MANHATTAN — All-American guard P.J. Haggerty made some of his first public comments following his transfer to Kansas State in a podcast hosted by Andy Katz.

In the podcast, Haggerty outlined why he decided to depart Memphis and join Jerome Tang’s Wildcats ahead of the 2025-26 season. He also offered insight into the team’s roster and what he expects for this upcoming season.

“It was about a fit and how they wanted to use me in a sense of winning,” Haggerty said. “Jerome Tang was very steady, and I witnessed their run in my freshman year. He always lets his guards play. I witnessed it up close, so just being able to be here now is a blessing.”

Haggerty started his career at TCU before breaking out in 2023-24 at Tulsa. He was a second-team All-American at Memphis last season, averaging 21.7 points on 47.6% shooting. He was The American’s player of the year.

Haggerty is one of 10 newcomers on the Wildcats’ 14-man roster. According to Jeff Goodman, the guard received an NIL deal “in the neighborhood” of $2.5 million to join K-State.

Why PJ Haggerty said he transferred to Kansas State

Haggerty tested NBA Draft waters before removing his name from the pool and signing with the Wildcats in May. Haggerty said the intel he received at the NBA Draft Combine led him to remove his name and sign with Kansas State.

“I just decided to come back and get better,” Haggerty said. “Jerome Tang was recruiting me, and he was steady and was all in with me throughout the whole recruiting process. He has a lot of faith in me and just wanted to win and get me to the next level.”

While asking about his relationship with Tang, Katz mentioned NIL and the high dollar amount a player like Haggerty commanded in the transfer portal. Katz asked what was most important to Haggerty with his decision.

“It was more about fit for me,” Haggerty said. “I always say that the NIL is all good and is going to come with it regardless. But it was more about just a fit and how they wanted to use me in a sense of winning.”

Who will join PJ Haggerty in Kansas State’s backcourt?

Haggerty is leaning into the high expectations that will be placed upon the Wildcats’ backcourt with him leading the way.

Nate Johnson and Abdi Bashir Jr. are two he expects to have major roles.

Johnson was the MAC’s Player and Defensive Player of the Year last season at Akron. Bashir spent the previous two years at Monmouth, where he led the nation in 3-pointers.

Haggerty said Johnson’s a downhill guard who will play great defense. He said Bashir will be the best shooter in the country.

“That’s the backcourt right there,” Haggerty said. “I’d say us three will probably be the top backcourt in the country.”

Wyatt D. Wheeler covers Kansas State athletics for the USA TODAY Network and Topeka Capital-Journal. You can follow him on X at @WyattWheeler_, contact him at 417-371-6987 or email him at wwheeler@gannett.com