This Kansas State basketball team was the talk of the sports nation before losing to Butler in the Elite Eight.

What a season the Wildcats had. They finished with the second best record in arguably the best conference in college basketball with a 11-5 record in the Big 12, along with a 24-6 record overall to end the regular season. Going into the Big 12 Tournament the Wildcats were two wins away from the all-time wins record in K-State history.

After dumping Oklahoma State, they escaped Baylor and acquired the winniest season in school history. Just one of many achievements the Wildcats achieved this season.

The Wildcats also advanced to their first Sweet 16 and Elite Eight appearances since the 1988 season.

So, with the most wins in school history, two major NCAA Tournament achievements, a runner-up finish in the Big 12 Conference, how is this Wildcat team going to continue their success?

With players such as Xavier Henry, Cole Aldrich, Sherron Collins, Edke Upoh, Tommy Mason-Griffin and other Big 12 standouts leaving for the NBA Draft, the Wildcats have Big 12 Champions written all over them.

But before K-State fans can get too excited here are some things the Wildcats need to do to take the next step forward.

Play Defense

Defense, defense, defense—something head coach Frank Martin stresses so much and hopes to get through his players head.

Defense is the key to many games, and that is what K-State rode throughout most of the second half of the season. During the first half of the season, it was all about the three-point shooting but over the course of the season Martin helped the Wildcats incorporate both which made them a much better basketball team.

Martin should continue with the pressure defense and keeping the offense guessing by continuously switching up zones, or the pressure as he did this season. The more practice, the better they get and if the Wildcats defense is better than it was last year there is no reason why they can’t post the same numbers as they did this year.

Build Depth

You might think the Wildcats had depth last year, but obviously not enough.

The Wildcats had Jamar Samuels the most productive sixth-man in the Big 12, and other players like Rodney McGruder, Martavious Irving and Wally Judge coming off the bench for them this season.

That was one productive bench but when it came down to it, the bench didn’t always show up. Martin usually likes his 8-man rotation, but when he tried to expand the bench in the Butler game the bench players didn’t perform, leaving it up to Martin to stick with his regular rotation playing on tired legs.

Next year’s bench should be special considering Martin has added more fire power. This allows him to go deep in the bench and avoid another “tired legs” excuse.

Develop Leadership

Last year the Wildcats were mostly guided by senior leader Denis Clemente.

Clemente did a lot of things that pointed the Wildcats in the right direction. He was the floor general, the one to take the gutsy shots, stepped up in big games, passed the ball efficiently, there were so many things Clemente did for this Wildcat team, but now he is gone.

Next year the team needs some of those contributions from Jacob Pullen, who will carry a heavier load. Pullen showed most of those qualities this season and should be shoulders above expectations next season.

Beat KU

Defeating KU is one of the best moments as a Wildcat fan. But Jayhawks have had the Wildcats under control for too long.

The Wildcats were defeated by the Jayhawks all three times that they played this season. Next year a win against the Jayhawks would mean a lot to the Wildcat faithful and be a great step forward for the program.

Just Play Basketball

You can listen to broadcasters, journalist, analyst, or anybody that knows the game of basketball well, but the only one that can really make a difference is the players. The Wildcats are known for their stifling defense, three point shooting and offensive rebounding.

They need to continue with that same mentality and improve the younger, yet talented bench. Wildcat Nation will expect another deep run in the NCAA Tournament, but maintaining the success the program experienced this season will satisfy the masses.

A Final Thought

To continue the same success as this year’s team which was loaded with talent all across the roster, is more of a want than a need. This Wildcats team is not going to be looked on to match or rise above last year’s team success. They are going to be looked at on how well they can handle the college basketball without their speedy point guard Clemente.

Next season’s Wildcats will be productive and it’s setting up to look like another successful season for K-State.