Kansas State Team Report

GETTING INSIDE

Frank Martin tried desperately to convince the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee to include Kansas State on last year’s dance card.

But to no avail. A weak nonconference schedule and so-so finish kept the Wildcats out, even though the three other teams that tied for fourth in the Big 12 made it.

Now comes the difficult, but necessary, response. The Wildcats need to remember the snub throughout the season and use it for inspiration after going 22-12 overall and 9-7 in the Big 12.

Best to do so quietly, especially since the final RPI number for Kansas State was only 81.

Martin riled a lot of critics with his constant rant about Kansas State’s postseason credentials. Now, he’s got a team capable of finishing in the top third of the Big 12 standings, so it’s probably best to accentuate the positives rather than dwell on negatives.

Still, it doesn’t hurt to have a little chip on the shoulder. Point guard Denis Clemente plays with one anyway and the lightning-quick guard is capable of taking over a game with his gutsy drives and long-range accuracy. Shooting guard Jacob Pullen also returns as a scoring threat.

What makes Kansas State interesting, however, is the new blend of promising talent underneath. Forward Wally Judge figures to step in immediately and contribute as long as he doesn’t get banged around too bad at the next level. Connecticut transfer Curtis Kelly could also step into a starting role and team with returning forward Dominique Sutton.

“This is the best situation we’ve had going into a season,” said Martin, who enters his third season after he was promoted when Bob Huggins left for West Virginia. “We’ve got valuable returning experience, plus some talented newcomers.”

Backcourt help will be provided by Rodney McGruder, a 6-4 slasher who gives the Wildcats another dimension to go with the spot shooting of Pullen. Better shot selection from the guards is needed after they were streaky a year ago. The misses stretched into free throw shooting, where Kansas State ranked last in the Big 12.

NOTES, QUOTES

• Kansas State assistant coach Delonte Hill spent time this summer with Michael Beasley after the former Wildcat was admitted to a Houston rehab center. Beasley, who is with the Miami Heat, the NBA team that drafted him second overall in the 2008 draft, welcomed the company of his former AAU coach. “The first thing Mike said was, ‘Bring me as much K-State gear as you can. I want to be happy again,” Kansas State coach Frank Martin said.

• Before the beginning of practice, fewer than 1,000 season tickets remained available. Kansas State ranked 10th in the Big 12 in home attendance last season, averaging 8,940 for 20 games, with three sellouts.

Last Year:   22-12 overall, 9-7 in the Big 12; lost in second round of the NIT

Head Coach:   Frank Martin (career 43-24); third year at Kansas State (43-24).

Quote To Note:   “We’ve got four players who understand. Freshmen come in and they think they know, but when they have to make an entry pass at Allen Fieldhouse, 18-year-olds don’t understand what it takes. For the first time we’ve got experience.”—Kansas State coach Frank Martin.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

Scouting The Newcomers:   Kansas State hopes F Wally Judge, a high school All-American from the same AAU pipeline as former standout Michael Beasley, can step in and contribute immediately. Judge will be afforded the opportunity because the Wildcats are thin underneath. Judge might be a little thin himself contesting college big men, so stamina may be a factor later in the season. F Curtis Kelly, a Connecticut transfer, will get a chance to contribute underneath, too. G Wally McGruder gives the Wildcats some needed size on the perimeter at 6-4 and should score off the dribble.

Key Early-season Games:   Losses to good nonconference teams Kansas State played a year ago hurt the Wildcats’ chances of an NCAA Tournament bid. This season the schedule is loaded during a four-game stretch in December when Kansas State plays Washington State and Xavier at home before traveling to UNLV and Alabama. An early trip to the Puerto Rico Tip-Off will give youngsters on the squad some quick seasoning with three games in four days.

Program Direction:   Although Kansas State was criticized for hiring Bob Huggins after the celebrated coach was there only one season before taking over at his alma mater, West Virginia, the gamble paid off. Huggins gave Kansas State instant credibility and created a buzz the program had not generated since Lon Kruger left following a run of four consecutive NCAA appearances from 1987-90. Frank Martin was promoted from Huggins’ staff in an attempt to keep some prize recruits. Martin also has managed to tap the same sources and continues to attract the talent needed to compete in the Big 12.

Probable Starting Lineup:   F Wally Judge, F Curtis Kelly, F Dominique Sutton, G Jacob Pullen, G Denis Clemente.

Roster Report:  

• C Luis Colon broke his left hand during a workout and figured to miss the start of practices, though he is expected to be available for the opener. One of three seniors on the squad, Colon started every game last season for the Wildcats.