Hausen, Jones Meet the Media
Oct 01, 2024 | Men's Basketball
The guards are two of eight Division I transfers for the Wildcats in 2024-25.
MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State junior Brendan Hausen and senior Max Jones met with the media on Tuesday afternoon (Oct. 1), as the Wildcats continue to build toward the start of the 2024-25 season. Links to the audio and a transcript of the availability are above.
Hausen and Jones are two of the team's 8 Division I transfers in 2024-25. In all, the Wildcats have 11 newcomers on its 14-man roster with 3 returners in senior David N'Guessan and sophomores Taj Manning and Macaleab Rich.
A native of Amarillo, Texas, Hausen transferred to K-State after two seasons at Villanova, where he was part of 35 wins and consecutive NIT appearances. He has scored more than 300 points in his college career, connecting on 40.7 percent (100-of-246) shooting from the field, including 39.5 percent (88-of-223) from 3-point range, and 85.2 percent (23-of-27) from the free throw line. He led the team in both 3-point field goals (61) and 3-point field goal percentage (38.1) in 2023-24 while coming off the bench in all 34 games and averaging 17.7 minutes per game.
Jones transferred to K-State for his final season of eligibility after two seasons at Cal State Fullerton (2022-24) and two seasons at Division II Tampa (2020-22). The native of Clearwater, Fla., has scored nearly 1,400 points during his college career, connecting on 43.2 percent (436-of-1009) shooting from the field, including 36.3 percent (134-of-369) from 3-point range. He has 26 20-point games and six 30-point games in his career.
The Wildcats finished the 2023-24 season with a 19-15 record, including an 8-10 mark in Big 12 play, and advanced to the NIT. Among the Wildcats' 19 victories were 4 over Top 25 teams, including 3 in the Top 10. The team has won 45 games in Tang's first two seasons, including consecutive postseason appearances.
With the unveiling of the new-look 20-game conference schedule, the complete 2024-25 schedule is now available. The Wildcats tip off the season with an exhibition game against Fort Hays State on Tuesday, Oct. 29 before hosting New Orleans in the home opener on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Season tickets for the 2024-25 season are currently available, with prices starting at less than $18 per game. Fans can purchase now to see the Wildcats all year by visiting www.kstatesports.com/tickets or calling (800) 221.CATS.
JUNIOR GUARD BRENDAN HAUSEN
On his decision to choose K-State…
"Definitely a family atmosphere. Just the guys that were here that stayed, when I came on my visit, welcomed me in, the staff welcomed me in. Just getting to see how we do family dinners every week, spend time together just off the court. It was bigger than basketball for me, it's a lot closer to home, my family can be here. So, it's just kind of a win-win."
On being able to help the team's shooting woes from last season…
"I mean, definitely, especially with the pieces around me, I think that I fit right into the puzzle being able to come in and knock down shots, but also, you know, help us win. Win by any means."
On what he remembers about the Bramlage atmosphere when he played with Villanova last season…
"It was unbelievable. Just loud the whole game, fans on their feet the whole time. No joke about the Big 12 crowds. I mean, coming from Villanova, I mean, and coming to a big arena like this, it was unbelievable. It definitely stuck with me all year, so it was awesome."
On practicing with guys like David Castillo and Dug McDaniel…
"Really really good. Both special guys that are going to be able to create for our team, find me in transition, but also lead our team. So, very excited to see."
On his time in the transfer portal and the K-State staff reaching out…
"For me, I knew that I wanted the portal situation for me to be quick. So, me and my family, we had a plan, and I had a relationship with coach U [Ulric Maligi] before, that goes way back, he recruited me in high school, and coach Tang recruited me since then too. So, already having that relationship before made it even easier, but I knew once they called and I came on my visit that, you know, this is where God was calling me to be, so I'm blessed to be here."
On looking to expand his offensive game…
"You know, I came here to show that I can, I can play on the ball, off the ball, just kind of do anything that the team needs me to win. So, I'm here, whatever the guys need, whatever coach Tang asks me to do, that's what I'm here to do. So, I'm ready for anything."
On how well the team is getting along on and off the court…
"Yeah, I mean, he said it best. We're on the floor a lot together, but just as much we live together, you know, right next door. Me and Max, we're eating every day together at dinner, we're going fishing, you know, doing things on and off the court. I mean, it's my brother right here, and it's happened so fast, and I'm thankful for these guys."
On what has impressed him the most about the team…
"Definitely transition. You know, I came from a place that we didn't run as much. So, we get up the court fast, and our point guards really push the ball. But also, like our willingness to compete, you know, guys are coming in every single day, pushing each other. I mean, it's competitive, and so you love to see that it's only October 1st, so I'm excited."
On how the returners from last year are helping the new guys…
"Definitely. I mean, it always helps to have some guys that have been through it. You know, we went through Shark Week not too long ago, so those guys kind of talked us through it. But it's great to see those guys leading and seeing other guys come along with them."
On Jerome Tang being a defense first kind of coach…
"Yeah, I mean, same thing at Villanova, we were a defensive team, even though K-State's a really good defensive team. And that's one aspect that I've always looked to improve my game, so he's pushing me every single day. And, you know, I'm blessed to be here, and I'm blessed to have coaches like him pushing me every day."
On what Max Jones does well…
"He's [Max] a dog on the ball, not letting the ball middle, keeping the ball where it needs to be, not giving me any space. Guards the ball really, really well, and he's just a competitor."
On when he knew his shooting ability would lead to high level basketball…
"Yeah. I mean, since I was young, I could always shoot the ball. That's just something that I've worked at for a really, really long time. And then I knew, once I got to college that, you know, shooters need to be on the floor, so I took pride in my role, and I think that I'm getting better at, you know, my overall game, but I'm not going to forget, you know, what keeps me on the floor. So, I'm definitely always looking to shoot."
On wanting to get back to the NCAA Tournament after playing with Villanova in the NIT…
"I mean, that's the goal. That's why we show up every day, you know, we want to get there. Obviously, it doesn't just happen, it started in June when we started working out. You know, the past two years are done. Obviously, it's a dream to get to the NCAA tournament. And, you know, what's happened happen. And I can just put my best foot forward right now and that's what we're doing every single day."
SENIOR GUARD MAX JONES
On his decision to choose K-State…
"I'd say I chose K-State mainly because coach [Jerome] Tang and the coaching staff, they showed a different type of love. I'll just say that they show it's more of a family, it's not just a basketball team. Yeah, that's what I chose."
On the biggest change from the K-State team and his previous teams…
"The biggest change is probably just the pace, pace of the game is different, athleticism in each level. Here, I had to learn from in the summer and stuff, to get, like, get in better shape to play with these guys, be able to run with them and just be able to keep up with them, you know."
On how his game fits into the K-State team…
"I'd say I do a little bit of everything, I do, whatever I need to do, whatever coach tells me to do. I feel like right now I'm just being a sponge right now, just taking in all the information, seeing what I can do better and what I do good, and how can I just adjust my game to play with these guys and stuff like that."
On if he thought he would get to play Division I basketball…
"No, I never thought I would be here. At the University of Tampa, it was a D2 so I thought, you know, at that certain time, I thought I was gonna be there for four years, but that obviously didn't work out. But I'm very blessed to be here."
On his time in the transfer portal and the K-State staff reaching out…
"Yeah, I was in the portal for about, I want to say, two months. Coach Tang and them didn't really hit me up till like later down the process. But as soon as they hit me up, I came on a visit, I loved it right away, and the rest is history."
On how well the team is getting along on and off the court…
"We get along good. We were able to talk to each other like best friends, like brothers, you know what I mean, it's not like there's no he say, she say, or anything like that. So, I mean, we talk a lot off the court."
On if the team is defining roles yet on the court…
"I think it's still kind of a process. Obviously, we're getting to a point where we need to find our role, but I feel like my role is obviously to be a shooter and just facilitate for other guys, get into the paint, just kick out and stuff like that."
On what has impressed him the most about the team…
"I'd say length. We have crazy length, very athletic. We get up and down the court very fast. Transition is very key for our team."
On the best quality of the team…
"The best quality of this team, I'd say just connected. We're very connected. I feel like everything, like when we go through adversity, we always do the next right thing, and if we don't, we always get checked on it. Coach Tang always gets honest about it. So, I'll just say very connected."
On being one of the veteran players on the team…
"I'd say I've seen a lot of stuff, I've seen the bad and the good. Usually when I see something bad out here, not even bad, just something that I can correct for another person or even myself. I feel like there's a lot to learn still, I'm still a sponge of the game."
On starting at a division II school out of high school…
"Yeah, out of high school, I didn't really get recruited. Also, my senior year of high school was Covid [19 pandemic], so that's also a big, major thing. So, I didn't get my first offer until like, the end of my senior year, and it was University of Tampa, so it was a great opportunity. I was very blessed to have that… So, I was actually at Tampa for Covid year, and then one more plus year, and then when I went to the portal to go to Fullerton. Fullerton just reached out, I knew, I knew most of their assistant coaches and stuff like that, we just had a good connection."
On how he has improved from playing in high school to now…
"I think I have improved a lot. I just say I learned a lot, you know? I mean, I was just, it's just very, it's very good to be coachable in this game."
On what he is looking forward to this season…
"I'm just looking forward to playing in front of my family, just looking forward to putting Jones on my back and just getting out there and playing for K-State."
On wanting to reach the NCAA Tournament…
"I definitely want to get to the NCAA tournament. That's always been one of my goals. And I feel like we have the team to do it, we have the talent. We just got to be connected and just keep on going, just keep on working."
How to follow the 'Cats: For complete information on K-State men's basketball, visit www.kstatesports.com and follow the team's social media channels on X, Instagram and Facebook.
Hausen and Jones are two of the team's 8 Division I transfers in 2024-25. In all, the Wildcats have 11 newcomers on its 14-man roster with 3 returners in senior David N'Guessan and sophomores Taj Manning and Macaleab Rich.
A native of Amarillo, Texas, Hausen transferred to K-State after two seasons at Villanova, where he was part of 35 wins and consecutive NIT appearances. He has scored more than 300 points in his college career, connecting on 40.7 percent (100-of-246) shooting from the field, including 39.5 percent (88-of-223) from 3-point range, and 85.2 percent (23-of-27) from the free throw line. He led the team in both 3-point field goals (61) and 3-point field goal percentage (38.1) in 2023-24 while coming off the bench in all 34 games and averaging 17.7 minutes per game.
Jones transferred to K-State for his final season of eligibility after two seasons at Cal State Fullerton (2022-24) and two seasons at Division II Tampa (2020-22). The native of Clearwater, Fla., has scored nearly 1,400 points during his college career, connecting on 43.2 percent (436-of-1009) shooting from the field, including 36.3 percent (134-of-369) from 3-point range. He has 26 20-point games and six 30-point games in his career.
The Wildcats finished the 2023-24 season with a 19-15 record, including an 8-10 mark in Big 12 play, and advanced to the NIT. Among the Wildcats' 19 victories were 4 over Top 25 teams, including 3 in the Top 10. The team has won 45 games in Tang's first two seasons, including consecutive postseason appearances.
With the unveiling of the new-look 20-game conference schedule, the complete 2024-25 schedule is now available. The Wildcats tip off the season with an exhibition game against Fort Hays State on Tuesday, Oct. 29 before hosting New Orleans in the home opener on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Season tickets for the 2024-25 season are currently available, with prices starting at less than $18 per game. Fans can purchase now to see the Wildcats all year by visiting www.kstatesports.com/tickets or calling (800) 221.CATS.
JUNIOR GUARD BRENDAN HAUSEN
On his decision to choose K-State…
"Definitely a family atmosphere. Just the guys that were here that stayed, when I came on my visit, welcomed me in, the staff welcomed me in. Just getting to see how we do family dinners every week, spend time together just off the court. It was bigger than basketball for me, it's a lot closer to home, my family can be here. So, it's just kind of a win-win."
On being able to help the team's shooting woes from last season…
"I mean, definitely, especially with the pieces around me, I think that I fit right into the puzzle being able to come in and knock down shots, but also, you know, help us win. Win by any means."
On what he remembers about the Bramlage atmosphere when he played with Villanova last season…
"It was unbelievable. Just loud the whole game, fans on their feet the whole time. No joke about the Big 12 crowds. I mean, coming from Villanova, I mean, and coming to a big arena like this, it was unbelievable. It definitely stuck with me all year, so it was awesome."
On practicing with guys like David Castillo and Dug McDaniel…
"Really really good. Both special guys that are going to be able to create for our team, find me in transition, but also lead our team. So, very excited to see."
On his time in the transfer portal and the K-State staff reaching out…
"For me, I knew that I wanted the portal situation for me to be quick. So, me and my family, we had a plan, and I had a relationship with coach U [Ulric Maligi] before, that goes way back, he recruited me in high school, and coach Tang recruited me since then too. So, already having that relationship before made it even easier, but I knew once they called and I came on my visit that, you know, this is where God was calling me to be, so I'm blessed to be here."
On looking to expand his offensive game…
"You know, I came here to show that I can, I can play on the ball, off the ball, just kind of do anything that the team needs me to win. So, I'm here, whatever the guys need, whatever coach Tang asks me to do, that's what I'm here to do. So, I'm ready for anything."
On how well the team is getting along on and off the court…
"Yeah, I mean, he said it best. We're on the floor a lot together, but just as much we live together, you know, right next door. Me and Max, we're eating every day together at dinner, we're going fishing, you know, doing things on and off the court. I mean, it's my brother right here, and it's happened so fast, and I'm thankful for these guys."
On what has impressed him the most about the team…
"Definitely transition. You know, I came from a place that we didn't run as much. So, we get up the court fast, and our point guards really push the ball. But also, like our willingness to compete, you know, guys are coming in every single day, pushing each other. I mean, it's competitive, and so you love to see that it's only October 1st, so I'm excited."
On how the returners from last year are helping the new guys…
"Definitely. I mean, it always helps to have some guys that have been through it. You know, we went through Shark Week not too long ago, so those guys kind of talked us through it. But it's great to see those guys leading and seeing other guys come along with them."
On Jerome Tang being a defense first kind of coach…
"Yeah, I mean, same thing at Villanova, we were a defensive team, even though K-State's a really good defensive team. And that's one aspect that I've always looked to improve my game, so he's pushing me every single day. And, you know, I'm blessed to be here, and I'm blessed to have coaches like him pushing me every day."
On what Max Jones does well…
"He's [Max] a dog on the ball, not letting the ball middle, keeping the ball where it needs to be, not giving me any space. Guards the ball really, really well, and he's just a competitor."
On when he knew his shooting ability would lead to high level basketball…
"Yeah. I mean, since I was young, I could always shoot the ball. That's just something that I've worked at for a really, really long time. And then I knew, once I got to college that, you know, shooters need to be on the floor, so I took pride in my role, and I think that I'm getting better at, you know, my overall game, but I'm not going to forget, you know, what keeps me on the floor. So, I'm definitely always looking to shoot."
On wanting to get back to the NCAA Tournament after playing with Villanova in the NIT…
"I mean, that's the goal. That's why we show up every day, you know, we want to get there. Obviously, it doesn't just happen, it started in June when we started working out. You know, the past two years are done. Obviously, it's a dream to get to the NCAA tournament. And, you know, what's happened happen. And I can just put my best foot forward right now and that's what we're doing every single day."
SENIOR GUARD MAX JONES
On his decision to choose K-State…
"I'd say I chose K-State mainly because coach [Jerome] Tang and the coaching staff, they showed a different type of love. I'll just say that they show it's more of a family, it's not just a basketball team. Yeah, that's what I chose."
On the biggest change from the K-State team and his previous teams…
"The biggest change is probably just the pace, pace of the game is different, athleticism in each level. Here, I had to learn from in the summer and stuff, to get, like, get in better shape to play with these guys, be able to run with them and just be able to keep up with them, you know."
On how his game fits into the K-State team…
"I'd say I do a little bit of everything, I do, whatever I need to do, whatever coach tells me to do. I feel like right now I'm just being a sponge right now, just taking in all the information, seeing what I can do better and what I do good, and how can I just adjust my game to play with these guys and stuff like that."
On if he thought he would get to play Division I basketball…
"No, I never thought I would be here. At the University of Tampa, it was a D2 so I thought, you know, at that certain time, I thought I was gonna be there for four years, but that obviously didn't work out. But I'm very blessed to be here."
On his time in the transfer portal and the K-State staff reaching out…
"Yeah, I was in the portal for about, I want to say, two months. Coach Tang and them didn't really hit me up till like later down the process. But as soon as they hit me up, I came on a visit, I loved it right away, and the rest is history."
On how well the team is getting along on and off the court…
"We get along good. We were able to talk to each other like best friends, like brothers, you know what I mean, it's not like there's no he say, she say, or anything like that. So, I mean, we talk a lot off the court."
On if the team is defining roles yet on the court…
"I think it's still kind of a process. Obviously, we're getting to a point where we need to find our role, but I feel like my role is obviously to be a shooter and just facilitate for other guys, get into the paint, just kick out and stuff like that."
On what has impressed him the most about the team…
"I'd say length. We have crazy length, very athletic. We get up and down the court very fast. Transition is very key for our team."
On the best quality of the team…
"The best quality of this team, I'd say just connected. We're very connected. I feel like everything, like when we go through adversity, we always do the next right thing, and if we don't, we always get checked on it. Coach Tang always gets honest about it. So, I'll just say very connected."
On being one of the veteran players on the team…
"I'd say I've seen a lot of stuff, I've seen the bad and the good. Usually when I see something bad out here, not even bad, just something that I can correct for another person or even myself. I feel like there's a lot to learn still, I'm still a sponge of the game."
On starting at a division II school out of high school…
"Yeah, out of high school, I didn't really get recruited. Also, my senior year of high school was Covid [19 pandemic], so that's also a big, major thing. So, I didn't get my first offer until like, the end of my senior year, and it was University of Tampa, so it was a great opportunity. I was very blessed to have that… So, I was actually at Tampa for Covid year, and then one more plus year, and then when I went to the portal to go to Fullerton. Fullerton just reached out, I knew, I knew most of their assistant coaches and stuff like that, we just had a good connection."
On how he has improved from playing in high school to now…
"I think I have improved a lot. I just say I learned a lot, you know? I mean, I was just, it's just very, it's very good to be coachable in this game."
On what he is looking forward to this season…
"I'm just looking forward to playing in front of my family, just looking forward to putting Jones on my back and just getting out there and playing for K-State."
On wanting to reach the NCAA Tournament…
"I definitely want to get to the NCAA tournament. That's always been one of my goals. And I feel like we have the team to do it, we have the talent. We just got to be connected and just keep on going, just keep on working."
How to follow the 'Cats: For complete information on K-State men's basketball, visit www.kstatesports.com and follow the team's social media channels on X, Instagram and Facebook.
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