18 March 2024
WICHITA, Kan. – Basketball fans in Wichita said the results of Selection Sunday had them feeling a mix of emotions.
Big rivalries between KU and K-State seemed to be set aside amongst fans. They said they’d root for any Kansas team that made it to the NCAA tournament.
The results of the selection were a pleasant surprise for KU fans but a disappointment for those rooting for K-State.
Despite a rough season for the Jayhawk faithful, KU landing the four-seed.
LaQua Mayes says he was expecting them to land fifth or sixth.
“For them to get a fourth seed, like I said, this has not been a very good season,” Mayes said. “For us to get a fourth seed I’m very impressed with them getting that.”
“The fans kind of were doubting them, they didn’t have a great season,” said KU fan Donavan Johnson. “But Kansas, I don’t know, we’re underdogs and we’re fighters.”
K-State supporters are disappointed the team isn’t making the NCAA tournament this year.
“It really is disappointing,” said K-State supporter Jakob Rutschman. “I thought the committee would put a little more emphasis on their Elite Eight appearance last year.”
Rutschman said even as a lifelong KU fan, it’s hard for him to root against K-State with their coach Jerome Tang at the helm.
On the other hand, he’s looking forward to watching KU play.
“I think that they’re gonna be underrated and teams might be unprepared for them all tournament and they can really make a push for the title,” Rutschman said.
K-State supporters said they have faith in the leadership there. They’re hoping the team will do better next season, in better circumstances.