Kansas City, Mo. finds itself at the center of an exciting basketball showdown as Kansas State basketball takes a 10-day break from finals and gears up to face unbeaten Drake in a crucial nonconference game. The Wildcats, currently standing at 6-3, are coming off a disheartening 88-71 loss at St. John’s, where they squandered a four-point halftime lead. On the other side, Drake, under the guidance of first-year coach Ben McCollum who achieved multiple NCAA Division II national titles at Northwest Missouri State, has been on a roll.

Kansas State vs. Drake - A Battle for Basketball Supremacy

Drake's Northwest Missouri State Influence

Coach McCollum, with his remarkable 495-91 record and four national championships from Northwest Missouri State, has brought the cream of his 2023-24 Bearcat roster to Des Moines. The Bulldogs start four players who transferred from Northwest Missouri, with leading scorers Bennett Stirtz averaging 17.8 points per game, Daniel Abreu at 13.9, and Mitch Mascari at 12.2. Cam Manyawu, a 6-foot-8 sophomore forward who grabs a team-best 6.9 rebounds per game, is a Wyoming transfer. This infusion of Northwest Missouri talent gives Drake a distinct flavor and a competitive edge.

Drake's reliance on these transfers showcases their strategic approach to building a strong team. The players have seamlessly integrated into the Bulldog lineup, bringing with them the winning mentality and skills honed at Northwest Missouri State. This has been evident in their early-season performances, where they have outscored opponents by an average of nearly 20 points per game.

The presence of these Northwest Missouri State alumni adds a layer of experience and familiarity to the Drake team. It allows them to play with a certain cohesion and confidence on the court, knowing that they have a shared history and understanding. This could prove to be a significant factor in their upcoming matchup against Kansas State.

Drake's Stellar Defense

Drake's defense in the first nine games has been nothing short of remarkable. They rank second nationally, allowing an average of 55.2 points per game while holding opponents to a meager 39.3% shooting overall and an astonishing 26.9% from 3-point range. Vanderbilt is the only team to have reached 70 points against the Bulldogs, who themselves average 75 points and are 15th in the nation in terms of victory margin.

The Bulldogs' defensive prowess is a testament to their coaching and player commitment. They have implemented a solid defensive strategy that focuses on disrupting opponents' rhythms and limiting their scoring opportunities. This has been a key factor in their impressive start to the season and has given them a reputation as one of the nation's top defensive teams.

Against Kansas State, Drake will look to continue their defensive dominance. Their ability to shut down opponents' scoring attacks will be crucial in determining the outcome of the game. If they can limit Kansas State's scoring and force turnovers, they will be in a strong position to secure a victory.

Kansas State's Rotation Adjustments

With forward Achor Achor leaving the team for personal reasons last week, Kansas State will need to rely more on backup big men Ugonna Onyenso and Baye Fall. These two players have averaged 6.2 points and 4.7 rebounds between them in limited action. Achor, who averaged 7.3 points and 2.7 rebounds in seven games, including a 21-point outburst in a 120-73 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff, played only five minutes in the loss to St. John’s.

Kansas State will need to find ways to maximize the production of Onyenso and Fall. They will need to provide them with more opportunities on the court and help them build confidence in their abilities. This may involve adjusting the team's offensive and defensive schemes to better utilize their skills.

The Wildcats also need more scoring from starting forward Coleman Hawkins, who is fourth on the team with 8.8 points per game. Despite his scoring average, Hawkins is a force on the boards, averaging a team-high 7.2 rebounds and adding 3.7 assists. If he can step up his scoring and provide more consistent production, it will give Kansas State a much-needed boost.

Overall, Kansas State will need to make some adjustments to their rotation and find ways to overcome the loss of Achor. If they can do this and play to their full potential, they may be able to give Drake a run for their money.

Prediction: Drake 70, Kansas State 65. Kansas State has struggled to put together a complete game against top-flight opponents, while Drake has not only beaten three quality teams in Charleston but also won their Missouri Valley Conference opener at Valparaiso. This suggests that Drake has the edge in this matchup and is likely to come out on top.

Arne Green, based in Salina, covers Kansas State University sports for the Gannett network. He can be reached at agreen@gannett.com or on X (formerly Twitter) at @arnegreen.