New Orleans Privateers vs. Kansas State Wildcats Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 5th 2024

Preview and Prediction

The most recent iteration of the newly restructured Kansas State basketball team will make their debut this season as they take on New Orleans in the opening game for both teams on Tuesday in Manhattan, Kansas.

The Wildcats have a mere three returning players from last year's roster, with the remaining spots filled by one freshman and nine transfers, creating a diverse group.

"I am extremely enthusiastic about these individuals," head coach Jerome Tang expressed at the Big 12 Media Day. "It's essentially a brand new team. I am grateful for (senior returner) David N'Guessan. When a young man spends three years with you in this day and age, it means you are doing something right and that he is truly enjoying his time."

While each of the new additions brings their own strengths, the standout is 6-foot-10 Coleman Hawkins, who transferred from Illinois. Hawkins was named co-Newcomer of the Year in the Big 12.

"Even if he hadn't received that title, it wouldn't change the fact that he is a highly versatile player with a high basketball IQ, capable of playing guard and multiple offensive positions," Tang commented on Hawkins.

"He takes great pleasure in seeing his teammates succeed, and that is rare. When he is on the court, he elevates the play of those around him, making me look like a better coach."

As Tang works to integrate his new group of talent, New Orleans head coach Stacy Hollowell is also adjusting to a new program. Hollowell spent the past two years on the staff at Ole Miss and Texas Southern, but before that, he led Loyola University, also located in New Orleans, to the 2022 NAIA national championship.

"I believe our length and athleticism will surprise people as we play a fast-paced game," Hollowell stated when discussing the upcoming season. "If you want to play fast and hard, in transition, and an exciting style of basketball, then we are the team for you."

Hollowell's biggest acquisition so far has been James White, who previously played under Hollowell at Ole Miss in 2022-23 before transferring to UAB last season. Although he only appeared in seven games at UAB, he has the potential to be a key player for Hollowell.

PREDICTION

New Orleans Privateers

Kansas State Wildcats

New Orleans Privateers vs. Kansas State Wildcats Recap NOV 5TH 2024

David N'Guessan posted a double-double and newcomers Max Jones and Brendan Hausen combined for 36 points as Kansas State overcame a sluggish start to defeat New Orleans 89-65 on Tuesday night in Manhattan, Kan.

In the season opener for both sides, Kansas State stretched the lead to 56-36 with 16:13 left in the second half and maintained at least a 17-point cushion.

The Wildcats (1-0) took plenty of shots from beyond the arc, hitting 13-of-34 3-point attempts for a 38.2 shooting percentage. N'Guessan led the Wildcats with 21 points and 15 rebounds, while Jones had 19 points and Hausen added 17. Hausen took most of his shots from long range, hitting four of nine from 3-point land. He also was 3-of-3 from the free-throw line.

New Orleans (0-1) was led by Jah Short with 19 points. James White added 14 points and Dae Dae Hunter chipped in 10.

Things didn't start well for the Wildcats as they missed 10 of their first 13 shots, with N'Guessan earning all three makes. The Privateers, meanwhile, hit 6 of 10 shots at the outset, building a 17-7 lead before the second media timeout.

UNO led 25-15 before K-State scored the next five points. That was part of a 13-2 run that gave Kansas State its first lead since 4-3. By the final media timeout of the first half, the Wildcats led 34-29. They went into halftime up 44-32 after Jones scored the final five points in the last 2.5 seconds.

N'Guessan hit double figures in points at the 7:41 mark of the first half with an inside move. He grabbed his 10th rebound with 6:13 left. He had just three double-doubles last season. He finished the first half with 11 points and 11 rebounds. But he was not Kansas State's leading scorer to that point -- that honor was shared by Jones and Hausen, who scored 12 each.

In the first half, New Orleans was led by White with 12 points and Short with 10.