Kansas State basketball has faced a significant setback just nine games into the season. Achor Achor, a 6-foot-9, 227-pound senior forward from Melbourne, Australia, has left the team for personal reasons. Coach Jerome Tang expressed that there are more important aspects in Achor's life at this time and hopes that some time away will help him reprioritize and complete his degree. Tang's focus remains on helping young men become the best versions of themselves and building an elite program.

Kansas State Basketball's Season Altered by a Player's Departure

Impact on the Team

Achor's absence is felt deeply within the Kansas State basketball team. He was one of the most highly regarded transfers signed by Coach Tang during the offseason. Having spent the past two years at Samford, where he averaged 16.1 points and 6.1 rebounds as a senior in 2023-24, his skills and presence on the court were crucial. Before his departure, he had shown an increase in playing time and productivity leading up to the disappointing 88-71 loss at St. John's. In the first two games of the season, he was absent due to a family emergency. But after scoring 21 points in 24 minutes of a record-breaking 120-73 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Dec. 1, his playing time was cut short at St. John's, where he played just five minutes and did not score.This has opened up opportunities for other players like 7-foot Kentucky transfer Ugonna Onyenso, 6-11 Arkansas transfer Baye Fall, or 6-7 returning sophomore Macaleab Rich. The team now needs to adjust and find ways to fill the void left by Achor.

Season Outlook

With the recent loss, K-State fell to 6-3 on the season. They have just two games remaining before opening their Big 12 season at home against Cincinnati on Dec. 30. This week, the Wildcats are off for finals. After that, they will travel to Kansas City on Tuesday to face Drake at T-Mobile Center. The team will need to work hard to regain their form and perform well in the upcoming games.The departure of Achor is a setback, but the players and coaching staff are determined to move forward and make the most of the remaining games. They will need to rely on each other and play to their full potential to achieve success in the Big 12 season.