Not so long ago, FIBA, the International Basketball Federation, decided to step in and formally engage with the NCAA. The trend has exploded with European prospects realizing they can make more money by playing college ball in the U.S.
One of the biggest programs to benefit this offseason has been the Kansas State Wildcats. They’ve already recruited Serbian guard Andrej Kostic and have a commitment from German big man Elias Rapieque.
Elias Rapieque Trades Euroleague for College Ball, Commits to K-State
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony confirmed Wednesday that Alba Berlin’s Elias Rapieque is the latest international name to join the NCAA opportunity train. The 6’8″, 220-pound German forward has officially committed to Kansas State.
NEWS: Alba Berlin’s Elias Rapieque has committed to Kansas State, agent Milan Nikolic told ESPN.
The 6’8, 21-year old played 15 minutes per game in the Euroleague. Skilled, physically developed big man with impressive feel.
Quality addition for Jerome Tang in the Big 12. pic.twitter.com/7pfHeMPixa
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 4, 2025
Across 27 games during the 2-24-25 Euroleague schedule, Rapieque averaged 15 minutes. That is no small thing considering the fact that most young players barely sniff the court at that level. He made 4.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game for ALBA Berlin. However, it is not just about numbers.
Rapieque has the size and skill, which is a lethal combination for Jerome Tang’s system at K-State. When assigned to SSV Lok Bernau in Germany’s ProB league, Rapieque really let loose. In just eight games, he dropped 18.1 points. He also had 7.4 boards and 5.5 assists per outing. And of course, Kansas State has been watching closely for weeks.
Assistant coach Anthony Winchester even made the trip to Berlin earlier this year, and it paid off. Rapieque becomes the second international pickup for the Wildcats this offseason, joining Serbian guard Andrej Kostic in Tang’s growing European crew.
Rapieque will share the court with returners David Castillo, Taj Manning, and Mobi Ikegwuruka. To add on, freshman Exavier Wilson is also on his way, along with seven transfer additions that include Memphis’ All-American PJ Haggerty and JUCO big man Stephen Osei.
RELATED: Can This Top-5 Transfer Class Lead Kansas State to a 2025-26 NCAA Championship?
Now, with the Rapieque addition, K-State has filled 13 out of 15 scholarship spots. Rapieque might be one of many new faces, but his Euroleague experience makes him one of the most intriguing.
If that wasn’t enough, Rapieque comes with experience in leading a team. He led Germany’s U20 national team in scoring at the 2024 European Championship with 10.9 points per game. He’s already battled against some of Europe’s finest young talent. Now, he’s ready to go toe-to-toe with the best in college hoops.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
