Kansas State lost to West Virginia 73-69 in the Big 12 women’s tourney quarterfinals but still earned an at-large bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Wildcats won just 9 games in 2021 but since then they have had 4 straight winning seasons and are heading back to the NCAA tourney for the 3rd time in 4 years. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Kansas State SO G Taryn Sides about growing up in a tiny town and making the NCAA tourney.
You are from Phillipsburg, KS (population 2337): what was it like growing up in such a tiny town? My graduating class was about 40, but it was fun because I grew up with a great group of friends and played every sport that you can think of. The community was so supportive and still shows up to see me play home games at Bramlage Coliseum.
What made you choose Kansas State? I grew up a K-State fan so it was always my dream school. Manhattan is a college town where everything revolves around our sports program, and we have a great coaching staff/teammates.
You are 5’6”: do you see your height as an advantage or disadvantage on the court? It can be difficult at times on offense to pass/shoot against a taller defender, but on defense I can be a little pest!
Last year you made the Big 12 Academic All-Rookie Team: how do you balance your work on the court with your work in the classroom? Sometimes it can be tough so the most important thing is to stay on top of everything. I schedule my week in advance to know when I will do homework and when I will be in the gym, which has helped a lot.
This season you are scoring almost 10 PPG despite coming off the bench: what is the secret to being a “super-sub”? I just come in and do what my coach asks of me and what the team needs. I try to be a decoy on some plays but my teammates have confidence in my ability to make shots.
The Big 12 made some big changes this year by adding 4 new teams: how do you feel about conference realignment? I like it! It is cool to play against some other schools. We went to Utah this year and will go to Arizona next year, so it is even more excitement.
Your team started this season 19-1 but lost 6 of your final 13 games including a Big 12 tourney loss to West Virginia: are you concerned that your team might have peaked too early? Not at all. We lost our All-American in Ayoka Lee so I think that we did pretty well under the circumstances. It was an adjustment to play without her, but now that she is back I think we are headed in the right direction.
You received an at-large bid to the NCAA tourney: how did it feel to hear your team’s name called on Selection Sunday? It is always a surreal feeling because it is hard to make the NCAA tourney. We were a little disappointed to not play at home as a #4 seed, but now we are excited to play on the road.
Your brother Trey played basketball at Jacksonville, your mother Robin played college volleyball, and your father Keith played college basketball: who is the best athlete in the family? You would have to ask them but it depends on the day.
How do you feel about being a #5 seed, and what do you know about Fairfield? Losing at home last year to Colorado left a sour taste in my mouth. Fairfield is quick and are top-20 in transition offense. They have good shooters so it will be a different matchup for us.
