Kansas State Forward Baye Fall Stuns College Basketball World by Announcing His Return for 2025 Season, Vows to Finish Unfinished Business and Lead Wildcats to National Championship
In a dramatic turn that sent shockwaves across the college basketball landscape, Kansas State forward Baye Fall announced on Tuesday that he will return for the 2025 season. The 6-foot-11 standout made the announcement via social media, delivering a powerful message to fans and rivals alike: he’s not done yet.
โI came to Manhattan with a vision. We got close, but close isn’t enough,โ Fall said in a video posted to his Instagram. โThereโs unfinished business. Iโm coming back to finish the mission, lead the Wildcats back to national championship contention, and cement my legacy among the greatest to ever wear purple and white.โ
The news was met with an outpouring of support from the K-State community and excitement from fans who had been bracing for Fallโs potential departure to the NBA. Instead, the electrifying big man has opted to delay his professional career and make one final run in college hoops.
Fall was a dominant force throughout the 2024 season, averaging 17.8 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. He was named First Team All-Big 12 and earned national attention for his performances in key matchups, helping propel Kansas State to a deep NCAA Tournament run before falling in the Elite Eight. His athleticism, motor, and leadership became the foundation of head coach Jerome Tangโs system.
By choosing to return, Fall not only boosts Kansas Stateโs hopes for 2025 but also positions himself as a potential National Player of the Year candidate. More importantly, he sends a clear message to college basketball: Kansas State is coming.
โBayeโs decision to return speaks volumes about his character and commitment to this program,โ Coach Tang said. โHeโs not chasing headlinesโheโs chasing greatness. And heโs not doing it alone. Heโs doing it for K-State, for his brothers in that locker room, and for the fans who believe in what weโre building.โ
Fallโs return instantly elevates the Wildcats to preseason top-10 status. With a core of returning talent and a strong incoming recruiting class, Kansas State is now firmly back in the national spotlight.
For Fall, the goal is clear. โI want to be remembered as one of the best to ever do it at K-State,โ he said. โI want to hang a banner. Thatโs the legacy Iโm chasing.โ
And with that, the journey continues.