New Kansas State PG Dug McDaniel Impressing Coach Jerome Tang Early On

Anthony Pasciolla | 3 Hours Ago

Michigan guard Dug McDaniel (0) celebrates a three point basket against Nebraska during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Sunday, March 10, 2024. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Kansas State Wildcats basketball is ready to make serious noise with their newlook roster.

At the helm is former Michigan Wolverine Dug McDaniel, who averaged 16.3 points and 4.7 assists on 41 percent shooting last season. Wildcats coach Jerome Tang understands the type of player McDaniel is, but is more impressed with the traits on display.

"Dug has really embraced learning what we want him to do as a point guard and be a leader," Tang said. "He empties his cup every day and allows us to fill it so I've been real pleased with that."

Adjusting to a new system is never easy in college basketball. McDaniel is, however, joined by nine other first-year Wildcats easing the change. Tang expects the ex-Wolverine to act as a leader on and off the floor for K-State.

"With everything and every new phase of what we're doing there are new challenges that he has to face," Tang said. "It's up to us as a staff to confront him on it and then give him guidance on how to get him through it. It's going to be a continual growth but love the kid. If we were playing football and he was the DB, you're not getting open and he's going to win the 50-50 ball ... He's that kind of a competitor."