Kansas State’s basketball season came to an end on Saturday, one game short of the Final Four. But coach Jerome Tang kept coaching beyond the final buzzer.
The Wildcats were understandably upset after the three-point loss. But as the team was walking into the locker room after the game, Tang continued to pump them up.
Tang stood at the door, greeting all of the players and assistant coaches. He was also telling any players or coaches who needed to hear the message to keep their heads up.
WATCH: After the 79-76 #EliteEight loss to 9-seed FAU, K-State Head Coach @CoachJTang was the first to the locker room to support EVERY player, coach and staff member.
Leadership from the first year coach. What a run. pic.twitter.com/GdAFqeAexE
— Tejay Cleland (@KWCHTejay) March 26, 2023
Tang was widely lauded for his encouragement just moments after such a tough loss.
Of all the awesome things I’ve seen from him this year, this tops the list.
K-State fans think they’re upset now. Let me promise you as a head coach, after a loss like that he felt absolutely torn to pieces inside.
But he sucked it up and showed the face his team needed to see. https://t.co/vZ1wiJImCU
— Brett Flory (@Derby_Hoops) March 26, 2023
Leadership 💜 https://t.co/1EIMIs6hKC
— Payton Scheer (@ScheerPayton) March 26, 2023
Hard for this loyal KU fan to admit, but I’m impressed with the way K-State represented the Big 12 and the state of Kansas in the NCAA tournament. Hats off to the Cats on your Elite 8 finish. @KStateAlumni should feel incredibly proud.👏 https://t.co/KjUXpL50X7
— David Johnston (@daviddjohnston) March 26, 2023
Thank you @KStateMBB @CoachJTang and staff for an unbelievable season! So proud of this team. #EMAW https://t.co/ynt1G7gzRa
— Jeff Delp (@azjd) March 26, 2023
Thank you @KStateMBB @CoachJTang and staff for an unbelievable season! So proud of this team. #EMAW https://t.co/ynt1G7gzRa
— Jeff Delp (@azjd) March 26, 2023
Everyone associated with Kansas State’s team is certainly wondering if the game might have had a different result had one play gone differently. After a season ends in such a fashion, it’s natural for players and coaches to hang their heads a little bit. Tang so quickly getting everyone to refocus is a sign of strong leadership.
The 2022-23 season was Tang’s first as a college head coach. The Wildcats finished the season at 26-10, making a run to the Elite Eight. Even if the season didn’t end in an ideal way, the future seems to be bright for the Kansas State basketball program.
