Kansas State Boosted by PJ Haggerty Commitment: PJ Haggerty, The American Athletic Conference Player of the Year, Has Committed to Kansas State, Potentially Ending Their NCAA Tournament Drought
Kansas State University has made a significant addition to its men’s basketball program with the commitment of PJ Haggerty, the 2024–25 American Athletic Conference (AAC) Player of the Year. Haggerty’s arrival is anticipated to bolster the Wildcats’ prospects of returning to the NCAA Tournament, following a challenging 16–17 season under head coach Jerome Tang.
Standing at 6-foot-3, Haggerty has demonstrated exceptional talent throughout his collegiate career. After brief stints at TCU and Tulsa, he emerged as a standout player at Memphis, where he averaged 21.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.8 steals per game during the 2024–25 season. His performance earned him second-team All-American honors and played a pivotal role in leading the Tigers to an AAC title and an NCAA Tournament appearance .
One of Haggerty’s most notable performances came during the AAC tournament quarterfinals, where he scored a career-high 42 points in an 83–80 victory over Wichita State. This achievement tied the AAC tournament single-game scoring record and underscored his ability to excel under pressure .
Haggerty’s decision to transfer to Kansas State was influenced by the opportunity for a substantial Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal and the assurance of a starting role. He withdrew from NBA Draft consideration to join the Wildcats, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success .
As Kansas State aims to revitalize its basketball program, Haggerty’s addition is expected to provide a significant boost. His scoring ability, leadership, and experience at the collegiate level position him as a key contributor in the Wildcats’ pursuit of a return to national prominence.
