The Kansas State Wildcats were picked to finish last in the Big 12 this season, but first-year head coach Jerome Tang has turned things around for K-State far quicker than anyone could have expected.
And now, he’s looking to change the way the student body approaches their fiercest rivalry.
The No. 13 Wildcats defeated No. 2 Kansas, 83-82, in overtime on Tuesday at Bramlage Coliseum, and when the final whistle sounded, the students took the floor to celebrate the huge win for the program. But in the process, the fans shouted an “F– KU” chant as they’ve done for decades when playing Kansas.
Tang wanted to put a stop to that.
Here's the video that SportsCenter just aired. Jerome Tang with the literal mic drop quote: "From here on out, expect to win." @KCTV5 #EMAW https://t.co/v68CInhTrw pic.twitter.com/Hrc6kfVBau
— Jared Koller (@JaredKCTV5) January 18, 2023
Upon hearing the chant, Tang grabbed the mic and addressed the students, urging them to celebrate the win and cheer *for* K-State rather than disparage Kansas. He said:
“This is not about who we just beat. This is about us winning! K-S-U! … It is amazing what you can accomplish when you do it out of motive of love and joy and passion. Now, I told y’all we’ll get you one court storming. From here on out, expect to win.”
We’ll have to see if that speech continues to resonate with the fans in future Sunflower Showdown meetings. But in the meantime, college basketball fans loved the message.
This was how Twitter reacted
Amazing stuff https://t.co/rQ4ld11Ylu
— Stephen Blunk (@StephenBlunk) January 18, 2023
I believe K-State has them an extraordinary coach. https://t.co/SpiKAbSnOt
— Judy Ransom (@gmaDoodle) January 18, 2023
Dude is the real deal. Big win, sure, but I love the message of “expect to win.” Beautiful stuff. Perfect message. Sic ‘em @CoachJTang Except when @BaylorMBB comes to town then accept you L like the grown man you are. We owe you one! 😂 https://t.co/JUpn4ijAvh
— timm sasser (@timmsass34) January 18, 2023
Goosebumps. I love sports. https://t.co/D8iSOeQBtC
— Kiaya Adams (@KiayaAdams3) January 18, 2023
With all the talk about “building culture” nowadays, @CoachJTang took an elite moment to put in the hard sell. 1st year HC killing it in Manhattan. Happy for him. https://t.co/0BnLNQYZ7s
— TROY HILTON (@TroyHiltonNABC) January 18, 2023
Hope KSU can keep this coach around! He’s a great motivator and seems like an all around great guy! https://t.co/5AdgB66ZGc
— Travis Spiker (@Jeepercreeper76) January 18, 2023
A leader of men. https://t.co/sRUcDATsnG
— Anthony Johnson (@araybu1) January 18, 2023
What a hire by Kansas State. I really really hope he stays for the long run and doesn’t get paid off to go to Texas. This rivalry is so much more fun when both teams are a competitive force in the Big 12. https://t.co/Jy8PWSNIEc
— Ryan Andrade (@Ku_Bball_Fan) January 18, 2023
My coach of the year ballot has been submitted https://t.co/SuTmJoLkAw
— Matthew Brune (@MatthewBrune_) January 18, 2023
The win put K-State in a tie for first in the Big 12 with Kansas and Iowa State. He’s already looking like a home run hire for the Wildcats.
