Did Kansas State make the right call by hiring Casey Alexander as its new basketball coach? The answer will become clear in time.
A few years from now, it should be easy to see which programs came out on top from K-State’s coaching search. Was Alexander the best choice, or would options like Jerrod Calhoun, Alan Huss, or Josh Schertz have been better fits?
Evaluating coaches isn’t always straightforward, but each of these candidates landed in strong positions after discussions with K-State athletic director Gene Taylor. Alexander left Belmont for K-State, Calhoun moved from Utah State to Cincinnati, Huss is set to take over at Creighton, and Schertz secured a major extension at Saint Louis. With most now leading power-conference programs and the others in top mid-major roles, their progress will be easy to compare.
Matchups will add even more intrigue Alexander and Calhoun will face off regularly in Big 12 play, and Creighton is scheduled to visit Bramlage Coliseum next season.
This situation echoes K-State’s 2018 football coaching hire. At the time, some questioned whether Chris Klieman, coming from North Dakota State, was the right choice over candidates like Neal Brown, Seth Littrell, or Mike Norvell. Years later, the results speak for themselves.
Klieman retired after delivering 54 wins, five bowl appearances, and a conference title arguably outperforming his peers from that hiring cycle.
Similarly, the outcome of K-State’s 2026 basketball coaching search will become clear with time.
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