Italy in its final group match.</a>&nbsp;Coach Peter Gerhardsson made nine lineup changes for the match, resting his starters in anticipation of the United States.It was tense from the opening whistle.Naeher punched the ball away from a crowded goal on an early Sweden corner kick. Three of the Swedes’ goals against Italy came on set pieces.Trinity Rodman’s shot from distance in the 18th minute was easily caught by Musovic, who stopped another chance by Rodman in the 27th.Horan’s header off Andi Sullivan’s corner in the 34th hit the crossbar and skipped over the goal. Horan was on target in the 53rd minute but Musovic dove to push it wide. Horan crouched to the field in frustration while Musovic was swarmed by her teammates.The United States was without Rose Lavelle, who picked up her second yellow card of the tournament in the group stage finale against Portugal and has to sit out against Sweden.In Lavelle’s absence, Andonovski started Emily Sonnett, who was making her first start for the team since 2022. The addition of Sonnett allowed Horan to move up higher in the midfield.Sweden pressed in the final 10 minutes of regulation. Sofia Jakobsson, who came in as a substitute in the 81st minute, nearly scored in the 85th but Naeher managed to catch it for her first save of the tournament.Neither Caroline Seger or Megan Rapinoe started the match, but Rapinoe came in as a sub for Alex Morgan in the first overtime period.Seger, whose 235 appearances for Sweden are the most for any woman in Europe, was on the bench to start the match. The 38-year-old has been struggling with a calf problem all year and trained alone in the two days of practice leading into the showdown with the U.S.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/womens-world-cup-united-states-rapinoe-665f43d32ff45c859422072fdb99dd60">Rapinoe, also 38, previously announced that this would be her last World Cup.</a>&nbsp;She has taken on a smaller role for the Americans in her final tournament. She was a substitute in the United States’ first and third games of group play and didn’t get off the bench in the middle match. She made her 200th appearance for the national team at the World Cup.

US loses to Sweden on penalty kicks in earliest Women's World Cup exit ever

Q:&nbsp;What are your thoughts&nbsp;on&nbsp;Ekow&nbsp;Boye-Doe?

TOUB:&nbsp;“(Ekow)&nbsp;Boye-Doe he’s coming on, especially recently.&nbsp;The thing about him&nbsp;(is)&nbsp;he’s&nbsp;not a real big guy,&nbsp;so&nbsp;you&nbsp;wonder how&nbsp;he’sgoing to hold up. We got him at gunner,&nbsp;so we’re going to see him in there.&nbsp;He’s&nbsp;going to have to use his speed&nbsp;to be able to get out on guys&nbsp;to be able to run.&nbsp;He’s&nbsp;got the top end&nbsp;speed,&nbsp;but the big question is,&nbsp;is he going to play bigger than he&nbsp;actually is&nbsp;because&nbsp;he’s&nbsp;about 177 pounds.&nbsp;He’s&nbsp;kind of slight&nbsp;but&nbsp;we’ve&nbsp;had guys that have been that small that came on and became good players for us so&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;not impossible.”

Q:&nbsp;We saw&nbsp;Justyn Ross takes some reps at gunner&nbsp;and recovering a ball at the&nbsp;1-yard&nbsp;line, how&nbsp;realistic is it that he goes out there?

TOUB:&nbsp;“Yeah,&nbsp;I mean that’s part of the gunner job. In the pooch areas,&nbsp;you don’t get doubled a lot&nbsp;because you have eight guys in the&nbsp;box,&nbsp;so you’re singled up&nbsp;to get out and run. Then your job is to go down and make a play on the ball&nbsp;when&nbsp;Tommy (Townsend) hangs up. That’s what we were working on today,&nbsp;and&nbsp;he’s&nbsp;got that skill.”&nbsp;

Q:&nbsp;What are your thoughts&nbsp;on&nbsp;Ekow&nbsp;Boye-Doe?TOUB:&nbsp;“(Ekow)&nbsp;Boye-Doe he’s coming on, especially recently.&nbsp;The thing about him&nbsp;(is)&nbsp;he’s&nbsp;not a real big guy,&nbsp;so&nbsp;you&nbsp;wonder how&nbsp;he’sgoing to hold up. We got him at gunner,&nbsp;so we’re going to see him in there.&nbsp;He’s&nbsp;going to have to use his speed&nbsp;to be able to get out on guys&nbsp;to be able to run.&nbsp;He’s&nbsp;got the top end&nbsp;speed,&nbsp;but the big question is,&nbsp;is he going to play bigger than he&nbsp;actually is&nbsp;because&nbsp;he’s&nbsp;about 177 pounds.&nbsp;He’s&nbsp;kind of slight&nbsp;but&nbsp;we’ve&nbsp;had guys that have been that small that came on and became good players for us so&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;not impossible.”Q:&nbsp;We saw&nbsp;Justyn Ross takes some reps at gunner&nbsp;and recovering a ball at the&nbsp;1-yard&nbsp;line, how&nbsp;realistic is it that he goes out there?TOUB:&nbsp;“Yeah,&nbsp;I mean that’s part of the gunner job. In the pooch areas,&nbsp;you don’t get doubled a lot&nbsp;because you have eight guys in the&nbsp;box,&nbsp;so you’re singled up&nbsp;to get out and run. Then your job is to go down and make a play on the ball&nbsp;when&nbsp;Tommy (Townsend) hangs up. That’s what we were working on today,&nbsp;and&nbsp;he’s&nbsp;got that skill.”&nbsp;

Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator Dave Toub Quotes

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State junior tight end&nbsp;Ben Sinnott&nbsp;was one of 48 tight ends in the nation to be named to the preseason watch list for the 2023 John Mackey Award, the award’s organization announced Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691175272837.jpeg" alt="Ben Sinnott K-State Image" />
 <figcaption>Ben Sinnott K-State Image</figcaption>
 </figure><a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State junior tight end&nbsp;Ben Sinnott&nbsp;was one of 48 tight ends in the nation to be named to the preseason watch list for the 2023 John Mackey Award, the award’s organization announced Friday. Sinnott is just the fourth Wildcat to ever be up for the award that goes to the most outstanding collegiate tight end, joining Brian Casey (2004), Jeron Mastrud (2009 midseason candidate) and Dayton Valentine (2017). He is also one of six Big 12 tight ends on the initial 2023 watch list.A native of Waterloo, Iowa, Sinnott burst onto the scene last season as he started all 14 games and hauled in 31 passes for 447 yards and four touchdowns en route to All-Big 12 First Team accolades from the league’s coaches. Sinnott, who had at least one catch in 13 games, led all Big 12 tight ends and ranked fourth nationally among the position group with a 14.4-yard receiving average, while he ranked sixth in school history in receiving yards by a tight end and tied for eighth in receptions. He totaled the most catches and receiving yards by a K-State tight end since Mastrud in 2008 (38 catches for 435 yards).Sinnott’s best game of the 2022 season came at Baylor when he set career highs in catches (7), yards (89) and touchdowns (2). It was the first time a K-State tight had multiple touchdown receptions in a game since Jarrett Grosdidier against Indiana State in 1996, while his seven catches were the most by a Wildcat tight end since Rashaad Norwood also had seven at Baylor in 2006. Sinnott also topped the 80-yard mark and had another touchdown the next week at West Virginia, while his fourth touchdown of the season was the Wildcats’ first score in the Big 12 Championship victory over No. 3 TCU, a six-yard reception on a 4th-down play.K-State is in the midst of preseason practices leading up to the 2023 campaign, which opens on September 2 with a 6 p.m., contest against SEMO inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Tickets to the seven-game home slate can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 1-800-221-CATS.