“I Wish I Could Stay Longer”: Kansas State Senior Guard Breaks Down in Tears after Early Exit From March Madness

Published 03/27/2024, 6:01 AM EDT

Follow Us

Kansas State is out of its March Madness run. Does this mean an end for their third-best scorer’s college career? Sadly, yes. The group of death, Albany 2, now has its respective regional semi-finalists in place. However, being a single-knockout tournament competitor can get a little stressful. Especially, as a fifth-year senior who looked forward to fighting for their team’s name. Following the same, the Wildcats and Gabby Gregory had to bid adieu to their NCAA championship dreams on Sunday as the Colorado Buffaloes move ahead to the Sweet-16 against Iowa.

Soon after the game ended, an emotional Gabby Gregory addressed the media. Apparently, she couldn’t hold back her tears while talking about the end of her college basketball career as she wasn’t expecting it to be done so early. Apart from being upset about not moving on, the #12 also said, “I wish I could stay longer.” In the post-match interview, Gabby emotionally admitted, The magnitude of my basketball career being over in college hasn’t really hit me yet.” 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

As this was the last battle that Gregory fought for the Wildcats, she also showed her gratitude towards the KSU staff and team. She said, “I’m so thankful for coach Mittie for allowing me to come here. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience in last two years. I just love this school, K-state, thanks Jean and Jill. I’ve had a blast and I absolutely love the time here.”

It was certainly a sad goodbye and one that could have been postponed. The Wildcats have shown some promise this season with a win-loss record of 26-8 and a standing of 3rd in the Big 12. Let us look at how the 2023-24 Wooden Award Player of the Year Watch List winner influenced the Wildcats.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Gabby Gregory fits right in into Kansas State

The No.12 entered K-state to advance her career as a hooper after spending three years in her hometown Oklahoma. As a senior in 2022-23, Gregory brought 18.5 ppg with 41.1% shots from the field and led the Wildcats in scoring. She also contributed 5.3 rebounds and 2 assists per game for KSU.

However, with the reins for the team in better hands, Gabby shifted to the role of a playmaker in her fifth year with the team. She delivers 3.4 assists at present along with 9.4 points and 3.6 boards.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Emotions play a huge role in tournaments, especially when you’re talking about March Madness. With fans pouring out their hearts, players obviously feel the need to keep them satiated. However, when the day ends and your team has lost, it can hurt. While Gabby Gregory will not wear the royal purple and white now, her balling talents will hopefully carry her to some good destinations. What are your thoughts about Gabby Gregory leaving the K-State?

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Shahryar Fazal

653Articles

One take at a time

Shahryar Fazal is a senior NBA writer at EssentiallySports. His specialisation lies in his scrupulous Live Coverage of the events like NCAA and WNBA tournaments. A former sportsman himself, Shahryar used to contribute stories for publishing houses like TOI before taking up American sports as his field of interest.
Show More>

Edited by:

Aakash Nair