The excitement and unpredictability that define the month of March have once again arrived, bringing with them the thrilling chaos of the NCAA Tournament. While millions of basketball fans across the country are glued to their screens, watching buzzer-beaters and bracket-busters unfold, another important process is quietly taking place behind the scenes: the search for future stars. For the Kansas State Wildcats men’s basketball program, the tournament is not only a spectacle to enjoy but also a valuable scouting opportunity.
As the second round of the NCAA Tournament gets underway, fans may be tempted to take time off work or skip other responsibilities to keep up with the action. At the same time, Kansas State head coach Casey Alexander and his staff are likely paying close attention to the performances of standout players across the country. March Madness has long been known as a stage where lesser-known players elevate their reputation with strong performances, and this year appears to be no different.
Several talented players from mid-major programs have already emerged as intriguing prospects for the transfer portal. With the Wildcats looking to strengthen their roster for the 2027 season, it would not be surprising if some of these athletes eventually become recruiting targets. The tournament often reveals players capable of competing at the highest level, and Alexander’s staff will undoubtedly be evaluating which performers might fit into Kansas State’s long-term plans.
March Madness Breakout Performers Who Could Interest Kansas State
The first round of the NCAA Tournament delivered exactly the kind of drama fans have come to expect. Upsets, narrow escapes, and memorable individual performances filled the opening day of competition. Among the most unusual storylines was High Point guard Chase Johnston, who managed to sink his first two-point basket of the entire season during the game.
Johnston’s ability to generate attention through his long-range shooting and surprising statistical quirks made him a fascinating figure during the early rounds. However, while his perimeter shooting has been entertaining for viewers, he may not necessarily align with Kansas State’s recruiting priorities. The Wildcats already have several options in the backcourt and are reportedly monitoring former Belmont players who may be entering the transfer portal.
Another factor that could limit Johnston’s appeal to Kansas State is his eligibility situation. With his college career nearing its conclusion, he may not represent the kind of long-term investment the Wildcats are seeking. For a program trying to build sustained success heading into future seasons, players with multiple years of eligibility remaining tend to be more attractive additions.
Because of these considerations, Johnston—despite his entertaining tournament presence—might not be the most logical target for the Wildcats. Kansas State has several alternative prospects who could potentially provide greater value and longevity within the program.
Siena Guard Gavin Doty Impresses Against Duke
One of the most captivating early-round matchups involved Siena facing off against the top-seeded Duke Blue Devils. Entering the game, few expected the Saints to challenge one of the tournament’s most powerful teams. Yet Siena nearly delivered one of the most shocking upsets in NCAA Tournament history.
For a moment, it appeared Duke might become only the third No. 1 seed ever defeated by a No. 16 seed in the Round of 64. Ultimately, the Blue Devils managed to escape with a narrow victory, preserving their championship hopes and allowing head coach Jon Scheyer’s squad to advance.
But the real headline of the game was not just the close score—it was Siena’s remarkable approach to the matchup. The Saints relied entirely on their starting lineup, with all five starters remaining on the court for the full forty minutes of regulation. That level of endurance and commitment highlighted the team’s determination to compete with one of the nation’s elite programs.
Among those starters, sophomore guard Gavin Doty stood out as one of the most impressive performers. The 6-foot-5 guard has been one of Siena’s most reliable offensive weapons throughout the season, averaging 18 points per game. Against Duke’s highly ranked defense, Doty once again delivered a strong performance, scoring 21 points in the narrow loss.
His scoring output helped keep Siena within striking distance throughout the contest, as he was one of three Saints players to finish the game in double figures. Doty’s ability to produce offensively against elite competition suggests that his talents could translate well to a larger program.
Importantly, this performance was not simply a one-game anomaly. Doty has consistently delivered strong scoring efforts throughout the season. Earlier in the year, he exploded for a season-high 31 points in a game against Iona, showcasing his ability to dominate offensively when given the opportunity.
He also closed the MAAC Tournament in impressive fashion, scoring at least 20 points in each of the final two games. Those performances demonstrated his reliability during high-pressure situations, an attribute that coaches highly value when evaluating potential transfers.
For a program like Kansas State, which will likely seek experienced and productive players to strengthen its roster heading into 2027, Doty could represent a compelling option. His scoring ability, size, and proven success in important games make him exactly the type of player who often thrives after transferring to a larger program.
Miami (OH) Guard Brant Byers Could Be Another Transfer Portal Target
Another mid-major program that deserves recognition for its outstanding season is Miami University of Ohio. The Redhawks enjoyed a remarkable run, finishing conference play with an undefeated 31-0 record. Such dominance within their league helped them secure a place in the NCAA Tournament and establish themselves as one of the most successful teams outside the power conferences.
Miami (OH) also made an impression in the tournament’s First Four round, defeating SMU to advance into the main bracket. Although they eventually fell short during the Round of 64, their season remains an impressive achievement that has drawn attention to several players on their roster.
Whenever a team experiences that level of success, it is common for other programs to express interest in its standout athletes. If any members of Miami’s roster decide to explore transfer opportunities, the recruiting landscape could quickly become competitive.
One player in particular who could generate significant attention is sophomore guard Brant Byers. Among mid-major prospects with remaining eligibility, Byers may be one of the most intriguing names available in the transfer portal.
In Miami’s victory over SMU, Byers delivered a strong performance by scoring 19 points and helping lead his team to the win. Although he was less effective in the Redhawks’ Round of 64 matchup against Tennessee, his overall season statistics still reflect a productive campaign.
Byers finished the year averaging 14.2 points per game along with slightly more than four rebounds per contest. Those numbers highlight his ability to contribute across multiple areas of the game.
Like Gavin Doty, Byers has also demonstrated the capacity to perform in high-pressure situations. His scoring bursts and ability to step up when his team needs him most make him an appealing option for programs seeking clutch performers.
Another advantage in Byers’ case is his experience competing in the Mid-American Conference. The MAC has long been recognized as a competitive mid-major league, and players who succeed there often prove capable of adapting to higher-level competition.
For Kansas State head coach Casey Alexander, whose recruiting strategy frequently targets experienced players from strong mid-major programs, Byers could be an ideal fit. If he enters the transfer portal, it would not be surprising to see the Wildcats express interest.
Missouri Valley Conference Players Kansas State Should Monitor
While several mid-major conferences have produced standout performers this season, the Missouri Valley Conference also deserves attention. Among its member schools, Northern Iowa was the only team to secure a spot in this year’s NCAA Tournament.
The Panthers earned their tournament berth after a strong performance in the conference tournament, advancing past Bradley and Illinois-Chicago to reach the final rounds of the event commonly known as “Arch Madness.” Their impressive run secured them a respectable No. 5 seed in the NCAA bracket.
Northern Iowa entered the tournament with a talented roster led by veteran head coach Ben Jacobson, whose teams have historically been known for disciplined play and strong fundamentals. As a result, the Panthers were widely considered a team capable of making noise in the tournament.
Unfortunately for Northern Iowa, their postseason journey ended with an opening-round loss to St. John’s. Nevertheless, several players on their roster delivered performances that could attract attention from larger programs.
Among the Panthers’ starting lineup, three players still possess additional eligibility: Will Hornseth, Leon Bond III, and Max Weisbrod. Each of them could potentially become a transfer candidate, depending on their future plans.
If Kansas State head coach Casey Alexander decides to pursue players with Missouri Valley experience, Hornseth might stand out as the most appealing option. The forward has already demonstrated skills that could translate well to a program competing at a higher level.
During the Panthers’ game against St. John’s, Hornseth recorded 10 points in 25 minutes of action. While that stat line may not appear extraordinary, it reflects his ability to contribute effectively in limited playing time against strong competition.
Standing at 6 feet 8 inches tall, Hornseth fits the profile of a traditional forward, yet he also brings valuable perimeter shooting ability to the position. During his sophomore season, he connected on an impressive 44.4 percent of his three-point attempts, ranking among the best shooters in the Missouri Valley Conference.
That combination of size and shooting range is highly sought after in modern college basketball. For teams looking to stretch the floor while maintaining frontcourt versatility, players like Hornseth can be extremely valuable.
Whether Kansas State ultimately pursues Hornseth could depend on the future of several players currently on the Wildcats’ roster. The development and roster status of forwards such as Andrej Kostic, Dorin Buca, and others from the 2025–26 team will likely influence the program’s recruiting priorities.
If Kansas State determines that it needs additional size and shooting in the frontcourt, Hornseth could realistically become a transfer target. His skill set and remaining eligibility would make him an attractive option as the Wildcats build toward the 2027 season.
Looking Ahead for Kansas State
As the NCAA Tournament continues to unfold, new breakout performances will inevitably capture the attention of fans and coaches alike. For Kansas State, the coming weeks represent an opportunity to evaluate players who may soon become available through the transfer portal.
Programs across the country increasingly rely on transfers to reshape their rosters, and the Wildcats are no exception. By carefully monitoring March Madness standouts from mid-major schools, Casey Alexander and his staff can identify athletes who possess both the talent and experience needed to contribute at the Big 12 level.
Players such as Gavin Doty, Brant Byers, and Will Hornseth have already demonstrated their ability to perform on significant stages. If they choose to pursue new opportunities, they could quickly become valuable additions for programs seeking proven production.
Ultimately, the madness of March is about more than thrilling games and unexpected upsets. It is also a showcase of emerging talent, offering players from across the country a chance to prove they belong among the sport’s elite. For Kansas State, keeping a close eye on those performances may help shape the next generation of Wildcats basketball.
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