STF Super Awesome Team Preview: #17 Kansas State Wildcats

#17 Kansas State Wildcats


Team: Kansas State

Conference: Big 12

2006 Record and Ending: 23-12, lost to DePaul in the second round of the NIT tournament

Key Players Returning: Bill Walker can put the popcorn down, as we will see him return to the court after a knee injury last season. Also returning is David Hoskins, the top returning scorer from last season. Despite his 6'5 frame, he is a monster downlow. Expect bigger things from point guard Clent Stewart this season.

What's To Love: Not many teams can have their first 20 win season in 18 years and have it considered a mild disappointment. Thus was the case with last season's K-State squad. But realistically, when you look at what they did without the two most hyped players on the team (Bill Walker, Michael Beasley), Wildcat fans have to be optimistic. This team will as athletic and fast as any team in the country. Beasley is in many regards the most heralded freshmen of 2007, and anything slightly below Durant-like numbers may be considered a disappointment in Manhattan. Also, I was a big fan of staying in house with new coach Frank Martin, easiest way to keep the players on board. Also be on the lookout for freshmen Jacob Pullen, who may fill in at PG if Stewart struggles.

What's Not To Love: As much I dislike Huggins, you have to give the man some credit. In one short season, he turned a college basketball wasteland into a recruiting hotbed. No one really knows the coaching skills of Frank Martin, only that he was well liked by the incoming freshmen. There are also concerns about sharing the rock, there is only one basketball for both Beasley and Walker. Also, when I mentioned how "fast and athletic" this team is, that can quickly turn into "unorganized and sloppy" quickly without proper coaching.

Key Player: This has to go to Beasley. Even without him stepping a foot on the floor, the expectations are through the roof. He'll get help from Walker, but Beasley is already to be the go-to man on this team, as well as the man with a target on his back. With people expecting Durant-like numbers, let's see how the kid handles pressure.

Best Case: Beasley is Durant II, Walker's knee is healed and he can keep his hand out of the popcorn, Hoskins is good for a few double-doubles and provides a viable third option, freshmen Pullen,Dominique Sutton and Fred Brown provide sparks off the bench, Martin can keep the ship steady. Return to NCAA's for first time since 93 and do some damage.

Worst Case: There aren't enough basketballs between Beasley and Walker, the job is way over Martin's head and the egos get the best of this team, all this talent and hype leaves Manhattan without even a postseason appearance.

STF Prediction: This is where I differ from Extra P, who isn't very high on the Wildcats. Too much talent not to succeed. 3rd of 4th in the Big 12, Round of 32