Kansas State Basketball

It really is pretty simple. If Jimmer Fredette is the 10th pick in the NBA draft, Jacob Pullen deserved to have his name called last Thursday night.

Although very few people probably expected the recent Kansas State graduate to go in the first round, he certainly caught a raw deal going undrafted.

Pullen was among the top guards in America in each of the last two seasons. Despite being only 6'0" tall and seeming to play better off the ball than at point guard, Pullen managed to average around 20 points per game each of the last two seasons while leading K-State to NCAA tourney runs both years.

Furthermore, in stacking his NBA resume up against last season's face of college basketball, Jimmer Fredette, Pullen proves he is nothing to laugh at.

Jimmer Fredette averaged 28.9 points and 4.3 assists per game playing in the Mountain West, where his best competition was a very athletic San Diego State team that frankly, he destroyed.

On the other hand, Pullen, who probably looked better to scouts at the end of his junior season, averaged 20.2 points and 3.7 assists in the Big 12, which is without argument a much tougher league.

In evaluating what both guys can do, Fredette is better with the ball. He can handle with the best and pull up for fall away threes like very few NBA players can do. He is reportedly two inches taller, and the assist numbers over their careers coupled with his more dynamic handle would suggest he has more potential as a playmaker.

Pullen, on the other hand, is a superior defender who, although people are bound to question his ability to defend at the NBA level, showed over his career that he could hound opposing ballhandlers and lock in on the other teams best guards when needed.

The characteristic they both share is the ability to shoot the lights out of the ball from long range, something they both proved last season with Pullen shooting 38 percent from deep and Fredette 39 percent.

Ironically, Pullen's best case for how well he could handle NBA guards came in the 2010 NCAA tournament against none other than Jimmer Fredette. In their second-round matchup, Pullen did as good of a job shutting down Fredette as just about any one man has over the past two seasons, holding him to 21 points on 5-for-13 shooting.

Furthermore, he exploded on the other end of the floor for 34 points of his own in a double-digit victory.

Pullen is not without his flaws as a prospect though. He is listed at 6'0", way too small for an NBA 2-guard. He also struggled to show he could be an efficient point guard, barely registering a 1:1 assist to turnover ratio.

In an early season matchup against Kyrie Irving and Duke, he looked completely outclassed and rattled. Despite all of this though, he shares many of the same flaws as Jimmer and having one guy get  enough of a pass to go in the lottery while the other will now have to struggle to get any shot at the league with the impending lockout shows the politics behind the draft process.

I do believe Jimmer is the stronger prospect of the two and undoubtedly deserved to be drafted higher, but I also think the gap between them was close enough for Jacob Pullen to get picked up.

Fredette's insane popularity and SportsCenter coverage during the season turned out to be a bigger help to his draft stock than many people may have realized at the time. Pullen unfortunately ended up in the news more for outside comments and antics than his play this season, which couldn't have helped matters.

Nevertheless, his professional basketball journey may not be off to the start he wanted, but hopefully he can silence the doubters the same way he did at Kansas State as a 3-star recruit who went on to break the school's scoring record.

Boy, am I eating my words.  But c'mon, who isn't that said anything negative about Kansas State?

About a month ago I wrote an article for FOX Sports glorifying the incredible meltdown that Kansas State was publicly going through.  

Just to recap, here's what was said:

—Kansas State started off over-ranked

—Kansas State couldn't beat a ranked team

—Jacob Pullen and Curtis Kelly got suspended for receiving impermissible benefits (Dillards)

—Pullen stated if K-State went to the NIT, he wouldn't play and the media blew it up

—KSU starts out Big 12 play 1-4, becomes unranked

—Freddy Asprilla and McDonald's All-American Wally Judge walk away from the program

—Curtis Kelly is under investigation for violating team policy

—Kansas blows them out on national television

Now, before I start recapping what has transpired in the past few weeks, let me state that all of that information is true.  

Tell me that doesn't scream epic meltdown.

Fast forward a few short weeks and where are we now?  Kansas State is finally looking like the team we had all expected it to and that's without Asprilla and Judge.

Everyone knew that Frank Martin is a good coach but it seemed as if his aggressive coaching tactics had finally taken the ultimate toll on his team and broken it down.

KSU has won its last five games and has been rolling lately.  These aren't just any games, but solid resume-building victories.  These include:

—No. 1 Kansas

—Oklahoma

—at Nebraska

—No. 21 Missouri

—at No. 8 Texas

Some teams on the NCAA tournament bubble are struggling for quality wins, but KSU has three in the last five games.

Not only are they winning, but they are looking very good while doing it.

Jacob Pullen is an absolute stud and is finally showing why he was a preseason All-American.  It's true that Kansas State has to have Pullen on fire to win, but lately he hasn't missed a beat.  

Could it continue to the Big 12 tournament and beyond?  We'll see.  But honestly, I think he could continue to put up 20 points a game, because he knows how important it is to his team's success.

Over the past five games Pullen has averaged 27.2 points per game including a 38-point performance and two 27-point performances.  

Unreal.

Don't forget about Rodney McGruder and Curtis Kelly who have been playing solid basketball as well.  The only thing that concerns me with Kansas State is now that Asprilla and Judge are gone, they really can't afford to have Kelly in foul trouble.

When he fouled out of the Texas game, it seemed as if Texas could jump on the opportunity to come back.  Luckily the Longhorns were forced to shoot three-pointers towards the end of the game, but the depth is certainly a question for KSU without Asprilla and Judge.  

Jamar Samuels and Jordan Henriquez-Roberts can hold their own, but KSU fans better hope those guys stay out of foul trouble in the tournament.

But to consider all that has happened with KSU this season, you have to be impressed with the late-season comeback.  If Kansas State can win on Saturday against Iowa State and make a deep push in the Big 12 tournament, look out for them to get a much higher seed than expected.

I'll tell you one thing, Kansas State is for real if they can keep up the intensity they've showed over the past few weeks.  Whatever team you cheer for, I wouldn't want to face them in a tournament right now.

I think it's fair to say that right now Kansas State has jumped back up into the college basketball elite.

For all of Kip's Big 12 coverage, follow him on Twitter @KipReiserer and become a fan on his Sportswriters Profile Page!

Like this article?  Check out some more of Kip's recent articles:

Big 12 Basketball Tournament 2011 Bracket Predictions: Kansas or Texas?

Kansas Basketball: Why the Jayhawks, Not Duke Blue Devils, Will Be Team To Beat

Last week saw an abundance of top-ranked teams fall to conference rivals on the road.  First it was Kansas.  Next it was Pittsburgh, followed closely by Texas.  Finally on Sunday, it was Ohio State—again.

For Pittsburgh and Ohio State, the losses came to teams playing extremely good basketball of late—St. John’s and Purdue.  Both teams are not only certain to show up in the NCAA tournament next month, they could each receive pretty high seeds as well.

For the two Big 12 teams—Kansas and Texas—the losses came to teams whose tournament hopes were reaching near-desperation mode.

Kansas State entered their game against Kansas at just 4-6 in Big 12 play, and a loss to the No. 1 Jayhawks on their home court may have just about taken them out of the bubble discussion for good.

Nebraska went into their game with No. 2 Texas on Saturday in a pretty similar position—with a 5-6 record in the Big 12.  Texas was set to take over the nation’s top spot if they could take care of business in Lincoln. The Huskers went into the game tied with Kansas State and Colorado for sixth place.  Not a great place to be in a league that may have a maximum of five teams invited to the dance.

Fittingly, both teams stepped up and played their best games of the season.  They each fed off their ravenous home crowds to force the top-ranked teams out of their games. 

Kansas State defeated Kansas by an impressive 16-point margin.  Nebraska took down Texas by three, keeping them from grabbing the ceremonial No. 1 ranking.

For both Kansas State and Nebraska, these wins become their showcase victories.  They are the kind of wins that few teams around the country can claim. More importantly, they are wins that virtually none of their other bubble-brethren own.

Given this fact, how much of an advantage does that give Kansas State and Nebraska when stacked against other bubble teams such as Boston College or Memphis?

On one hand, the win the Wildcats and Huskers scored this past week is just that—one win.  It is merely one game out of about 30 they will play for the season.  They must help justify the accomplishment by beating a few other quality teams during the season.

One game does not a season make.  To help show this, look at some of the teams who pulled off similar feats in recent years.

In 2009, Virginia Tech—the perennial bubble team from the ACC—went into Wake Forest, then the No. 1 team in the country.  The Hokies handed Wake their first loss of the season, and seemed to have the necessary signature win in their pocket.

However, Virginia Tech could not capitalize on the win, finishing just 7-9 in the ACC.  The league received seven tournament bids that season, but the Hokies were left on the outside despite beating No. 1.  In fairness, Wake Forest never quite recovered after losing that game.

In 2008 another ACC team—Maryland—also beat the nation’s No. 1 on their home court.  The Terrapins went into Chapel Hill and beat North Carolina, dealing the Tar Heels their first loss of the season.

Just like Virginia Tech, Maryland was inconsistent throughout the season.  The Terps managed to also beat Duke that season, but lost to teams such as American University and Ohio.  They lost 14 games overall with an 8-8 record in the ACC. 

Despite beating No. 1, on their own court, Maryland did not do enough to justify that the win was more than a flash in the pan for the season.

In 2006, Florida State—just as they did earlier this year— knocked off then No. 1 Duke in Tallahassee. FSU had slightly more success than the other ACC teams mentioned, finishing in fifth place with a record of 9-7 in the conference. 

However, just like the other two, the 'Noles were left out of the NCAA tournament.  Their absence was perhaps more questionable than the other two, but ultimately they were unable to defeat any of the other teams from the ACC who made the tournament.

There are obvious similarities between these recent examples and this year’s K-State and Nebraska teams.  Both of them are heading towards .500 finishes in their conference this season.  Neither has many other quality wins to back up the win over a top team. 

On this point, Nebraska does have a legitimate win over Texas A&M.  However, they do not have a whole lot else—especially away from home.  K-State has a couple decent wins over Virginia Tech and Gonzaga, but Kansas is their only win this season over a solid NCAA tournament team. 

Both teams still have good opportunities to pick up another good win or two heading into the Big 12 tournament. 

K-State and Nebraska will actually go head-to-head Wednesday, in Lincoln.  The Wildcats won the first meeting of the season in Manhattan, so this may be important for Nebraska.  Each team also plays Missouri at home, and K-State travels down to Austin to play Texas. 

The opportunities are there for each to back up their big wins and earn their spot in the field of 68.  The next two weeks will tell whether one or both of these teams can take advantage.

What a team player.

After Kansas State's loss to Colorado last night in Manhattan, preseason All-American Jacob Pullen had a little something to say about the destiny of his team.  

According to the Kansas City Star, Pullen won't be joining his team in postseason play if K-State does not receive an NCAA Tournament bid.

"This is my last go-around," Pullen said, according to The Kansas City Star. "I'm not going to the NIT. I won't play basketball in the NIT. I'm saying that now. If we lose, and we have to go to the NIT, I will not play."

What a great attitude to have for any basketball team or program.  

Pullen, who led the Wildcats with 22 points last night, kicked his teammates while they were down after the loss to CU.

First of all, I understand his frustration with the current losses K-State has endured. It's not easy to be the guy who everyone blames when the team loses, especially when you're on a team that was picked to win the Big 12 and ranked in the Top Five to begin the season.  

But then, it was all good when K-State was winning, wasn't it?

Kansas State has had its fair share of struggles with the suspensions of Pullen and Curtis Kelly.  Not a doubt about that.

But is this really what a team leader is supposed to do when his team is down?  Or is he supposed to be supportive of the team and program that has made him a college superstar?

"We've just got to grow up," Pullen said. "That's the biggest thing. The Big 12 is 16 games. We lost our first two. Nothing says we can't win the rest."

He hasn't given up completely on his team, but now the rest of the Wildcats have something in the back of their minds.  If KSU doesn't start winning, its leader will abandon them.  

Jacob Pullen is a heck of a player and probably said this out of sheer frustration.  

Regardless, saying what he gives a bad impression to his coach, school and program. Also, it's probably not the best way to impress NBA scouts.

Many will say this was taken out of context, but it seems to be pretty plain and simple.

With the Big 12 having five ranked teams, there are plenty of opportunities to get in quality wins before the Big 12 season is over.  As Pullen said, the season is long from over and the opportunities to get back on track are still available.

Tough times don't last.  Tough people do.

I guess we'll see just how tough Jacob Pullen is in the next few weeks.

For more Big 12 Coverage follow Kip on Twitter @KipReiserer

Date: Saturday, Jan 8
Time: 12:00pm CT
TV: ESPN2

The Big 12 tips off its conference play featuring two teams that have gotten fat on easy non-conferences cupcakes and not able to defeat the big teams on their schedules.  

This could describe nearly the entire Big 12 so far this year, and with the exception of Kansas, every team is a little bit questionable going into conference play.

Kansas State hasn’t played up to expectations, and their record couldn’t be more overrated.  They barely beat Washington State, and that’s their best win.  Their last two games against teams with a pulse (Florida and UNLV) were both losses, and the offense absolutely sputtered with only 44 points against the Gators.  

Given, some stars have been missing from these games, including Curtis Kelly, who remains out with a suspension for receiving benefits.  G Jacob Pullen leads the team in points per game (17.2), assists per game (3.9), and steals per game (1.7).   He is coming off of a three-game suspension for the same reason as Kelly.  

KSU has struggled on both sides of the ball, especially at the free-throw line with only 56.1 percent, ranking at 344th in the nation.  They do shoot the three well, and that has kept them in games and has given them a boost in team points per game.

Oklahoma State has beaten bigger foes in non-conference play (Stanford and Alabama) but nothing to really get excited about.  

Currently, they aren’t ranked, but the RPI at 44 isn’t far behind KSU’s RPI of 31.  Even though KSU’s offense is higher statistically, OSU has played against better opponents and have putten up over 60 points a game except their recent loss to Gonzaga.  Unlike KSU, this team gets their points from an average field goal percentage inside the arch (46.4) and tend to stay away from the three point line, ranking 214th overall in the nation at 33 percent.  

Stars to watch are starting forward Marshall Moses, who averages 17.1 points per game and 58 percent field goal shooting, and forward Darrell Williams, who comes off the bench and is a beast on the defensive end with 8.3 rebounds per game and 8 blocks.

Both defenses rank in the mid-40s in the nation, so expect a lower scoring game by both teams compared to their average, but it should be a close one throughout.  

The Wildcats will focus on the threes, while the Cowboys will focus on pounding it inside, and whichever one can stop the other more often will come out with their first conference victory of the season.

Prediction: Oklahoma State

On the eve of the Apple Cup in Pullman, Klay Thompson struggled to find his game against the nation’s No. 5 team.  Going 5-for-16 from the field, including 1-for-7 from three, last weeks Pac-10 Player of the Week still managed 16 points, but struggled from the perimeter.  Despite 23 team turnovers and only eight points from preseason All-American Jacob Pullen, the Kansas State Wildcats managed to pull out the game.  Curtis Kelly and Rodney McGruder picked up the scoring load with 15 points each, along with 12 from Jamar Samuels, as the Wildcats held on to win 63-58.

Leading 30-22 at the half, the Wildcats were frequently beating the Cougars on the boards.  Washington State played zone throughout most of the game, forcing K-State to take perimeter looks.  Despite the strategy, there were offensive rebounds aplenty, and the length of Kelly and Samuels was too much in the opening minutes. 

Returning from injury for Washington State was Reggie Moore, who sparked scoring off the bench with some big second-half shots.  However, McGruder countered with back-to-back threes on one sequence to cool Wazzu’s momentum with about eight minutes left.

With solid defense and missed shots by the 'Cats, Washington State was able to keep it close and eventually took the lead with about a minute to play.  However, the Cougars failed to capitalize on their lead, and with the game tied, Pullen made a steal to start a quick transition bucket from Kelly.  From there, Klay Thomspon missed a three to give them the lead, and it became a game of intentional fouls, where freshman Will Spradling and the senior Pullen iced the game with a clutch pair of free throws. 

Coming into the game, Kansas State ranked last (347th in the nation) in free-throw percentage at roughly 53 percent.  Tonight was no exception, as they were 10-for-19 (52 percent), but made them when it mattered.  Washington State's biggest hurt was from behind the arc, where they were 3-for-18 (16.7 percent), including 0-for-7 in the first half.  

Klay Thompson looks to have added another dimension to his game with a greater ability to beat his man off the dribble, making numerous strong drives to the basket.  As the focal point of Kansas State's defensive efforts, he was aggressive early on, but settled for too many jumpers that rimmed out down the stretch, and had six first-half turnovers. 

Junior College transfer Faisel Aden came into this game red hot, averaging over 20 points per game.  However, he too was limited to perimeter jumpers and midrange looks that he couldn’t hit.  Reggie Moore also finished with 10 points in 38 minutes, and DeAngelo Casto added nine points, seven rebounds and three blocks from the post.

On the Wildcats side of the ball, former McDonald’s All-American forward Wally Judge did not play by coach’s decision.  Jacob Pullen is doing little to improve his NBA stock by sitting on the perimeter and waiting for the ball to come to him.  He is frequently shooting the three, often unnecessarily by a couple feet behind the line on his attempts (1-for-7 on the night from three).  He added the big steal and assist in the last minute, but he needs to be more active off-ball, looking to score more attacking the basket and using the midrange.  Pullen also added five rebound, five assists and five turnovers.

Pullen and the Wildcats return to Manhattan to take on Alcorn State Monday evening.  Kansas State is 7-1 this season, with their lone loss coming to No. 1 Duke last week.  Coach Frank Martin maintains his winning streak in the month of December with 12 in a row over the past few seasons.  In their first true test, Washington State lost their first game of the season, but returns to action against rival and 24th-ranked Gonzaga in Pullman on Wednesday.  

When Kansas State fans saw star guard Jacob Pullen as a freshman, they saw an eager, confident underclassman with the potential to be a star.  In what became a reoccurring theme throughout that year, Big 12 commentator Paul Splittorf said during Kansas State’s upset over second-ranked and previously undefeated Kansas, “There’s that kid again” when referring to the up-and-coming freshman.

Pullen, three years later, is a Preseason All-American, Preseason Big 12 Player of the Year, is on pace to become the Wildcats all-time leading scorer—passing names like Mitch Richmond, Rolando Blackman and Chuckie Williams so far along the way—and sports the most famous beard in College Basketball.

Not forecasting the baby-faced 6’3” freshman point guard of the present will grow a fearsome beard of his own, but when Kansas State fans now see Will Spradling they can’t help but draw the same comparisons.

“I love this kid” and “he should start” were just a couple of outbursts that could vaguely be made out from the partisan Kansas State crowd at Kansas City’s Sprint Center Monday night in a 81-64 win over Gonzaga.  The first of which coincided with a fist pump from a man who claimed he’d been watching K-State basketball for 30 years.

Before the game and at the half, ESPN analyst Doug Gottlieb wasn’t shy about pointing out Spradling’s rapid adaptation to the college game. He praised his confidence and the fact that he was being put in a position to win the job and respect of his teammates.  A valuable position for Kansas State that could allow star guard Jacob Pullen to move to the off-guard position and roam the floor for open shots rather than directing and setting up others.

Two games ago another ESPN commentator, Brent Musberger, was forced by Spradling’s play, to correct himself from calling the upstart freshman “Spralding” in a win over Virginia Tech; A win in which “Spradling” ran the point for 27 minutes and didn’t commit a turnover while Jacob Pullen rode the bench in foul trouble in his first nationally televised game.

After the game, a reporter even jokingly asked Senior Jacob Pullen if he was worried about losing his job.  The problem was, Pullen answered with a serious response.

“If Will continues to fight in practice, we can always fight for that spot,” Pullen said. “That’s the great thing about (coach) Frank (Martin). He’s an equal opportunist. If I come into practice for a week and don’t take my job serious, somebody will be taking my job, and you’ll see me coming off the bench.”

Strong words.  But Pullen knows all about Spradling’s abilities.  He admitted he hounds Spradling at practice until he scores on him or gets a stop.  Evidently, the hounding is aiding his transition.  Maybe.

Coming into tonight’s game against top-ranked Duke, Spradling is averaging 7.5 points and 1.5 assists a game, shooting over 50 percent from the floor, 50 percent from three-point range and 85 percent from the free throw line while logging just over 20 minutes per outing.  His court vision, decision-making, and sharp-shooting is steadily increasing his minutes.

But more than that, Spradling has been a refreshing presence for Kansas State coach Frank Martin who acknowledged he expected he could be an immediate contributor, but not on the court isolated without Pullen. 

“He works extremely hard at listening,” Martin said. “He plays with tremendous effort, and he listens. By doing those two things, he ends up in the right place more times than not. If you can figure that part out, you usually get along with me real good.”

One person who’s not surprised is his old AAU coach Rodney Perry.  Perry compared Spradling to a quarterback on the basketball court, a guy with a high basketball IQ who could get everyone involved and score. 

“I think right off the bat he will be able to come in and contribute because he doesn’t make very many mistakes, and as a coach, that’s what you love—having a player that you know is not going to hurt you. That’s what he is definitely gonna be able to do—is not hurt you on the floor. He’s going to raise everyone else’s game up and make them better.”

Spradling was also a four-year starter at Shawnee Mission South High School in Overland Park, Kansas, although he missed most of his junior season with a leg injury.  He himself credited his passing ability and running the floor as well as his leadership skills as his greatest assets.

And why he chose K-State?

“It was the coaches and the style of play,” he said. “Once they got me out here I was just sold on it, especially when it came to around the season when they started playing games. The crowd was just amazing.”

That is a welcome and satisfying comment from a recruit and a sign of how far the program has come in a short time.  Despite Kansas State’s lush basketball history, most of it is lost on young recruits who were more acquainted with recent struggles before the rebirth started four years ago when Kansas State hired Bob Huggins and laid the foundation for current coach Frank Martin.

Of course, these comments came before his campus arrival this year.  As a freshman, he cannot talk to the media until second semester, but if he keeps it up, the reporters will surely want to know how he’s picked up the college game so quickly, why he wears the center’s number 55, which he celebrates on his twitter page Will_I_AM_55, and what he thinks of the playing an integral role in another potential deep tournament run for Kansas State. 

Yes, they’ll want to know all those things and more.  But for now they’ll have to wait and look on.  But as he takes the court tonight it’s sure amongst the cheers and enthusiasm of the crowd someone will say “there’s that kid again” and for K-State fans that will be an all to welcome sign.

Kansas State won 29 games last year and made a run to the Elite Eight—hope is running wild in the Manhattan that isn’t in New York.

That was an impressive season, but if they were only to replicate it this year it would be a disappointment. Everything seems to be setting up perfectly for them this season: They are talented and ready to play at a time when the other powers in the Big 12 are younger or less established. The Wildcats have never won the Big 12 and haven’t made the Final Four since 1964. They have real potential to do both this year. Now all they have to do is live up to that potential.

Offseason Changes

K-State returns only two starters, but they had such depth last year that they shouldn’t suffer from the losses. The biggest concern is the loss of point guard Denis Clemente. He was the leader of the team on and off the court; he carried the ball up the court, and he was the second-leading scorer. They have multiple options at the point, but none have yet established themselves as the best option. Someone stepping up is crucial.

Beyond the point, two players stand out as intriguing replacements for departed players. Wally Judge, a 6'9" forward, spent most of his time on the bench last year because he was terrible defensively. He’s the highest rated recruit on the team, though, and he should get a chance to perform. He’s a big man with a scoring touch and a sweet shot. Clemente’s points won’t be missed nearly as much if Judge finds his way.

Freddy Asprilla is another exciting option. The 6'10" center sat out last year after transferring from Florida International. He scored 13.7 points per game and added 9.2 rebounds per game there, so he clearly has some skills. The Wildcats were missing a competent big man last year, so Asprilla could be a huge addition.

Kansas State Wildcats' Outlook

This team has been flipped around this year. Last year they were a guard-driven team with questions in the frontcourt. This year that frontcourt is the biggest and probably the best in the Big 12, but there are questions in the backcourt. The point guard position will be crucial.

The good news is that Jacob Pullen is still at guard. Pullen improved more than any player in the Big 12 and is now a great talent. There is a chance that Pullen will have to handle the ball, but he is at his best when he isn’t, and he should get more than his share of chances to shine. If someone can handle the ball, Judge and Asprilla can settle in quickly, and if Pullen continues his impressive play, then this team should be the class of the Big 12.

They have a step ahead of the other teams expected to contend—Kansas, Baylor and Texas—because of their experience and size. The biggest concern, though, has to be injuries. They aren’t deep anywhere anymore, especially not with their guards. An injury to a key player, especially Pullen, could create some serious issues.

Kansas State Wildcats College Basketball Odds

The Wildcats are 11/1 to win the Final Four which puts them as the third choice behind Duke and Michigan State. The books have them as co-favorites with Baylor to win the Big 12 at +250, with Texas and Kansas close behind at +300.

Kansas State Wildcats Basketball Schedule

Their nonconference schedule is reasonable, with a home game against Gonzaga and a trip to Florida to get their pulses racing. In the Big 12 they play Kansas twice and have to travel to Texas. Their biggest challenge is going to be taking care of business better at home. Last year the Wildcats lost at home to Kansas, Oklahoma State and Iowa State—at least two of those losses are totally unacceptable.

Kansas State College Basketball Predictions and Picks

I believe in this team, largely because I believe in Jacob Pullen. They are well-coached, the frontcourt is strong and Pullen is a tornado. They are the class of the conference heading into the season. I worry a bit about their ability to stand up under that pressure, but they have a good base to build on from last year so I expect them to win the conference.

The Final Four requires a team to get hot at the right time, but given what they did last year and how they have improved—and how many elite powers have big questions this year—I certainly think a Final Four berth is possible. I have no issues at all with the futures odds for the team.

This is the first installment of The Arena Pulse's P.O.Y. candidates, a power ranking that will be on-going throughout the season.

Evan Turner, Blake Griffin, Tyler Hansborough, Kevin Durant and J.J. Redick have been highlighted and considered the top college basketball players in the nation over the past few years. In 2010-2011, a new player will take over as college basketball's best, but the competitiveness within the P.O.Y. race will still be the same.

Here's a look at The Arena Pulse's Preseason P.O.Y. Power Rankings:

No.'s 1-10:

No. 1: Jacob Pullen (Kansas State)- Is there any single player more important to a team expected to be in the Top 5 than Jacob Pullen? Fear the Beard in Manhattan, Kansas, the Wildcats might be the best in the Big 12. The Kansas State senior will lead the Wildcats, looking to build upon his 19.3 ppg from a year ago.

No. 2: Kyle Singler (Duke)-  Love him or hate him? Kyle Singler means more than enough to Duke and his return to Durham is key for a team looking to repeat as National Champions. A super-talented forward, Singler gives Duke the best chance to remain on top in the ACC.

No. 3: Harrison Barnes (North Carolina)- Regarded as the top freshman in the country, Harrison Barnes has an opportunity to also be the best player in the country. He will be the focal point for a program looking to rebound after a highly disappointing season last year. Hype, hype and more hype surround this young talent.

No. 4: Malcolm Delaney (Virginia Tech)- VaTech has been on the bubble, but has made only one NCAA Tournament appearance since 1996, that coming in 2007. Delaney can lead this team to the Big Dance, looking to build on his already impressive 20.2 points and 4.5 assists per game from a season ago.

No. 5: JaJuan Johnson (Purdue)- With Hummel down again, the weight falls even more on the ability for JaJuan Johnson to produce for the Boilermakers. Johnson returns as now the second-leading scorer and leading rebounder from a team that made the Sweet 16 last season.

No. 6: Nolan Smith (Duke)- With freshman Kyrie Irving joining Smith in the backcourt, the senior should benefit even more. Nolan Smith is coming off a season averaging 17.4 ppg and is another key part in Duke's quest for back-to-back titles.

No. 7: Jimmer Fredette (BYU)- He's one of the top returning scorers in the nation and Fredette is on a mission to guide BYU back to the NCAA Tournament. After being knocked out in the second round a season ago, Fredette thinks the Cougars can improve. However, San Diego State may have other thoughts on their mind in the Mountain West. But this top guard can score at will, just ask Arizona or TCU or Florida...Well, you get the point.

No. 8: Marcus Morris (Kansas)- No more Cole Aldrich, no more Sherron Collins, who will lead Bill Self's team after a shocking end to a promising year in 2010?. Marcus Morris has the potential to average a double-double and is out to prove it is no rebuilding year in Lawrence.

No. 9: Elias Harris (Gonzaga)- Mark Few and Gonzaga will likely be in the NCAA Tournament, yet again. Elias Harris is the leader of this team and after turning down the NBA Draft, the sophomore looks to build on his 14.7 ppg a season ago. The Bulldogs, who have a streak of ten consecutive WCC regular season championships, will look to extend that streak and Harris is up for the challenge.

No. 10: Kalin Lucas (Michigan State)- He won the Big Ten Player of the Year award in 2009 and after a season-ending torn Achilles tendon abruptly put things on hold, Lucas will be back. If his health can hold up, he could be the best in the Big Ten, yet again.

 

No.'s 11-20

No. 11: E'Twaun Moore (Purdue)

No. 12: Kim English (Missouri)

No. 13: Jared Sullinger (Ohio State)

No. 14: Lavoy Allen (Temple)

No. 15: Demetri McCamey (Illinois)

No. 16: Trey Thompkins (Georgia)

No. 17: Shelvin Mack (Butler)

No. 18: Austin Freeman (Georgetown)

No. 19: Scotty Hopson (Tennessee)

No. 20: Brandon Knight (Kentucky)

 

Honorable Mention (in no particular order): Perry Jones (Baylor), Kyrie Irving (Duke), Jon Leuer (Wisconsin), Chris Wright (Dayton), Derrick Williams (Arizona), Kris Joseph (Syracuse), Kawhi Leonard (San Diego State), Kevin Anderson (Richmond), Corey Fisher (Villanova), Kemba Walker (Connecticut), Isaiah Thomas (Washington), Ashton Gibbs (Pittsburgh), LaceDarius Dunn (Baylor)* Enes Kanter (Kentucky)** Josh Selby (Kansas)**

*--LaceDarius Dunn faces assault allegations and has yet to be reinstated to the team.

**--Enes Kanter and Josh Selby have yet to be cleared to play pending NCAA investigations into their eligibility.

This article was originally featured on The Arena Pulse

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For now the Big 12 remains intact. Next season, it loses two teams (Nebraska and Colorado) which will actually make the conference stronger, top to bottom.

Two of the perennial top teams in the league suffered major disappointment at the end of last season. Overall No. 1 seed Kansas lost in the second round. Texas lost in the first round after stumbling into the tournament.

Three others continue to build on more recent successes. Kansas State and Baylor both made their way to the Elite Eight, having the distinction of being eliminated by finalists Butler and Duke respectively. Missouri lost a second round game to a tough, Final Four-bound West Virginia team.

Overall, seven teams headed to March Madness. And while the top of the conference is once again strong, it seems likely that five or six teams will make the trip this year.

Kansas State (Prediction - First)

This will certainly rankle Jayhawks fans, I’m sure. Despite the loss of sharpshooter Denis Clemente and forward Dominique Sutton (transfer), the Wildcats will be in the hunt for the league title.

To say that coach Frank Martin is intense would be like saying the Pope dabbles in religion. Yes, most college coaches are passionate and demonstrative, but Martin? Wow. That sums it up for me.

His demeanour rubs off on his team, too. Jamar Samuels, Curtis Kelly, and Wally Judge return to anchor what could be the deepest front court in the conference. Add seven footer Jordan Henriquez and transfer Freddy Asprilla (6'10", 280 lbs.) into the mix and K-State isn’t going to shy away from the physical, aggressive style they used successfully for the past two seasons. This is a tough team that loves to rebound and bang the boards.

Martavious Irving and Rodney McGruder return at guard, but the shining light is Jacob Pullen, who is their leader, their best offensive player, and probably their best defensive player. Irving and McGruder should be improved players this season, particularly after the experience of playing deep into the NCAA tournament. 

But Pullen will drive the bus here. Wildcat fans are just hoping the ride lasts a little longer this year.

Kansas (Prediction - Second)

This is predicated on Josh Selby being cleared to play. Royce Woolridge is a good prospect too, but he’s no Selby.

The Jayhawks do have enough talent to survive without him, just not at the top of the league. Marcus and Markieff Morris will need some help from Thomas Robinson, Jeff Withey, or both, up front in what could be an area of concern for Kansas. Mario Little returns (again) with the hope that he can play a full year injury free.

The back court situation appears to be more solid. Tyshawn Taylor could be ready for a breakout year if he stays consistent. Brady Morningstar and Tyrel Reed provide some depth, but it is Elijah Johnson who needs to step up at the point should Selby be unavailable. Johnson was almost invisible by midseason last year and averaged about seven minutes per game overall.

Any team that adds a top prospect to their lineup gets better. The Jayhawks, with or without Selby, still have some questions about depth up front.

Baylor  (Prediction - Third)

After a great run last year, the Bears are primed for another strong season led by all-conference star LaceDarius Dunn.

Baylor lost Ekpe Udoh to the NBA, but appear to have a more than capable replacement up front in potential one-and-done recruit Perry Jones. He will be joined by last season’s super-sub Quincy Acy and Anthony Jones, who started all 36 games up front for the Bears.

Losing Udoh might hurt but the void left by the graduated Tweety Carter will be the most difficult to fill. Both A.J. Walton and freshman Stargell Love need to show that they can run the team. Neither needs to score a ton, but they have to create and take care of the ball. This will be the big challenge for the Bears in the upcoming season.

Any consistent play at the point could lead to another deep run in March.

Texas  (Prediction - Fourth)

Like many other top programs, Texas is relying heavily on incoming freshman to right the ship.

Last season’s collapse, which saw the Longhorns go 7-10 in their final 17 games, was hard to predict or understand based on the type of team Texas could put on the floor. But too often it looked like they needed more than one ball and lacked the cohesion necessary to beat top-notch teams.

Tristan Thompson and Cory Joseph have arrived to bolster a talented group that includes Jordan Hamilton, J’Covan Brown, and Gary Johnson. The losses of Damion James and Dexter Pittman up front are big and other than Thompson the Longhorns are undersized up front.

Finding enough minutes for the guards could be an issue. With Brown, Joseph, Dogus Balbay, and Jai Lucas all listed as point guards, something has to give. My guess is that Joseph will be the guy, with Brown sliding over to the two as he did much of last year.

Maybe last year’s experience will be a benefit to the returning players. Rick Barnes is a very good coach who can’t be happy with the way things ended. My guess is they will be much more consistent this season.

Missouri  (Prediction - Fifth)

If Mike Anderson is to be underestimated anymore, it won’t be by me. Although putting them in this spot might be doing just that.

The Tigers return four of their top five scorers from a season ago and add freshman point guard Phil Pressey to their up-tempo, high-pressure attack. English, Denmon, Bowers, and Safford have been consistent contributors for the past two seasons. Mike Dixon will be asked for more minutes and he showed he was ready by scoring 15 points against a tough West Virginia defense in the Tigers’ second round loss last season.

However, the prize recruit of the class is Tony Mitchell. But—and it seems to be an epidemic in the Big 12—his eligibility is in question. With him the Tigers get deeper and even more talented.

Without him the Tigers are still very solid and very experienced (Elite Eight, second round in consecutive seasons). What they will miss is the leadership of J.T. Tiller and Zaire Taylor. Neither was a spectacular talent, but they led by example and were usually the hardest working players on the floor. That is a difficult thing to replace.

Texas A@M (Prediction - Sixth)

Another guy you can never count out is Aggies head coach Mark Turgeon. 

Despite the loss of Bryan Davis, the Aggies are solid up front with David Loubeau and sophomore Khris Middleton, plus recruits Kourtney Roberson and Daniel Alexander.

More pressing though, is the need for B.J. Holmes and Dash Harris to compensate for the losses of leaders Donald Sloan, who graduated, and Derrick Roland, whose career ended with a horrific leg injury.

Always solid on the defensive end, the Aggies will need to be able to shoot threes with some consistency to open up the offensive end. Recruit Naji Hibbert may be able to contribute in that area, but the onus will be on Holmes and Harris to control the tempo and run crisp sets.

This team could surprise some folks.

Texas Tech  (Prediction - Seventh)

Okay, this “lofty” position for Tech is incumbent on the idea that they will in fact defend better than canned turnips this season. Scoring wasn’t really the issue as the Raiders averaged around 76 points per game. Limiting the other team was.

Coach Pat Knight returns the core of his team, most of whom are now seniors. John Roberson and Mike Singletary are solid and D’walyn Roberts is a capable scorer and rebounder.

Joining Tech this year are redshirt freshman Jaye Crockett, point guard recruit Javarez Willis and JUCO transfer Paul Cooper, who at least gives them some size up front.

Defense will be the issue again this season. The Raiders are undersized and need to play in their own end with tenacity and resolve. If they do, they can move up in the standings. If they don’t...

Colorado (Prediction - Eighth)

This season will be better than next for new coach Tad Boyle.

Alec Burks and Cory Higgins return to form one of the better back court duos in the Big 12. In fact, almost all of the significant contributors from last season return to a team that went 6-10 in conference play.

The Buffaloes need more of an inside presence to climb higher in the standings. Austin Dufault and Shane Harris-Tunks played some minutes last season but will be asked for much more this year. Marcus Relphorde has some size but is more suited to the small forward position.

A .500 record is a possibility for this team, especially since there are some that are going to struggle (see below).

The Rest

Oklahoma State (Ninth)

Without James Anderson and Obi Muenelo, and no established options to take their spots, the Cowboys will have a tough time.

Michael Cobbins is a solid recruit up front but Travis Ford needs to find someone to replace the backcourt scoring that was lost.

Oklahoma (10th)

I really like Jeff Capel but after last season’s debacle, he doesn’t have much to look forward to this year. The best he can do is try and stop the bleeding.

Nebraska (11th)

An undersized, under-skilled team that plays in a tough conference is no recipe for success. Doc Sadler may be a great coach, but damn it Jim, he’s a doctor not a magician.

Iowa State (12th)

Fred Hoiberg, please see above. He is, and will be very active in trying to attract players to the Cyclones program and has already accumulated an interesting list of transfers (Royce White, Anthony Booker, Chris Allen to name a few). Next year should be better.