Former Wildcats are leaving their mark across the sports world. Here’s a look at how some of them are faring in their latest chapters.
Dean Wade, F, Cleveland Cavaliers
Wade played in 59 games and made 30 starts this season for the Cleveland Cavaliers, the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Wade averaged 5.4 points per game, but his biggest impact comes on defense, where he can guard every position at a high level.
Wade is in his sixth NBA season, all with the Cavaliers. Cleveland faces the Indiana Pacers in the second round of the playoffs as it pursues a Finals run.
Tyler Lockett, WR, Tennessee Titans
Lockett signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the Tennessee Titans. Lockett spent 10 seasons in Seattle before being released this offseason.
Lockett will be a valuable veteran presence for Tennessee’s young receiver room and a reliable target for rookie quarterback and No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward. At age 33, Lockett may not post the numbers he once did, but his ability to find open space will benefit the Titans’ offense.
Kaelen Culpepper, SS, Minnesota Twins
Culpepper is in his first full season of professional baseball, playing for the Cedar Rapids Kernels, the High-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. Culpepper is the Twins’ No. 4-ranked prospect and has started to turn heads this spring with his play.
In 15 games, Culpepper is hitting .345 with two home runs, two doubles and a triple. He has struck out just eight times, showing strong discipline and bat-to-ball skills at the plate. A promotion could be in store soon if he keeps it up.
Tyson Neighbors, RP, San Diego Padres
Neighbors is also in his first full professional season, playing for the Fort Wayne TinCaps, the High-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres. Neighbors is the No. 15-ranked prospect in the Padres’ system and has climbed the rankings thanks to his strong pitching since entering pro ball.
Neighbors has appeared in nine games with a 0.77 ERA and two saves. In just 11 2/3 innings, he has struck out 22 batters, showcasing the same strikeout stuff K-State fans remember from last season.
He features a dominant fastball paired with a sharp curveball and slider, making it tough on hitters. Like Culpepper, a promotion could be on the horizon.
Nick Martini, OF, Colorado Rockies
Martini is in his sixth MLB season and joined a new team this year, signing with the Colorado Rockies after previously playing for the Cincinnati Reds.
Martini has played in 28 games for the Rockies, hitting .242 with a .324 on-base percentage.
He’s built a solid MLB career with decent power and low strikeout numbers, making him a tough out. With the Rockies off to a slow start, Martini should continue seeing playing time as one of their more consistent hitters.
Serena Sundell, PG, WNBA
Sundell played in her first professional basketball game on May 4 in a preseason matchup against the Connecticut Sun. She was drafted in April by the Seattle Storm in the third round, but was waived on May 12 as the Storm made roster cuts.