Kansas State was one of the hottest teams in college basketball last year. Behind their terrific guard play the Wildcats were able to make a run to the Elite Eight. However, what most people fail to realize is how much the frontcourt really influenced the game for the Wildcats. Dominique Sutton brought defensive intensity, Jamar Samuels gave instant contributions off the bench, and Curtis Kelly did it all in the post. This set up a perfect beginning for the Wildcats heading into next season.

K-State has been nabbed as a Final Four favorite next year by several outlets. Some even went as far as saying the Wildcats would be the best team in the Big 12. That’s because the Wildcats returned just about every player on their roster except Denis Clemente, Luis Colon and Chris Merriewether. But in addition, the Wildcats acquired Will Spradling, Shane Southwell and Freddy Asprilla.

It wasn’t the greatest recruiting class but it was solid and it put the Wildcats in a place where they could be successful. However, the Kansas State basketball program received bad news last Friday. Soon-to-be senior Dominique Sutton has decided to transfer to a school around the North Carolina area to be closer to his girlfriend and his two children.

Sutton was a crucial piece to the Wildcats’ success. When they needed defensive intensity, Sutton brought it. He wasn’t offensively polished but he did provide a spark from the wing. He ran well in transition, rebounded, and gave consistent energy on both ends of the floor. Over his three-years at Kansas State he averaged 6.5 points and five rebounds per game.

The departure of Sutton has weakened the defensive pressure on the wing. However, that may have opened up the spot for 6-foot-6 freshman Southwell. Southwell is a versatile forward that was going to be used as more of a two-guard then a three-guard. However, with the loss of Sutton, Southwell will no doubt have to step up and fill his shoes.

Sutton will be greatly missed by the Wildcats fans. He was a crowd-pleaser and a great talent to have on the court.

Good luck, Dom, and thank you for your time at K-State. We wish you nothing but the best.