Photo gallery: K-State basketball through the decades
K-State basketball players feel it the second they step onto the court.
The fans feel it as they sit in the stands, waiting for the game to start.
Even the opposing players can feel it, as they prepare to take on the 'Cats in what's
known as the "Octagon of Doom."
It's that magical mix of excitement, anticipation and purple pride that can only be
found on a K-State basketball game day. And that energy is even more heightened during
March Madness, the time of year when any basketball team can light up the court and
play all the way to the top.
As we celebrate the Wildcats' run to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament this year
and reflect on the season, we're taking a look back at the past century of K-State
basketball, from the 1920s to the present day.
1920s
The 1927 Royal Purple reports: "The 1927 campaign was outstanding if for no other reasons than the two-point victory over the national championship Hillyards, the repayment of those two Oklahoma defeats, and two scorching, heart-breaking, glorious battles with the University, both of them losses — but both basketball par-excellence — basketball as it is played in Kansas."
Photo courtesy of the Royal Purple
1930s
The 1935 Royal Purple reports: "Although a poor season record was turned in by the 1935 team, the Wildcats furnished its supporters with many thrilling moments throughout the season, and played each one of her conference opponents at least one fairly close game."
Photo courtesy of the Royal Purple
1940s
Recorded in the pages of the 1946 Royal Purple, senior forward Bill Schultz '50 takes a long one-hander against Iowa State in the Wildcats' first home Big Six contest.
Photo courtesy of the Royal Purple
1950s
Wildcat basketball star Ernie Barrett ’51, ’56 takes on an Iowa State player in this photo from the 1951 Royal Purple. Barrett guided the 'Cats all the way to the national championship game in 1951.
Photo courtesy of the Royal Purple
1960s
In this photo from the 1968 Royal Purple, center Nick Pino '68 puts up a shot over the heads of freshman defenders during the annual frosh (freshmen/sophomores) vs. varsity game.
Photo courtesy of the Royal Purple
1970s
The 1977 Royal Purple reports that for the sixth consecutive year, the K-State women's basketball team captured the state conference title and advanced to the AIAW regional tournament.
Photo courtesy of the Royal Purple
1980s
In this photo from the 1982 Royal Purple, forward Tyrone Adams '83 dribbles past a Marquette player. K-State won the game 70-65.
Photo courtesy of the Royal Purple
1990s
According to the 1994 Royal Purple, Shawnda DeCamp came to K-State as a transfer from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Community College and was the Wildcats' leading scorer and 3-point shooter.
Photo courtesy of the Royal Purple
2000s
Storming the Bramlage Coliseum floor in this photo from the 2002 Royal Purple, the women's basketball team celebrates its 89-75 upset of No. 7 Baylor.
Photo courtesy of the Royal Purple
2010s
In this photo from the 2011 Royal Purple, senior forward Curtis Kelly '10 and senior guard Jacob Pullen '11 defend against the University of Colorado.
Photo courtesy of the Royal Purple
2020s
Ayoka Lee '21 gained national attention by scoring 61 points against the Oklahoma Sooners and breaking the NCAA Division 1 women's basketball game record for the most points in a single game.
Photo courtesy of the Royal Purple
Now
Head men's basketball coach Jerome Tang was named the Phillips 66 Big 12 Coach of the Year for 2023. Congrats, Coach Tang!