18.9 PPG Scorer Who Took Alabama to the Wire Bound for Big 12 Sleeper in Transfer Splash
In a seismic move that’s shaking up the college basketball offseason, dynamic 6’4” combo guard KJ Wallace — the electric 18.9 PPG scorer who nearly engineered a shocking upset of Alabama in the NCAA Tournament — is heading to Big 12 sleeper program Westfield State. The transfer portal has seen its fair share of fireworks this spring, but none as intriguing as Wallace’s decision to join a team outside the usual suspects, injecting life into a program hungry for national relevance.
Wallace’s name exploded onto the radar during the Round of 32 clash in March, where his former squad, East Central, pushed No. 1 seed Alabama to the brink. He dropped 27 points, including five three-pointers, and dished out seven assists in a performance that had NBA scouts and college coaches alike scrambling for a second look. But even before that prime-time breakout, Wallace had been torching mid-major defenses all season — slashing through lanes, launching pull-ups with unshakable confidence, and defending with a tenacity that belied his lean frame.
“I’m not afraid of the spotlight,” Wallace said in a short video he posted on social media announcing his transfer. “I’m bringing that dog mentality to the Big 12 — and I’m here to win.”
Westfield State, a program traditionally overshadowed by Big 12 giants like Kansas and Baylor, is now being talked about as a serious dark horse. Head coach Jalen Burks, in his third year at the helm, has been quietly stockpiling talent through under-the-radar recruiting and savvy portal pickups. But Wallace is something else — a proven scorer with an edge, a leader who’s tasted March and wants more.
“He’s the real deal,” said Coach Burks during a post-announcement press conference. “KJ’s not just a scorer — he’s a competitor, a shot-maker, a communicator. He’s got that fire you can’t teach. We’re building something special here, and he’s a huge piece of that puzzle.”
Wallace’s arrival also sets the stage for a compelling on-court pairing with sophomore guard Treyvon Myers, who averaged 14.3 points last season and is known for his off-ball movement and spot-up shooting. The two could form one of the most dangerous backcourts in the Big 12, giving Westfield a one-two punch that rivals even the conference’s blue bloods.
Fans are already buzzing. Season ticket sales saw a 23% jump within 48 hours of Wallace’s announcement, and local media have dubbed him “The Catalyst.” With Wallace on board, Westfield’s blend of youth, athleticism, and rising confidence might just make them the Cinderella story everyone’s searching for next March.
The transfer portal giveth and taketh — but for Westfield State, it just handed them a star. And the rest of the Big 12? They’ve officially been put on notice.
