Kansas State Coach Jerome Tang Trashes Players After Blowout Loss: ‘These Dudes Do Not Deserve To Wear This Uniform’

Kansas State men’s basketball coach Jerome Tang called out his players in a postgame press conference after a 91-62 loss to Cincinnati. 

“This was embarrassing,” Tang said. “These dudes do not deserve to wear this uniform, and there will be very few of them in it next year. I’m embarrassed for the university, I’m embarrassed for our fans, and our student section. It’s just ridiculous.”

This may seem a bit harsh, but Kansas State’s play in the game left a lot to be desired. Cincinnati scored 53 points in the first half, while Kansas State scored just 31. Jizzle James led the way for Cincinnati with 24 points. Baba Miller had 16 points and 12 rebounds. Meanwhile, Kansas State was led by PJ Haggerty with 24 points. Taj Manning did get nine rebounds, but it wasn’t nearly enough for help. 

This loss pushed Kansas State’s record to 10-14. This includes being 1-10 in games against Big 12 opponents. Kansas State is currently ranked 10th in the Big 12.

The mood in the fan section has not been great. During the loss to Cincinnati, fans were seen wearing bags over their heads. 

“I’d wear a paper bag, too, if I was them,” Tang said. 

In the 2022-23 season, Kansas State made the NCAA Tournament and reached the Elite Eight. Markquis Nowell, Keyontae Johnson and Nae’Quin Tomlin went on to play in the NBA. This was Tang’s first season as a head coach. 

Kansas State has been unable to replicate this success. Losing Nowell, Johnson and Tomlin hurt the roster. 

Kansas State’s next game is on Feb. 14 when they take on the No. 3-ranked Houston team. Houston is led by freshman Chris Cenac, Kingston Flemings and Isiah Harwell. Cenac and Flemings are projected to be first-round picks in the 2026 NBA Draft.