Wildcats report: Strategy and personnel
THE GOOD NEWS
The Kansas State program is revived with postseason trips each of the past two seasons, first to the NIT and this year to the NCAA, after fourth- and third-place finishes in the Big 12. Even without Michael Beasley, who turned pro, the foundation is set and the national acclaim Beasley earned as one of the nation's best players provides first-year coach Frank Martin a platform from which to land more top recruits.
THE BAD NEWS
No Beasley, big problem? The Wildcats will be left with a huge void without him. He put up 28 double-doubles and dictated what a defense could do against the 'Cats. The problems will then double if Bill Walker stays in the draft. That would leave Kansas State without four starters, since G Clent Stewart and G Blake Young were both seniors. A young team will be younger again, and Martin must really work to develop talent without the luxury of stars such as Beasley. It will be tough, but in games this season, Martin showed a nice grasp of the game and often made good moves, though minutes fluctuated for too many subs.
KEY RETURNEES
Walker could still return, as he has said he will not sign with an agent. F Dominique Sutton, who wasn't cleared to play until the semester break and was then delayed by an injury, presents the most upside of any of the returnees, though teams could afford to back off him along the perimeter. G Jacob Pullen could develop into one of the best points in the Big 12 as long as he continues to learn the game and gets along with Martin.
ROSTER REPORT
--In addition to setting an NCAA freshman record with 28 double-doubles, F Michael Beasley ranks third all-time among freshman with 408 rebounds. He scored 20 or more points 26 times and finished with a 26.2-point average and 866 points.
--F Bill Walker contributed a 16.1-point average as a redshirt freshman. He didn't show many ill affects from the ACL surgery he underwent last season, though his production fell off at the end of the Big 12 schedule.
--Kansas State will file a petition with the NCAA requesting a medical redshirt for F David Hoskins, who missed the season following knee surgery. Hoskins underwent knee surgery in February and his rehabilitation is expected to take eight to 12 months. He will graduate in May but will stay if granted a sixth year of eligibility and his knee is deemed fit for him to play.
Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.
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