Kansas State basketball and head coach Casey Alexander have secured a significant addition for the future, landing LSU transfer Matt Gilhool. The 6-foot-11 forward announced his commitment to the Wildcats, bringing a promising blend of size and skill to Manhattan.

Gilhool, a redshirt freshman with four seasons of eligibility remaining, arrives with an impressive pedigree. He was a consensus four-star recruit in the 2025 class, ranked as high as #90 nationally and the #18 power forward. His high school resume is stellar: a three-time Pennsylvania All-State selection who averaged 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game as a senior while leading his team to two league championships.

His journey took a brief detour through LSU, where he spent last season redshirting. According to On3's LSU writer Matthew Brune, that year was crucial for his development. Gilhool used the time to bulk up from 200 to 218 pounds while going toe-to-toe with veteran players in practice. Analysts highlight his shooting touch and high basketball IQ as immediate assets that made him a top-100 recruit, noting his skill level is already high-major ready even as he continues to adjust to the physicality of college basketball.

For the Wildcats, this is a strategic long-term play. Gilhool represents a modern frontcourt piece—a lengthy big man who can stretch the floor and has a proven work ethic. He chose Kansas State from a final list that included heavyweights like Tennessee, Alabama, and Iowa, signaling the program's growing appeal. As he integrates into Coach Alexander's system, Wildcat fans have every reason to be excited about the versatile, high-ceiling talent now in the fold.