K-State forward Ismael Massoud opts to transfer after March Madness run with Wildcats

A key member of Jerome Tang’s first Kansas State basketball roster has decided to move on.

Ismael Massoud, a 6-foot-9 forward with one year of college eligibility remaining, intends to enter the NCAA transfer portal and play elsewhere next season.

Massoud announced his transfer plans on Wednesday, less than a week after the Wildcats were eliminated from the NCAA Tournament by Florida Atlantic in an Elite Eight game at Madison Square Garden. His departure will no doubt create mixed feelings among fans after he helped K-State survive and advance in March Madness by making pivotal three-pointers against both Kentucky and Michigan State.

Some would have loved for Massoud to return after he came off the bench to average 5.4 points and make 41.8% of his shots from three-point range this season. But Massoud made it clear last week that he wanted to weigh his options before committing to another season with the Wildcats. It appears as though he will search for a starting role elsewhere.

He said goodbye to K-State Nation on social media.

“This year was a dream come true in so many ways,” Massoud wrote, “and allowed me to grow so much as a player and a person. I want to thank Coach (Bruce) Weber and his staff first and foremost for giving me an opportunity of a lifetime to play for K-State. I want to especially thank coach Shane Southwell for making that first call.

“Thank you Coach Tang and his whole staff for having me be a part of a special year on and off the court. This year challenged and rewarded me in many ways that I will be forever grateful for. To all my teammates, I’ve made brothers for life and bonds I’ll cherish forever.

“Lastly, to the fans and people of Manhattan, my time here has helped me find a new home. Y’all welcomed me with open arms and showed me so much love over my two years here. I’ll be a Wildcat for life.”

On the surface, it may seem surprising that Massoud will finish out his college career in a different uniform. After all, it was just last week that he scored 15 points against Michigan State and was considered a hero in certain parts of the Sunflower State.

But there are several reasons why he was a transfer candidate.

For starters, he was unlikely to play a larger role for the Wildcats next season. Massoud mostly came off the bench this year and only averaged 18.1 minutes of playing time. Tang and his coaching staff loved Massoud for his ability to knock down open shots, but there were times when it was hard for them to trust Massoud as a defender.

It should not come as a surprise that Massoud may yearn for a starting role elsewhere or look to play somewhere closer to his home of New York, especially now that his friend Markquis Nowell is also moving on along with Keyontae Johnson, Abayomi Iyiola, Desi Sills and Tykei Greene.

Massoud has already spent four years in college. His first two were at Wake Forest. His last two were at K-State. It’s not irregular for players to try a new experience when they elect to remain in school as a “super senior.”

In any case, his departure means that every player who logged minutes under former coach Bruce Weber is no longer part of the K-State roster. They are all Tang’s recruits now.

Massoud’s departure also means that the Wildcats now have three open scholarships to use on the recruiting trail.