Frank Martin, head coach of the Kansas State Wildcats, is known for his powerful recruiting ability. Martin has landed three recruits for 2010 already that will help add more depth to their roster next year.

Shane Southwell

A 6 foot 6 small forward from Rice High School, Southwell had a scholarship offer to play for Marquette, but he chose K-State because of his former teammates, Jordan Henriquez and Curtis Kelly.

Since Southwell can dribble and pass the ball well for his size, I see Martin using Southwell as more of a guard than a forward. Shane is a very versatile player, with a strong all-around game. He at times turns the ball over, and throws bad passes, but this can be curbed with Martin's coaching.

Will Spradling

Will Spradling, touted as the one of the best point guards, is the number 56^th point guard in the nation, according to ESPN.com. Will is a 6 foot 3 guard from Shawnee Mission South High School in Kansas.

Spradling is a guard that can shoot the basketball, and rebound it as well. In his last game, he had 16 points and 13 rebounds. However, he shoots the ball in front of his face, which can pose a problem. He will need to re-vamp his shooting mechanics to shoot consistently at the college level.

Freddy Asprilla

Freddy Asprilla, a Miami Dade Junior College transfer, has also committed to Kansas State. The 6 foot 10 center will definitely add more size to the Wildcats front court. Freddy can definitely bring more depth, his energy, and his ability to alter shots, get rebounds whether on the offensive side of the ball or defensive.

Asprilla is generally considered a pro in waiting with his advanced all-floor game.

So far this is a great start for the Kansas State recruiting process. These recruits are among the best in the country.

     Kansas State could be college basketball's best kept secret. The Wildcats only got a hint of publicity when Miami transfer Denis Clemente went off for 44 points against Texas in the season's biggest upset. Now ranked #12 in both the AP and Coaches poll as the Big 12 season is about to start, the Wildcats have gained national interest with their 12-1 record.

            Currently riding a 9-game winning streak, scoring has not been a problem. Averaging 82.9 ppg as a team, including four players in double figures. In that group of four, only one player is a Senior G Denis Clemente 14.2 ppg, two Junior's F Curtis Kelly 11.7 ppg and G Jacob Pullen 19.8 ppg and one Sophmore F Jamar Samuels 11.8 ppg. This balanced scoring has given them success now and will give them success in the future.

            Speaking of the future K-State loses only one impact Senior G Denis Clemente, but they gain two incredible recruits Shane Southwell and Will Spradling. Southwell is a versatile SF from the Bronx and is the #21 SF in the nation. Spradling a PG from Overland Park, KS, is a born leader and has incredible 3-pt range. These two recruits along with all of the returning stars, will give Head Coach Frank Martin a variety of talent to lead his team.

            The Wildcats will have a tough conference schedule this year, playing #1 Kansas (twice) and at #24 Texas Tech, but the Wildcats avoid having to make tough road trips to #2 Texas and Oklahoma State. With Kansas and Texas #1 and #2 in the polls people will forget about Kansas State, but with a win over either Kansas or Texas in each of the last four seasons KU and Texas could be on upset alert. This could mean a surprising second place finish in conference for KSU.

            The last time K-State was in the NCAA tournament was 2008, when they were carried to the round of 32 on the shoulders of Michael Beasley. Frank Martin's team has been to the NIT a few times, but won't be satisfied with anything short of the NCAA tournament. The depth of the roster could be a key component to making it to the late rounds of the tournament. Instead of being carried by a star player that has to do most of the work, the Wildcats balanced scoring will make them hard to stop.

            The Wildcats have no problem getting to the Free Throw line with 450 attempts already (1st in NCAA) but they have a weak percentage (65.1%). Free Throw shooting could be the only weakness of this emerging Big 12 power. Look for K-State to keep up what they have been doing and give Kansas and Texas a struggle for the Big 12 championship.

Under Frank Martin the Kansas State Wildcats are off to their best start (10-1) since the 2004-'05 season, in which they also started off with 10 wins in their first 11 games.

The Wildcats have logged some very impressive wins this season. The Wildcats defeated Dayton, 83-75, on a neutral court during the O'Reilly Auto Parts Puerto Rico Tipoff;  Nevada-Las Vegas (No. 20 in Coaches' Poll), 95-80, on the road; and Xavier, 71-56, at home.

The Wildcats are currently 5-0 at home, 5-1 at neutral locations, and are riding a seven-game winning streak.

With the Wildcats' impressive resume, they're ranked No. 12 in the AP Poll, and 15th in the Coaches' Poll. They're generally seen as the third best squad in the Big 12, behind Kansas and Texas, the numbers one and two teams in all of college basketball.

Earlier this year, the Wildcats didn't always play up to their full potential. Now, though, the Wildcats are playing more fluent basketball.

The Wildcats have superior size, talent, and definitely athleticism. Their front court is has size, skill and good depth, which takes some pressure off the guards.

Kansas State has a young team. The Wildcats have five freshman, three sophomores, three juniors, and three seniors. The starting five is a good blend of experience (one senior and the three juniors) and seven-footer Jordan Henriquez-Roberts, the freshman from The Winchendon School in Massachusetts.

The Wildcat frontcourt is huge. Along with 7-0 freshman Henriquez-Roberts, there is the prized four-star 6-9 freshman Wally Judge, 6-10 senior Luis Colon, and 6-8 junior Curtis Kelly, a transfer from UConn.

The team's best player is junior guard Jacob Pullen. Pullen is a hard worker; he spends tons of hours in the gym. Jacob’s play has grown from last year’s experiences. Jacob worked very hard during the offseason to become the better player that he is today, having improved in every major statistic, but especially in scoring.

Pullen is averaging 20.2 points per game, and is first in the Big 12 in three-point field goals made with 31, free throws made with 65, and points scored with 222.

Remember this conference is arguably the best in college basketball. It has some of the best players in college basketball, such as: Cole Aldrich, James Anderson, Xavier Henry, Damion James, Willie Warren, etc…

This Kansas State team is a special one. The Wildcats haven’t been ranked this high in 36 years. The Wildcats next action is at the winless Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

The Bleacher Report had the pleasure of chatting with 6'11 2009 Kansas State Signee Jordan Henriquez, who is a bit of a mystery to many Big 12 and Wildcat fans since he went off to prep school last fall.

Jordan's is a unique story thats pretty hard not to relate to, a story of a kid from a working class tough neighborhood in New York having to work hard towards a goal in the face of some serious obstacles.

When  he arrives in Manhattan this summer (and yes thats a 100% probability as you will read below) Kansas State fans will see a kid they might not recognize immediately and he is sure to look even more different as time goes on.

But this Q&A is about a bit more than just his skills on the basketball court and I was surprised as anyone at how frank and honest he was about the recruiting process, his family, and what this year at Winchendon Prep has meant to him.

So lets start off with the easy stuff, whose getting the most play on your iPOD right now?

"Ha Lil Wayne, I've been a fan of his music for years since Hotboys"

Last time  you checked in at 6'11 215 pounds going into your year at Winchendon, whats your size like now and how tall you these days?

"6'11 225 and I am looking to add more."

You mentioned your Mom wanting you to go to a private school and play basketball when you were 14, when did you really start to figure out you were going to be so tall?

"Yeah, I grew 6 1/2 inches between 7th and 8th grade."

Do you have a nickname your known by on the floor or with your boys or family?

"Yea everyone just calls me J.o."

The Recruiting process can be intense(calls,letters etc), what was your least favorite part of that process?

"Back when text messaging was going on, getting tons of texts from assistant coaches promising you the world. I knew what was real and what wasn't though."

So during that, with offers from the likes of Kentucky,  Missouri, UNLV, Virginia and De Paul, who or what put Kansas State above the rest and led you choose them?

"Kansas State was more straight forward with me, Coach Martin told me himself what kind of player I was and how I fit in the system.

Not over the phone, text message or in email, in a man-to-man conversation face to face as he flew into New York to meet me for the very first time."

You mentioned earlier that you knew at a young age that getting out of your neighborhood and many of the distractions is what drove your focus on basketball, how has the toughness you needed to grow up in that environment shaped your game? How does that toughness translate on the court?

"That translates on the court not by physical strength but mental toughness and playing with heart and bringing your game everyday no matter what."

What have current KSU players told you about Scott Greenawalt and the conditioning program?

"That its hell and its no joke and come somewhat prepared or its going to be a rude awakening." (Laughing)

What's the best part of your game and what are you looking to improve upon?

"The best part of my game is my shot blocking and my rebounding ability. Also, I can hit a jumper within 15 feet and I run the floor really well for a big man.

Where I need to really improve is my physical presence and be stronger with my back to the basket."

What type of role do you think you will play as a freshman and what can fans expect?

"Id really like to be that huge presence in the paint next year with my shot blocking ability and being able to change shots but its also very important to get stronger so I will be able to bang with those big-men in the Big 12,especially Cole Aldrich." (Laughing)

So you went the Prep route at Winchendon this year and played for Coach Byrnes to get some things together, are you on track to arrive in Manhattan next season and when are you planning on moving up?

"Yes definitely, Im just waiting for the day I graduate and passing the clearing house. I've also taken my ACT... but going to the Winchendon school was a huge factor in the outcome.  All I can really say is that the people there want to help you and I have no regrets being part of the Winchendon Scl.

So just to clarify because this is the question Wildcat fans wonder the most, your on track and have taken and passed the ACT and sent your stuff to the clearinghouse and are waiting for them to tell you what you already know. That about right?

"That is absolutely correct!" (emphatically)

When you heading up?

"All summer, I start the early summer school session in Manhattan"

So the eligibility you now have might not have been possible without the support you got at Winchendon?

"Yes absolutely, if it wasnt for this opportunity I dont think I'd be anywhere close to being able to pass the clearing house"

 

Having played for the same AAU organization as Curtis Kelly and with former Lincoln HS star Devon Peterson also heading to Manhattan, how important was is it to have some NYC guys with you when you chose Kansas State?

"It helped me with my decision at first because going up against Curtis Kelly in practice everyday as a sophomore and him being the New York Player of The Year really helped adjust my game in High School.

Devon Peterson is a good friend of mine and playing against him Niagara Falls was a good experience."

Devon is a bit of an unknown to many Kansas State fans, could you tell me about his game and what to expect?

"He is guard thats physical and knows how to score the ball. He is really quick and can shoot the ball fairly well. He will definitely be challenging for minutes next year."

So he is that good huh? Sounds like he will make an impact for the Wildcats right away!

"Yes, but he will have to work, nothing comes easy."

Lastly, KSU fans are extremely excited about a recruiting class with yourself, Wally Judge, Rodney McGruder, Nick Russell and Devon Peterson. How well do you know most of these guys and what can you tell us about them?

"All I can say is that just being around them on my official visit... They are all really good people and have good personalities and I can see myself playing with them for the next four years."

 

Final Analysis

Jordan runs the floor extremely well for a kid his size and as his jumper develops his offense will catch up with what is already Division 1 game ready defense that Kansas State desperately needs.

He needs to add a lot of weight to contribute long term, but no team in the Big 12 is a better fit than Scott Greenawalt and Kansas State. His defense will allow him to contribute immediately when he arrives in Manhattan regardless of roster. 

This is a great kid thats very tough, its easy to forget how hard it can be for a kid to have to add another year before getting to college and for some its a devastating blow, in Jordan's case its clearly the opposite and this year off may be the best thing that ever happened to him and the Wildcats.

Player Projection

The kid is a raw clone of former LSU and current Golden State Warrior Anthony Randolph.

Their builds are identical at 6'11 with huge wingspans and with Henriquez already weighing more than Randolph does today in the NBA.

While Jordan is not likely a one and done player as Randolph was, all the tools are there and I don't think it will take him long develop them.

 Oh how things have changed when Kansas State has three NYC kids on their roster.

OKLAHOMA CITY—Kansas State had a great chance to build its NCAA Tournament resume and lose the dreaded “bubble” distinction.

A first-round bye in the Big 12 Tournament.

A proving-point second-round game against Texas.

A would-be semi-final game against a tired Baylor team that will be playing its third game in three days.

It was a perfect scenario to make its NCAA Tournament plea.

Then, the bubble might have burst—Kansas State lost, 61-58.

“What do you want me to tell you, we don’t deserve to be here?” Wildcats coach Frank Martin said following the loss, when asked about his team’s tournament chances.

It was the beginning of 2:50 speech/statement/rant by Martin on why K-State should be in the big dance.

So do they belong?

Texas only further solidified its big dance status by beating the Wildcats on Thursday.

Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Oklahoma State are locks.

Texas A&M and Kansas State remain on the proverbial bubble.

Martin said without saying the classic cliché, “it’s not how you start, its how you finish,” but that was his point.

The Wildcats played a very weak non-conference schedule, going the “state” route, as in Southeast Missouri State, Emporia State, Idaho State and Chicago State. In fact, its best non-conference win was against a “state” school—a victory at Cleveland State—a team that upset Butler in the Horizon League Tournament Championship.

The Wildcats lost all three major conference schools they played, dropping contests against Kentucky, Iowa and Oregon.

Then it lost its first four Big 12 Conference games. Though, before today’s game versus Texas, K-State had won 10 of its last 13.

Should the tournament committee take six from the Big 12?

The league’s four teams that finished tied for fourth all proved they belong in the tournament during conference play.

The biggest difference between Kansas State, Texas, Texas A&M and Oklahoma State?

Texas and Oklahoma State played a tough non-conference schedule and it should be the deciding factor when it comes time to choose who’s in and who’s out.

And it’s what could put the Aggies and the Wildcats in the NIT instead of the NCAA’s.

“Did we have a great non-conference schedule? No,” Martin said. “Everyone in the country that played Butler gets credit for playing a good basketball team. No one played Butler at Butler other than its conference teams. We go to play Cleveland State at Cleveland State, everyone views that as a bad win.”

“Give me a break.”

Martin better hope the tournament committee does come Sunday.

No. 4 Kansas State (21-10, 9-7) vs. No. 5 Texas (21-10, 9-7)

Thursday, Mar. 12 at 3:00 PM EST

Spread: Texas -2.5

Backcourt Advantage: Even

The Wildcats needed overtime to beat Texas 85-81 in Austin on Jan. 31. In that game, K-State guard Denis Clemente (15.6 PPG) scored a career-high 44 points, tying the Wildcats' single-game record set by Michael Beasley last year.

Clemente was red-hot from the field, knocking down all six of his three-point attempts.

Texas senior A.J. Abrams (16.5 PPG) will lead the Longhorns into the second round of the Big 12 tournament. He had a quiet 10 points in the 67-56 first round win over Colorado, but chipped in on the defensive end with five steals.

Abrams had a poor performance in his first meeting with Kansas State, scoring only 15 points on 5-for-21 shooting. For the game, the Wildcats went an astonishing 10-for-15 from long range, while Texas was just 4-for-17. That proved to be the major difference in an otherwise even game.

As long as Clemente or fellow guard Jacob Pullen (13.4 PPG) doesn't catch fire again, the Longhorns should be able to keep pace with them on the perimeter.

Frontcourt Advantage: Texas

The quickness of junior swingman Damion James (15.8 PPG, 9.4 RPG) and the size and toughness of junior center Dexter Pittman (9.8 PPG) will give the Longhorns an advantage over the Wildcats inside.

James led the Longhorns with 19 points and 12 rebounds in his first meeting against Kansas State. Pittman is emerging as a star for Texas. He is coming off his best game of the season, a 26-point, 10-rebound performance against Colorado in the first round.

Kansas State has some decent depth in the frontcourt, but will be overmatched by Pittman. It will take a group effort from Darren Kent, Jamar Samuels, Luis Colon, and Ron Anderson to slow him down inside.

Momentum: Even

Both teams need a win here to cement their qualification into the NCAA tournament. Texas has the better regular season resume, so a loss here may not keep them out, but Kansas State is definitely in a must-win situation.

This should be a very tight game throughout, but I expect the experience of Abrams, James, Pittman, and senior center Connor Atchley to be the difference in this game as the Longhorns find a way to win in the end.

Shaun's Pick: Texas -2.5

Kansas State (20-9, 8-6) at Oklahoma State (19-9, 8-6)

Tue. Mar. 3 at 7:30 p.m. EST

Spread: Oklahoma State -5.5

Backcourt Advantage: Oklahoma State

Senior guards Terrel Harris (14.5 PPG) and Byron Eaton (14.1 PPG) will play their final home game on Tuesday as Oklahoma State squares off against Kansas State in a crucial Big 12 contest. The two teams currently sit in a three-way tie for fourth in the conference with Texas at 8-6.

Sophomore James Anderson (18.4 PPG) has been on fire lately, averaging 25.3 points per game in the Cowboys' last six games, which they are 5-1. OSU will need his hot streak to continue against the Wildcats, who are capable of keeping up with the high-scoring Cowboys.

Junior guard Denis Clemente (15.2 PPG) has his two highest scoring games on the road for the Wildcats, scoring 44 points in their 85-81 win at Texas and 33 points in a loss at Missouri last week. Sophomore Jacob Pullen (13.5 PPG) is the other player that Oklahoma State will have to contain. Pullen is coming off of an 18-point effort in their win over Nebraska on Saturday.

Frontcourt Advantage: Kansas State

The Wildcats will have the edge inside, led by senior Darren Kent (9.0 PPG). Kansas State is outrebounding its opponents by 6.7 rebounds per game, while Oklahoma State is typically being outrebounded by its opponents on a nightly basis. The Cowboys have very little presence inside and will look to keep this game at a quick tempo to increase their transition scoring chances.

Momentum: Even

Kansas State has won eight of its last 10 overall, while Oklahoma State is currently on a five-game winning streak. The Cowboys will have the slight edge being at home though, where they are 13-2 this season. Their only losses were to conference heavyweights Oklahoma and Missouri.

Kansas State is 5-4 on the road, but lost its last road contest to Missouri by 20 points. Prior to that game, they had won their last four games on the road.

I like the Cowboys to win an emotional game at home, but look for the Wildcats to keep this game close. I'll take the points in this one.

Shaun's Pick: Kansas State +5.5

Kansas State (19-8, 7-5) at No. 11 Missouri (23-4, 10-2)

Wed. Feb. 25 at 9:00 p.m. EST

Spread: Missouri -9.5

Backcourt Advantage: Kansas State

Denis Clemente (14.6 PPG) and Jacob Pullen (13.6 PPG) are looking to get their offense back on track after scoring only 17 points combined in a 50-46 win over Iowa State on Saturday. This will be a great opportunity to achieve just that against a high-scoring Missouri team.

Pullen led the Wildcats with 23 points on 9-for-16 shooting, including 5-for-8 from three-point range, in Kansas State's 88-72 win over Missouri on Jan. 28.

Frontcourt Advantage: Missouri

Senior forwards DeMarre Carroll (17.0 PPG) and Leo Lyons (14.3 PPG) lead the Tigers in scoring. Missouri is averaging 82.2 points per game on the season, good for seventh-best in the nation.

They will look to keep things rolling at home where they are 16-0 this season and have a 17-game winning streak overall.

Momentum: Even

Although Kansas State has won eight of their last nine games, Missouri has won 10 of its last 11. Missouri's only loss during this stretch was at Kansas State last month.

This will be a matchup between two of the hottest teams in the country and while Missouri has been dominant at home, the Wildcats have won seven of their last nine meetings overall.

Furthermore, Missouri faces Kansas in Lawrence this weekend, so Mike Anderson needs to make sure his team doesn't overlook a dangerous Kansas State team.

Missouri should be able to get the win, but it won't come easy. Look for the Wildcats to make them earn this one.

Shaun's Pick: Kansas State +9.5

Iowa State (12-9, 1-5) at Kansas State (14-7, 3-4)

Tuesday, Feb 3, 2009—-8:00PM EST

Spread: Kansas State -12.5

Backcourt Advantage: Kansas State

Wildcats fans are excited to see what Denis Clemente will do for an encore.  Clemente (14.3 PPG) is coming off a spectacular 44-point performance in K-State's upset overtime victory over Texas.  It was the statement game that Kansas State needed after a somewhat disappointing start to conference play, and the Wildcats are hoping to keep it going at home against a struggling Iowa State team.

Frontcourt Advantage: Iowa State
6'10" sophomore Craig Brackins (19.5 PPG, 9.1 RPG) is hoping to put the Cyclones on his back and carry them to their first conference road win.  Kansas State will probably double-team him most of the night with their twin towers inside, 6'10" senior Darren Kent (8.5 PPG, 5.6 RPG) and 6'10" junior Luis Colon (5.6 PPG, 5.0 RPG). 

While Brackins will be the most talented player on the floor inside, Kansas State has some nice frontcourt depth and has been out-rebounding its opponents by six-plus rebounds per game.  As long as they can contain Brackins, they will be fine. 

Momentum: Kansas State
After starting 0-4 in conference play, Kansas State has won its last three games, each win being more impressive than the last.  The Wildcats need to avoid a let-down game after beating Missouri at home and then Texas on the road in overtime. 

Iowa State played Oklahoma tough on Saturday, but has struggled on the road this season.  Kansas State should win, but Brackins will help to keep it close.

Shaun's Pick: Iowa State +12.5

This article is also featured on CBBplace.com

He is 19-years-old and likes Spongebob Squarepants cartoons and wears a Batman mouthguard during games.

This is Michael Beasley, a young and vibrant kid who is living his dream. People seem to forget that he is just a KID.

He is also the starting Power Forward of the Miami Heat. It was a move that had to be made when considering this roster in order to start the trio of Shawn Marion and Udonis Haslem along with himself.

We're only 10 games into the 2008-09 NBA season, but it's never too early for impressions.

Michael Beasley is currently averaging 16.3 points per game to go along with 5.9 rebounds per game on 44 percent shooting. He is also contributing about two assists per game as well as one steal and one block per.

Unfortunately, these numbers are only scratching the surface of Michael Beasley's true potential. It's only his rookie season, but he is being used the wrong way by rookie head coach, Michael Spoelstra.

Beasley is the highest ever lottery selection in Miami Heat franchise history and yet he is treated like a role player on the level of Udonis Haslem on the basketball court.

Beasley has been subbed out during the closing minutes of games twice now for the less than spectacular bench player in Mark Blount. Where is the logic in that?

Can anyone possible explain such a move? Spoelstra claims it was due to Beasley's defensive deficiencies but fails to realize the irony of that statement since Mark Blount is an even worse defensive player.

Derrick Rose and OJ Mayo are not being used as role players and I think it's about time that Beasley isn't either.

Again though, we are only 10 games into the regular season and Beasley as well as this Heat team has a very long way to go before a conclusion can be made about how much Beasley will pan out.

One thing is for sure... Heat fans are most definitely excited  at this point. Especially coming off of a 15-win season.