Kansas State basketball is building a new identity under head coach Casey Alexander, and the latest piece comes from a familiar conference foe. The Wildcats have secured a commitment from Bradley transfer guard Montana Wheeler, marking Alexander's second significant addition from the Missouri Valley Conference this offseason.

Wheeler, a 5-foot-9 guard, is coming off a promising freshman campaign where he earned a spot on the MVC All-Bench Team. Despite not starting a game, he was a crucial spark plug for the Braves, averaging 8.5 points and nearly 3 assists in over 22 minutes per contest. His speed and defensive tenacity will be a welcome addition to the K-State backcourt.

Interestingly, Wheeler already has a history with his new coach. His career-high 22-point performance came against Alexander's Belmont squad on New Year's Day, where he set a Bradley freshman record by draining seven three-pointers. That shooting prowess, combined with his playmaking, suggests he could be an immediate impact player in Manhattan.

He joins former Murray State forward Brock Vice as former MVC rivals now united under Alexander's vision. With three seasons of eligibility remaining, Wheeler represents a key long-term building block for the Wildcats' future.

The Houston native brings a strong basketball pedigree to the program. His father is a high school head coach, and his brother, Savhir, was a highly-touted recruit who played at Georgia, Kentucky, and Washington. This background in the game should help him adapt quickly to the competitive landscape of the Big 12.

Coach Alexander is clearly putting his stamp on the roster, blending experienced transfers like Wheeler with incoming freshmen to shape the team for the 2024-25 season and beyond. For K-State fans, this move signals an aggressive approach in the transfer portal aimed at elevating the program's competitiveness.