Kansas State getting surprise boost from a redshirt freshman as Big 12 play begins
Under perfect circumstances, Kansas State basketball coach Jerome Tang would prefer to use a rotation of eight players.
But now that Big 12 play is underway and every game feels like a fistfight, he is adjusting his strategy.
This time of year, he only gives minutes to the players he trusts.
“We’re just trying to figure out how to win,” Tang said. “If it takes nine to win, we’re going to play nine. If it’s six to win, we’re going to play six. If our guys are focused and locked in and I don’t have to go deep to find energy or something that we’re not getting, then that’s what we’ll do.”
Tang sent a clear message that he is comfortable using a small rotation during K-State’s 77-52 victory over UCF on Saturday at Bramlage Coliseum.
The Wildcats only used seven players when the game was in doubt, and four of their starters logged more than 32 minutes.
When Tang did go to his bench he mostly called upon freshman Dai Dai Ames and redshirt freshman Dorian Finister.
It was a bit of a surprise that Tang showed confidence in Finister, as he had only played in six of K-State’s first 13 games. But the 6-foot-4 guard from New Orleans was ready for the moment. Not only did he score a season-high six points, he grabbed four rebounds and two assists. Best of all, he stayed on the court for 18 minutes and looked more than capable of duplicating his contributions in future games.
K-State could use some help from its bench. Perhaps Finister can deliver during the second half of the season.
“He understands what he needs to do to help us win,” Tang said. “He has defended, he has rebounded, he has moved the ball. And because he’s done those things and been real efficient at doing them, now we can start coaching him about other things. Like, ‘This is when you need to look for yours.’”
Finister’s greatest value to the team right now is that he seems comfortable being a role player.
He flashed a big smile as he sat down and began talking with reporters following the UCF victory. It was only the second time in his college career that he had been asked to speak with media.
“I’m just blessed to be in this position,” Finister said. “I am just listening to the older guys and coaches. ‘What can I do to stay on the floor?’ That’s just what I’ve been displaying and practicing. I guess it translates to the game.”
Finister played in six games last season but didn’t do much when he was on the floor. K-State coaches kept him on the bench for most of the year in hopes of getting him a redshirt waiver. The NCAA approved that request and now he has four years of eligibility remaining at K-State.
But the Wildcats aren’t just looking forward to his future. They are leaning on him right now.
Sometimes an extra glue guy can really help a team, especially when that team is using a short rotation.
“When a kid goes into the game they think the way they stay out there is by shooting shots and if it goes in,” Tang said. “That’s not what we need from certain guys right now. Dorian has bought into that and it’s allowed him to be on the floor longer. And now his confidence is going to grow, and and our confidence in him is going to grow,”