Kitchen KC

Can Kim and Missouri keep up huge shooting improvements?

2011-12-28T14:37:00.004-06:00

Remarkably, the Missouri Tigers have torn through a schedule rated as the 266th-toughest in such a fashion that MU has taken over as the sexy pick to top the Big 12 by season's end. Part of that has to do with Texas A&M's barely audible 8-3 start and Kansas' mixed play plus lack of depth. But, it is the way Frank Haith's Tigers play - with detailed organization Mike Anderson and Quin Snyder could only dream of - that has many talking. Haith hasn't limited Missouri's speed; he simply harnessed it.

He focused the shotgun energy into a laser on both ends of the floor, and it has led to an increase in statistical categories over last year including: scoring (80.8 to 87.1), field goal percentage (.458 to .519), 3-point FG (.366 to .404), 3s made per game (7.2 to 8.4), free throw percentage (.739 to .783) and rebounding margin (-2.0 to +4.3, despite losing Laurence Bowers to injury).

The Tigers are also turning the ball over three less times per game, which makes up for it causing 1.3 less turnovers than a year ago.

Of all of that, it is the shooting that easily has garnered the most attention thus far. Even with mostly sub-par competition, to shoot above 50 percent as a team 12 games into a season is heady stuff. But, that's where it seems the Tigers will be most likely to come back to reality. Why? Well, for one, it seems unlikely that, even in extremely limited roles, reserve guys like Kadeem Green are going to continue shooting .706 from the field. Past that, the mother of all standout examples is Kim English.

Playing at the four in Haith's current configuration, the 6'6" guard has been a matchup nightmare for lesser opponents, whose bigger, slower, clumsier forwards would as much prefer to play with one arm than try and guard English on the perimeter. Their choice, instead, has been instinctual as they slink back toward the lane, and English has made them pay thus far.

Through 12 games, English is shooting .532 from the field - almost 14 percent better than his previous career-best of .393 percent he put up as a sophomore. The improvement is nearly identical from long range, as he is hitting .531 - a stark increase from his previous high of .373 during his freshman season. Perhaps more key is that English is shooting as many threes per game (5.3) as he did in his breakout season two years ago (5.4), but doing it while taking less shots compared to then (11.7 FGA to 9.3 - likely because of the taller defender). It is taking him less opportunities to knock down long jumpers...by a wide percentage margin. Can this continue? The initial reaction is probably not.

Increased talent level, and height, especially at the three and four spots for Big 12 teams makes that possibility seem a difficult proposition. Combine that with other conference teams' ability to guard the three overall (five teams are ranked 54th or better nationally*), and the thought that much more of English's energy will be spent battling for rebounds in conference play than it has been, and it becomes reasonable that Missouri will have to find offense elsewhere in order to keep its current pace.

Marcus Denmon's numbers the past two seasons
indicate no slow-down is coming.

*3-point defensive percentage through 12/18 games: Texas A&M (11th - 25.5 percent); Kansas State (24th - 26.8 percent); Iowa State (46th - 29.1 percent); Oklahoma State (52nd - 29.5 percent); Texas Tech (54th - 29.5 percent). Interestingly, Baylor is known for its defensive length in its zone but sits eighth at 32.6 percent. Kansas, normally a defensive stalwart, is last, allowing opponents to shoot 36.3 percent from behind the arc. That number ranks 269th nationally.

In addition to English, Ricardo Ratliffe also stands to see a decline. True, the 6'8" senior forward shot a respectable .571 from the field a year ago. However, that number has skyrocketed this season, jumping to .762. His shot attempts are nearly identical, meaning he's simply finishing plays more often. Considering his position closer to the basket, it stands to reason Ratliffe has a much better shot at sustaining his hot start. But, again, as the defense's talent and philosophy change, to expect that he will continue to be 19 percent better from the field is haphazard.

The only player to show a history of playing at such a high level consistently is Marcus Denmon, whose number from last year to now are nearly identical. His field goal percentage (.500 last year, .510 this season), and 3-point shooting (.448 then, .449 now) appear constant. His scoring improvement has come at the free throw line, where he is at .921 compared to .758 in 2010-11.

While his overall field goal shooting is up three points compared to last year (.431 to .403), Michael Dixon's 3-point shooting is actually down at .310 against 2010-'11's .388. However, he also is much improved at the free throw line, knocking down .926 of his attempts (a 10-percent increase).

All of it has combined into a flurry of offense for the Tigers, which boasted the widest scoring margin (27.7) in the country through 12/18. Shots are falling, turnovers are down and guys are playing with purpose. It has provided MU with some legitimate hope that this could be a Big 12 Championship year. And, for those who think it's automatic the Tigers will slow down over the last 18 regular season games, last year's overall vs. conference statistical comparison suggests that the drop-off may not actually be that steep. By that, it means that while guys maintaining their current torrid shooting streaks may be unlikely, to think MU flat won't be able to score regularly in conference would appear incorrect.

Their style of play will stretch any teams that struggle at the guard spot (yep, just like a Kansas, for example), and other teams' big men will be forced with trying to keep up with the hurried but directed tempo. So, as unlikely as it seems without an anchor post player and a lack of general height, the Tigers may, in fact, be in it for the long haul.

Five biggest stories heading into Big 12 play

2011-12-27T15:14:00.002-06:00

Raphielle Johnson, one of our righteous dudes over at CollegeHoopsNet, put it best today when, in describing the start of conference play, tweeted, "Some leagues started in early December, but frankly three words sums it all up: s*** gets real." Indeed.

So, here in Big 12 country, here are two factoids to consider as things get cranked up with Baylor hosting Texas A&M on Big Monday (Jan. 2): The Big 12 has sent six different teams to the Elite Eight in the past three seasons - the most of any conference. Also, it has earned 80 NCAA bids in its history, including 24 in the past four campaigns. That said, here are the five biggest stories I'll have my eye on as we roll into January.

1) Can Missouri finish what it has started? -- I'll have a more intensive look at what the Tigers have done and what they will face as Big 12 play starts next week, but this is by far the top storyline to start. As late as October, many Tigers fans were sure about Frank Haith - sure that they wanted him out before he ever coached a game in Columbia. But then, 12 wins by a nation's best 27.7 point-margin (through 12/18) and a Top 10 ranking happened. And now, MU fans are letting themselves think Marcus Denmon, Kim English and the rest could net them a Big 12 Championship in their send-off season.

2) Between Kansas and Texas A&M, who best sheds their ugly nonconference coat? -- While teams like Missouri set out firing on all cylinders, a couple of others thought to be the Tigers' superiors appear to be leaking a little oil already. Officially, Kansas has lost only to No. 3 Kentucky, No. 3/5 Duke and Davidson (in Kansas City), and not in blowout fashion. However, it is clear guard play is going to be an on-going concern for Bill Self, on both ends of the floor. And, inside, Jeff Withey is by far the best second option behind Thomas Robinson. I'll just let that hang there for a minute...

So, as KU tries to figure itself out, so will Texas A&M. The Aggies were believed to be a vastly veteran group that basically needed only a light guiding influence from Billy Kennedy. Squeaking out a win in New York against St. John's didn't calm any fears, and back-to-back losses (a crusher at Florida and then at home to lowly Rice) the past two games has A&M sitting 8-3 with huge questions standing in front of them. True, the Aggies aren't letting teams score, but they are aw-ful at getting points themselves, and the opposition's talent level is about to skyrocket past the likes of Alcorn St. (0-7), Stephen F. Austin (2-7), Sam Houston St. (1-8) and Louisiana-Monroe (1-11).

It hasn't been smooth sailing so far for Bill Self
and KU in the non-con...and now, here comes Big 12 play.

At this point, a decided advantage between the two goes to Kansas in terms of who I think is best suited to take on/survive the Big 12, but an ill-timed KU injury to the wrong guy is about all that separates that thought. It's a fine line.

3) Does K-State find offensive consistency? -- Effort and defense haven't ever been the question in Manhattan under Frank Martin. The same is true so far this year as the Wildcats have allowed 70 points or more only twice in 11 games and 61 or less in seven of those. (West Virginia needed two overtimes to score 85, and UTEP scored 70 in Hawaii.) The trick to this season's squad having Big 12 success is whether KSU can fill up the basket. At the Diamond Head Classic, the guards shot lights out from 3-pt range and others stepped up as well while the team averaged over 44 points in the first half during the tourney. It allowed the Cats to open up sizable leads and then do what they do best in choking the opposition into submission. That formula looked quite good on the 'Cats, and it will be interesting to see if they are able to use it beginning in Lawrence next week. Bottom line is if KSU scores consistently, it is one of the top two or three teams in the league. If offense is a fleeting issue, K-State could find itself in the fourth-sixth mess, where teams are always a game or so apart.

4) Is Oklahoma the hidden "Tremors" monster? -- Lon Kruger was going to fix things in Norman; we all knew that. But, most would have guessed his process would take 10 months as opposed to 10 games. The Sooners are 9-1, with noticeable wins over Washington State and Arkansas by 15 apiece. No, those aren't wins noticeable for a program looking to make noise in March, but for a team that averaged 14.5 wins the past two years under Jeff Capel, they look fantastic. Better still is the structure that Kruger has already implemented. It has led to open 3s, which the Sooners are knocking down (43.2 percent as of 12/18 - fifth nationally), and OU is hitting its free throws at a 74.2-percent level right now, too. OU isn't great at anything, necessarily, but it is suddenly good enough that if a team thinks it can mail one in, it will get caught by the monster under its feet.

Expect Big 12 coaches to do a lot of this
with John Higgins again this season.

5) Does Travis Ford's seat stay warm or get hot? -- It isn't like anyone expected Oklahoma State to be world beaters this season. The Big 12 coaches said as much in their preseason prediction of seventh for OSU. Regardless, it looks like the Cowboys are setting up for a so-so, or likely worse, conference season as only one of its wins has come against a .500 or better team (Missouri St., which at 112, also has the highest current RPI ranking). The past two years saw OSU go from 9-7 to 6-10 last season in Big 12 play, meaning another sub-.500 season would likely rankle more than a few feathers despite the promise of Marcus Smart coming in next season.

Bonus) How many games will John Higgins affect? -- Let's have some fun with this one. Invariably, if there is one unifying cause among all Big 12 schools, it is that every fan base has its own "favorite" Higgins story. Maybe it was the way he dashed up the lane and thrust his hand forward on a charge call. Or, it was the way his wavy hair stayed in perfect shape as he bounced in order to punctuate a travel. Whatever it is, you know he'll be in the middle of some pretty important games because big moment + TV = face time. By the end of the year, I'll set the over/under at 4.5 on how many new Higgins favorite moments we will add to the Big 12's history book. Leave your story, and your guess, below.

K-State treasures found in Hawaii?

2011-12-26T10:32:00.002-06:00

The Kansas State Wildcats achieved the goal set for Hawaii, overtaking what was largely a weak Diamond Head Classic field and winning the title on Sunday with a 77-60 win over Long Beach State. For K-State (10-1), however, the really encouraging stuff wasn't that the Wildcats took the title. Instead, it certainly appeared as though several players maximized opportunities afforded them during the sun-and-fun business trip.

With a week off now before a final nonconference game versus Howard, the question will be whether some of the treasures KSU uncovered in Waikiki were for real (if so, this is a Top 15-20 team with more upside to be had considering not all cylinders were firing), or more along the lines of Jim Wooldridge's fool's gold.

Knowing what we did about the players, and what we expected of them this year, I'm certainly leaning toward the former as the level of play was even louder than the coaching staff's shirts during Sunday's final.

1) Angel Rodriguez - Okay, so the tournament final didn't treat the freshman well at all. After shooting 7-of-9 from 3-point range in the first two games, Rodriguez drew an oh-fer from the field against LBSU, going 0-of-6 and 0-of-3 from behind the arc. Of course, the great news is that Angel showed he's capable of hitting from the outside at a much better clip than the 23-percent clip put together through the first eight games. Watching Rodriguez's shooting form, he doesn't appear to be the streaky type, so perhaps he is settling into that 35 or 40 percent range the 'Cats need from him on a regular basis. Overall, KSU's offense finally flipped the switch in Hawaii, averaging just over 44 points in the first half. For two of those games, it was done largely because of Rodriguez's breaking out. And, also, the frosh is now second on the team in assists, four behind Will Spradling. Unfortunately, on the way to his 27 assists, Rodriguez also lead the team in turnovers with 22.

2) Jamar Samuels' free throw shooting - Where in the heck did this come from? Maybe he ordered it from a SkyMall magazine along with the passenger seat office and personal infrared sauna, but by the time he landed in Honolulu, Samuels sported a new ability to knock down free throws. The senior was a career 58.6-percent shooter and connected on 17 of 29 free throw attempts through the first seven games of this season. But, he was 21-of-27 (77.7 percent) in Hawaii and is now 30 of 38 in his last four contests. As often as Samuels is around the rim, that obviously would be an unexpected weapon for K-State moving forward. It also helps sweep under the rug that Samuels was only 9-of-24 from the floor in those last four games.

Jordan Henriquez thundered this dunk,
and has been excellent blocking shots
as well for K-State this season.

3) Jordan Henriquez - It appeared the light came on for Henriquez in the second half of the Alabama game a little over a week ago. The junior forward began attacking from the high post once again, as he did at the end of last year. Since then, the 'Cats offense hasn't bogged down nearly as much, and because teams have to be wary of J.O.'s ability to drive, they no longer can overplay the wings. Is it coincidental that over the last four games, Henriquez is averaging about two more attempts (six) than he did in the first seven, while KSU also has found more open jumpers (and that more of those open looks are starting to fall)? It is possible, but as long as he continues to push the issue and contribute within his offensive role, I would be willing to bet K-State's offense continues to find success. Also, with two blocks against LBSU, Henriquez now has 30 on the season.

4) Team shooting from 3 - Finally. Finally, K-State's shooters came to life as the team shot 51.3 percent from long range in Hawaii and blew out the 27.5-percent pre-Hawaii team clip. Rodriguez had a ton to do with that, of course, but, finally, starting guards Spradling and Rodney McGruder also came to life. The duo combined to hit 9 of 17 from 3 over the tournament, including 5 of 8 against LBSU. The old adage that the offense looks better when shots go in is absolutely true with this team. (Just ask fans who suffered through some other games.) Nothing really changed in terms of philosophy, but as long shots poured in, it made Thomas Gipson's quiet tournament (5.1 pts., 5.1 reb.) almost pass by unnoticed.

5) Moving forward - So, did the Hawaiian air really cure a lot of the ills that K-State took with it to the islands? Coming home, KSU now has a team scouting report that could look something like this:

- Veteran guards knocking down shots.

- Can put a legitimate five scoring threats on the floor at one time.

- Don't put Samuels on the free throw line.

- Must guard Henriquez as far out as the free throw line.

- Out-rebounding opponents by nearly seven per game.

- Eight players averaging virtually 20 minutes-plus. All productive.

- Waves of long arms at basket - Henriquez averaging 2.7 blocks/game.

I list these things because that's the kind of report that goes with a Top 15 team. K-State hasn't been ranked yet this season, but I would imagine that's about to change very shortly. It will be a good base on which to practice this week, play Howard on Sunday and then prepare for the Kansas Jayhawks on Jan. 4 in Lawrence.

Bill Self not crying wolf this time with KU?

2011-12-20T23:27:00.004-06:00

Bill Self has played this card before.

The head coach has called out his Kansas Jayhawks off-and-on over the years, saying this team didn't play well, or that team was soft, or just "wasn't very good." He would say these things, and we would halfheartedly listen, knowing the Jayhawks were only the next opponent away from proving there really wasn't anything to worry about.

Brandon Rush's supposed shooting woes would wane. Sherron Collins would direct traffic and take over a game in crunch time. Tyrel Reed and Brady Morningstar would make slight corrections needed to again lock down the defensive perimeter. The Morris twins would find a way to provide a spark to a fire that never really went out to begin with. A program good enough to turnover multiple classes and still win seven conference championships doesn't have a fire problem.

However, this one feels different, like it has more bite.

Self called Monday night's loss in Kansas City to Davidson a "reality check." But, for whom? Which part?

Some detractors point to Self's coaching. Others point to several recruiting misses from the past few years that contributed to KU's lack of its usual top-shelf depth this season. Injuries are now creeping into the picture also, the latest being Tyshawn Taylor's knee surgery less than 10 days ago (which didn't stop Self from playing the senior guard 33 minutes on Monday). And, further still, the team's effort has been spotty at times, an absolute "can't happen" for a group that must, for the first time in a long while, depend on outworking its opponents in order to find success.

The question is whether the upperclassmen, who already have seen as many losses this year as in each of the past two seasons, can help Self flip the switch back to "hungry" instead of "entitled." They need to shape the mindset of a group that Self said believes opponents aren't their equals - an assertion he called "total crap."

Several number side with Self.

Through Dec. 19, the Jayhawks ranked staggeringly low among Division I programs in several key statistical categories including: turnovers (15.2 - 240th); 3-pt. defense (36.3 percent - 269th); fouls (19.3 - 215th) and 3s made per game (6.0 - 185th).

Thomas Robinson is going to need some help
if KU is going to reverse several troubling trends.

The opposition is getting and knocking down open outside looks because KU isn't closing on shooters. Then, the Jayhawks can't answer, either because the ball is turned over or, in limited opportunities, shots aren't falling. It means KU falls behind, which leads to more fouling toward the end of games, which forces Self to massage his lineup throughout in order to avoid losing his best players.

It all combines to form a mess that Self may or may not be in control of currently, but certainly has him stressed. Cameras caught a normally reasonably contained Self launching into his players during a television timeout in the Davidson game. There aren't as many self-assured smirks in postgame conversation, either. Right now, it feels like Self is George Clooney captaining his boat in a perfect storm. We just don't know, yet, if that monster wave is lurking somewhere and ready to capsize the rest of the season.

Thomas Robinson is the team's lone high-horsepower engine, averaging more than 18 points and 12 rebounds per game. But, he can't do either alone if KU wants to be successful, let alone take aim at an eighth-straight Big 12 title. Taylor has shown the ability to get to the free throw line, and is averaging more than 15 points per game, but his 4.4 turnovers per game lessen his positive impact. Everyone else is averaging less than 10 points. And, as rebounding goes, after Robinson's 12.1 per game, Jeff Withey averages half of that. Travis Releford is third on the team with 3.6 boards. That's it.

Someone needs to step up; someone different in each of those areas, most likely. The biggest question there, however, isn't will they. It's can they compete at the level KU is used to? Many questioned the Jayhawks' depth prior to the season. That question, along with all the others now facing this team, still remains.

K-State's Martin: "I don't take guys out because they make mistakes"

2011-12-20T00:03:00.000-06:00

He turned the ball over, the horn blared and Kansas State freshman guard Angel Rodriguez put his head down. Without looking, he started to jog, slowly, toward the K-State bench, where he assumed some sort of verbal correction was imminent.

As freshmen usually are in their first semester, he was in the wrong. It wasn't, however, what Rodriguez thought.

Head coach Frank Martin sent in a substitution for someone else, and the game continued. Kansas State went on to defeat Alabama 71-58. Rodriguez turned in his best all-around performance of the year, with a career high in points (13) and assists (7) in 26 key minutes as other guards battled foul problems and overall off nights.

Martin, afterward, explained, in somewhat cryptic fashion, why his freshman, who was on the receiving end of a much-discussed, in-game tongue lashing against West Virginia, erred in his thinking that he was coming out of the game.

"I don't take guys out because they make mistakes," Martin said. "I take guys out because they aren't doing what they're supposed to do. If they do what they're supposed to do, and make a mistake, they stay in the game. Guys that do their job in preparation for a game, and come into it ready to go, I don't take them out. I never do."

Got that? Okay, then. More on that later.

Regardless, Rodriguez didn't miss on much else against the Crimson Tide, nor did Jordan Henriquez, whose career-high 17 points and team-high eight rebounds were a welcome sight to the team, as well as fans, as the junior center had previously shown little resemblance to the confident player that finished out the end of last season.

“He’s been good, he has worked too hard to play the way that he was playing heading into the last game," Martin said of his seven-foot center. "I don’t mean just in games, I’m talking about practices. He’s worked too hard, he’s earned the right to be a good player and now he just has to go out and believe in himself and he has got to do that every day.

"That is what he did this week and I do not think it comes as a surprise that he impacted the game in a positive way.”

For both players, Martin said it was a matter of regaining control of their mental approach, something that had been missing for some time.

“Both of them have refocused since the preseason for whatever reasons," Martin said. "That daily focus just was not there for a couple weeks, but they have been two of our better players in practice this week, and I think that carried over to tonight’s game.

"I know some people don’t think like I do, which is fine with me, but I think the people that prepare well go out and play the game and it is easy, and that is what you saw with these two guys."

Coincidentally, both of KSU's leading players against Alabama came off of the bench to lead the Wildcats, something that had to happen as the starters were largely a no-show until Jamar Samuels came to life with 14 points in the second half. If both continue to play at that level, their roles will change sooner rather than later. Until that time, however, Rodriguez and Henriquez appeared more comfortable in their roles - something their head coach said comes only with experience.

“It takes a little time; it is not a perfect science," Martin said. "You got young guys learning how to play college basketball, you have guys trying to figure out their roles and it takes time. It’s not as easy as it sounds."

Nor has the slow-but-steady learning curve, especially offensively, stopped K-State from getting off to a sometimes rocky but overall solid 7-1 start. The reason? Defense and toughness have helped the Wildcats persevere through through some painful offensive performances.

"That’s why I told you the other day when we spoke that we are a defense stop away from being undefeated. When you can say that and we have a win at Virginia Tech and this win here, we may not be perfect, but we are not taking a backseat to anybody either.”

For the first 15 minutes against Alabama, it looked like someone stuck a pin in the Wildcats offensive voodoo doll. Some shots rattled in and out. Others could have been used in the Sprint Center's foundation. There was even an air ball mixed in. Guys passed up open threes to drive in among defenders and toss up contested shots.

But then, the 'Cats caught fire like they hadn't done all season. Over the last 24 minutes, K-State was 17-of-29 from the field, including lobs, mid-range jumpers and even a couple from long range. Additionally, KSU was 19-of-26 from the free throw line in the second half.

I tweeted during the first half that K-State had a Sweet 16-level defense and a CBI offense. That changed in the second half, and it proved that when the Wildcats can find some offense, they show flashes of a team that could easily be a three or four seed in the NCAA tournament.

The Jordan Henriquez of the end of last year
showed against Alabama.

For that to happen, of course, KSU is going to have to find consistency on offense. At this point, it doesn't appear that the summer scoring numbers in Europe that inspired many to think Will Spradling could be an offensive leader are going to translate to this season. Nor does it appear that Rodney McGruder, who voiced his want to be the leader of this team, is going to be able to do so through his offense.

They both need a playmaker to step up from elsewhere, someone who can force offenses to remain honest and/or forget their assignments that result in wide-open looks. The coaches want Rodriguez to step into the role, but they knew it was going to take a little time for him to adjust to college.

With each drive and lob to Henriquez, with each drive to the goal and finish, perhaps Angel is closing in on doing so. When he does, it won't be a moment too soon. K-State will be all the better for it.

***********

Now, back to the very beginning of this column, since we like to step back from time to time and evaluate what insight like this may mean holistically...

It's hard to follow, exactly, Martin's thought process on the way he substitutes. If guys only get replaced on the floor because of a preparation issue, and not because of in-game mistakes as he said (and as was believed forever), then why was Rodriguez certain he was coming out? It wasn't a freshman not understanding his coach because senior Victor Ojeleye did the same thing during the game, and many subs have been summoned immediately in the past following a turnover or other obvious mistake.

"I don't know why he thought he was coming out," Martin said of Ojeleye.

All of that aside, let's take Martin at his word and consider some things.

By Martin's standard, only the max-effort-all-the-time, good-practice guys are the ones who will see the floor during games. It's hard to argue that philosophy considering that path has netted a K-State win nearly 70 percent of the time in Martin's case thus far. The quiet flip side, however, to demanding a guy brings it every day in practice is that it potentially eliminates game-day roster flexibility.

Let's focus on the offensive end of the floor. Suppose there are times in games where a guy's skills set may fit perfectly into the scoring opportunities the opposing team's defense allows. A weak zone for a streaky shooter, a small lineup for a big man whose favorite move exploits a glaring mismatch, there are times where even the best scouting report doesn't disclose the tiny nuances that could mean a win instead of a loss.

Or, maybe it does. What happens when it is clear a certain player would have consistent success scoring but hasn't had a good week (or longer) of practice? Say that player is left on the bench because of a philosophy like Martin's. Say you don't win because the thinking was, "yeah, the guy might have scored 15, but his defense would've allowed two-thirds of that." It's a fair point until (since we control this hypothetical) the losing difference was four or six points.

For those who might concede the scenario but only once or twice over the course of the typical 35-game'ish season, think about the difference in a first-round bye for the Big 12 Tournament, which could mean an extra day of rest, which could mean farther advancement, which could mean a better NCAA seed or just getting in period.

The point is little things like an extra win or two can turn into big things, especially when you are probably in the middle somewhere. While fine, that line still can be a blurry one in a season where a coach must balance getting a precious win versus setting the tone for a group of players expected to be in the program for multiple years yet.*

*Then again, maybe that doesn't apply here. K-State's ability to find four-year guys, for one reason or another, has been discussed on this blog before. For a variety of reasons, including a few guys going pro, it doesn't happen all that often. I wouldn't look for that trend to end anytime soon. Until it does, if it does, I find myself struggling to define K-State basketball. We can call it successful. But, "program," for me anyways, comes with some hesitation. You could convince me to use the word, but I would tend to define it more as a Navy SEAL training program. Only the select few make it to the end, and while those who do are program loyal, it's definitely not the same feel as the "loyal" at KU, where ex-players return in droves regardless of the coach.

This isn't to say a coach should reward players who do not work in practice. But, to disregard completely the notion that some guys are simply "gamers," is a little treacherous also. It would seem, obviously, that part of being not just a good coach, but a great one, would be to possess the managerial ability to identify those types of players on the random occasion one dots your roster, and make it work for the overall good. If the scenario is truly that uncommon, there's little risk the overall message would be lost considering the coach has 30-plus other games to prove his point. The key, again, is flexibility.

All of this discussed, Martin and K-State really haven't been in this position as of yet this year - as far as it has appeared. But, as roles continue to develop and a general rotation is set, it will be something to watch whether guys who generally don't practice well are still afforded situational opportunities.

That said, if you had to put money on it happening, would you? I'm pretty sure I wouldn't.

Video: K-State starters introduction from Sprint Center

2011-12-19T20:40:00.001-06:00

Just prior to the start of the Alabama game, Kansas State had a chance to try out a slightly different starting lineup introduction. The arena lights went out, the flashers came on, and I think most KSU fans were sold. More than a few times following the game, I heard positive feedback and the sentiment that somehow, if possible, the Wildcats should try to do something very similar at Bramlage Coliseum. (There are some technical advances at Sprint Center not available in Manhattan, so keep that in mind.)

Watch the video I had a chance to shoot using the Xoom Tablet and judge for yourself. Leave a comment. I'm interested in hearing from more than the few I had a chance to talk with after the game.

______________

In accordance with FTC Guidelines, I am disclosing that I have received a Motorola Xoom Tablet from Verizon Wireless free of charge, in return for my agreement to blog periodically about my experiences with the device. Although I have a material connection to Verizon Wireless, any publicly-stated opinions of Verizon Wireless and its products remain my own.

K-State & Alabama highlight video from Sprint Center

2011-12-19T08:49:00.000-06:00

The Kansas State Wildcats used the neutral "home court" advantage to its fullest potential over the weekend, taking down then No. 23 Alabama Crimson Tide 71-58 in front of a full Sprint Center crowd in Kansas City.

Both Jordan Henriquez and Angel Rodriguez stepped up for the 'Cats, as did Martavious Irving; something that had to happen as many of the regular top contributors went AWOL. Also, the win means Frank Martin is 1-1 this season on the "Good Friends" circuit as he topped Anthony Grant.

Click below to see a highlight montage of the game, and check back later this afternoon when we'll discuss Martin because, as it turns out, we really many not understand how he coaches at all based on some things he did on Saturday. Or do we...

In the meantime, video from Tom Koppe and Blackout Sports Media, including Martin rockin' a sweet 1990 look in one of the still shots...

(UPDATED) "Chiefs" fans beat down Jets fan, who now has bleeding on his brain

2011-12-14T11:50:00.007-06:00

UPDATE: There are two, very conflicting reports about what transpired at MetLife stadium following the Chiefs/Jets game. This one says it wasn't a Chiefs fan at all. I'm not sure what to make of the opposite accounts, other than there was still a fight, and a man was still ruthlessly beaten. That part hasn't changed. The problem of violence at NFL games hasn't changed.

-ck

This is a nasty problem that keeps growing, despite the NFL refusing to look under the rug. I've written on the dirty relationship between the NFL and alcohol companies; and the hollow, "have-to" programs the League has produced in order to appear it really gives a crap what happens to common people at its venues (click here for my piece from last August).

Last weekend, it was a Jets fan, at MetLife Stadium, receiving a group beat down at the hands of reported Kansas City Chiefs fans.

How common is it anymore? Here's the reaction from the emergency room staff that took in the latest victim:

"When we got to the hospital, the people in the ER said, ‘Oh, not another one,’ and told us this happens all the time,” Dan Mohr, 64, said from his son’s bedside.

Look, the "teams" involved don't matter. If you dig deep enough, you'll find a similar problem at virtually every stadium, virtually every weekend. THIS. IS. NOT. A. LITTLE. PROBLEM. I'm just not sure it will even be labeled as a problem at all within Roger Goodell's office until not one person, but multiple people die.

More from Bristol: Martin sits down with ESPN's Andy Katz

2011-12-14T10:25:00.000-06:00

As Frank Martin continued his tour through the ESPN conglomo, the Kansas State head coach sat down with ESPN.com senior writer Andy Katz to talk where the Wildcats are currently (he's pleased), along with other general goings-on.

One point to consider, which had slipped by me and I think most others as well: Martin points out that, despite having seven first-year (within the program) players, K-State is currently holding teams to 36.6-percent shooting; the best mark in that category in Martin's tenure, according to him. Additionally, it's good enough at the moment for 17th-best in the nation.

Martin has proven to be quite the interviewee, deftly mixing in stats within otherwise generic answers. For example, when asked where the Wildcats would stack up against Baylor, Missouri, Kansas and others in the upcoming Big 12 season, Martin wouldn't say but did drop in the nugget that only KU and K-State have finished among the top four in each of the past four seasons. (Kansas has won or shared a piece of the title in each of those plus three more, which is flat amazing. But, considering the turbulent nature, at times, of Martin's roster, to stay near the top is pretty remarkable in its own right.)

Overall, it was six more minutes of excellent national exposure for K-State basketball and the university, courtesy of Frank Martin.

Did you miss Frank Martin on Sportscenter?

2011-12-13T14:27:00.002-06:00

Kansas State basketball was front-and-center on ESPN earlier on Tuesday as Frank Martin appeared live on Sportscenter. Did you miss Martin's interview with John Buccigross on Sportscenter.

In the interview, Martin addresses topics including about pressuring kids, the Cincinnati/Xavier fight (which he deemed "embarrassing" and said he has addressed with his K-State players) and his team's shooting ability at the moment.

Click here to see on Sporting-ego.com the interview that ends with Martin saying, "anyone who can actually hit the rim is a plus on our team."

RELATED CONTENT: Softened fans forgot who Frank Martin is

Softened fans forgot who Frank Martin is

2011-12-11T10:03:00.003-06:00

It really is pretty amazing the wide range of reaction that Kansas State head coach Frank Martin evokes from those who watch and critique his work. On the same night he was honored and cheered for winning 100 games as K-State coach, Martin, a few hours later, inspired equally negative reaction from many who witnessed his late-game rage. Some saw it in person. Many more watched on national television as he did his best Charlie McGee and almost successfully lit Angel Rodriguez on fire through pyrokinesis.

Now in his fifth season, the question is: Why does Martin still surprise with his furious style?

The answer lies somewhere in the collision of timelines and a youthful roster that storm chasers would describe as having "conditions favorable for thunderstorm development." Call it a "Frank Martin watch" that, during the West Virginia game and a couple others, became a warning.

Having been a part from the beginning, fans have grown increasingly seasoned (or frayed, depending on how one wants to view it) by the outbursts. When it first started, they were on the same wavelength as the first wave of KSU players. They watched and grew with Jacob Pullen as he endured and then blossomed. The same was true, to a lesser degree, for Curtis Kelly. By last year, certainly, fans noticed Martin's handling of his elder players. Less yelling, more delegation. Fans liked the "new" Martin and thought they could even start to see him "maturing" as a coach. Many allowed themselves to settle into a semi-comfort level; even loved that K-State further developed the Martin brand by featuring his facial expressions on the cover of the team media guide this season. They lauded his on-screen interview ability, and the term "media darling" bubbled to the surface on occasion.

That would be fine except while those cringing fans have grown older (or is it more weary?), the players on this team have not. This is a reset season in many ways for K-State, of course. Fans thought they understood that, but they don't. They expect to see the "calmer" Frank Martin of the past season or so, where outbursts were still chill-inducing on occasion but not nearly as frequent. That Frank Martin is on hiatus, likely for another year or two.

This is not a season for calm; not when there are seven new players on the roster including a pair of freshmen already being baptized by fire and a third, in Adrian Diaz, whose minutes are starting to increase. It is not the time for dialing back when a conference-opening tilt, with Kansas, is just over three weeks away. Time is not on Kansas State's side. It never is with a young team.

Frank Martin: the brand and media darling.

Fans forgot what it was like those first seasons - the incessant screaming, the make-a-sailor-blush tirades on camera, the "angried up" and the "dobermans." But, they are remembering now. It's just not known how much they want to remember. Or, perhaps, they are recalling they didn't like it much the first time around either. Regardless, its a safe bet they did enjoy the success that resulted from Martin's method: four 20-win seasons; a .694 winning percentage (including this year); an Elite Eight appearance; top-five rankings nationally; etc.

Those accomplishments came after two seasons of regular, public, tirades; like the ones that those softened by victories seem to have an issue with now. They came after Martin and his staff instilled the mindset that, no matter the performance, no matter the situation, the only stat important is winning.

"I don't find positives in hard-fought games," Martin said following his team's 85-80 double-overtime loss to West Virginia. "The only positive that I like is the only stat that I like; our team has one more point than the other team. When that happens, I go home and I'm in a decent mood for about 12 hours. When that doesn't happen, I'm a miserable human being.

"I'm proud of our fight and all that stuff, I told [the players] in the locker room. It wasn't good enough. We've got to get better."

The Wildcats will have plenty of opportunity to get better through the remaining part of December. K-State has six games between now and January, including three in four days at the Diamond Head Classic in Hawaii over Christmas. That said, Martin said he will be looking for his guys to continue to develop a long-term mindset and good practice habits rather than get up for one game as opposed to another.

"I'm not into all that 'you lose, let's go cry in the locker room,' and all that stuff. I'm not into that stuff. I'm not. 'You win, let's go hug and kiss each other, you know?

"Handle the moment. Get away from the moment. Learn. Show up the next day. Roll up your sleeves. If you got knocked down, get up and go do it better. If you won, still learn. Show up the next day. Go do it better.

"That's the only thing that matters to me, and that's kinda what I try to get across to our players on a daily basis."

If that's the only thing, then one can assume public perception isn't high on that list. Martin will be Martin, and those who are offended but also enjoy K-State's success can weigh whether they would trade victories for a nicer guy on game days.

*******************

"This is his time. This isn't my time.
My time is done." - Bob Huggins

Prior to the West Virginia game, Martin was honored for his 100th-career victory and presented with a game ball. He was flanked by K-State director of athletics John Currie and West Virginia head coach Bob Huggins. With WVA set to join the Big 12 (at some point), much has been made regarding the what seems to be natural rivalry between the teams as both play similar styles and, oh yeah, that Huggins spent a year in Manhattan thing.

After the game, Huggins, in his classically understated but humorous way, drew a line in the dirt for future games; distancing himself from Martin's accomplishment and the K-State program in a subtle way that should tell those Wildcats fans who still love Huggins dearly that it's time to move on from his brief purple fling.

"Well, I had mixed emotions about it, honestly," Huggins said in reference to being a part of Martin's ceremony. "They asked me to do it, so, obviously, I said I would do it. I'm really happy for Frank. It's an honor for me to call Frank my friend. But, at the same time, part of me is saying 'Why are you out here? This is his time. This isn't my time. My time is done.'

"So, I kind of had mixed emotions about it; certainly not about Frank. I mean, I would do anything Frank would ask me to do. He's done an unbelievable job, and I know the people here recognize that. He deserves all the credit. I said today, people ought to thank me because I left, and now they have a better coach."

AUDIO: Full K-State postgame following West Virginia

AUDIO: Full West Virginia postgame following K-State

Currie not to blame for 'Cats BCS miss

2011-12-09T13:37:00.000-06:00

Much was made this week about the BCS selection process, or lack thereof. While the top two teams, arguably, made the BCS national championship, we at least know Nos. 1 and 2 will play. After that? A train wreck, with perfectly suitable at-large teams lined up and available but then scattered across the tracks by a tornado of terrifying arrogance and system disregard.

The carnage struck home, of course, for Kansas State director of athletics John Currie, who, as part of a panel discussion, voiced his flat abhorrence for how things shook out, and what it may as well moving forward. Currie also took blame for K-State getting passed over by Virginia Tech for the Sugar Bowl - something he shouldn't have to own. This wasn't a ball dropped by the K-State administration. The good ol' boy network simply took the ball and went home, leaving many deserving teams wanting.

Click here for my full take on the Sugar Bowl doing us all a favor by illustrating just how ridiculously awful, but still powerful, the wrong forces are in shaping college football.

Winning has wiped the Huggins slate clean for K-State fans (for most anyways)

2011-12-08T15:56:00.000-06:00

When Bob Huggins made the quick walk from car to plane and jetted off, the vitriol was rampant. Kansas State fans were hurt, left holding "Huggieville" shirts - until they burned them or sent them to Morgantown for homeless people to wear.

Since then, however, Mike Beasley happened. Jacob Pullen happened. An Elite Eight happened. And, Frank Martin's 100 wins have happened. All of those things combined into a salve and have soothed the bitterness, hate and resentment.

In a quick Twitter poll, I asked what K-State fans' thoughts were concerning Huggins these days. If the nearly 70 responses are any indication of the larger fan base, and I think they are, the break down is roughly 95 percent of people see Huggins as something between a "savior" and "godfather" (both of which were used to describe him), four percent are alright with how things turned out for both sides and mostly are ready to quit talking about Huggins/KSU, and a lone response brought up a point that I think bears remembering (unless you're a positive revisionist only...then you should stop here...)

"I don't think ppl understand that Huggs tried to take everyone/everything when he left," the tweet said. "He did not care about K-State at all."

Now, to say Huggins didn't care about K-State might not be entirely true, and I think Martin's success has probably even strengthened Huggins' feelings for KSU some. And, clearly, things worked out just fine for K-State, but it made me think back to an article I wrote in 2007 while still working for 810 WHB. Here it is in its entirety:

Huggins Wanted Staff, Recruits With Him at West Virginia

By: Curtis Kitchen, Sports Radio 810 Staff

(April 10, 2007) – Bob Huggins, it turns out, thought what he had working at Kansas State was so good he wanted to take it with him to West Virginia.

On Monday, new Kansas State associate head coach Dalonte Hill told Sports Radio 810 WHB’s Kevin Kietzman that Huggins extended the offer to join him in Morgantown to “every one of us,” in reference to the coaching staff.

Huggins’ contact didn’t stop with the coaches according to one Kansas State signee’s mother.

“I don’t know the exact content,” said Fatima Smith, the mother of Michael Beasley. “I don’t know exactly when the contact happened, but yeah, we talked. We discussed (Huggins’) decision and things like that.

“I guess (making contact) was the right thing to do for Bob since he was a big part of the recruiting process. Michael sent him on with his well wishes.”

According to the Collegiate Commissioners Association, which administers the Letter of Intent program for the NCAA (but leaves daily administrative duties to the Southeastern Conference), if Huggins did simply make a courtesy call to Beasley’s family notifying them of his decision to leave, he technically did nothing illegal as long as there was no attempt to recruit Beasley.

"All colleges and universities that participate in the NLI (national letter of intent) program agree to not recruit a prospective student-athlete once he/she signs an NLI with another college or university,” the CCA’s Web site said. “Therefore, a prospective student-athlete who signs an NLI should no longer receive recruiting contacts and calls."

Fellow K-State signee Dominique Sutton told the Manhattan Mercury last week that calls made from multiple schools to Beasley began almost immediately after Huggins’ departure, and they weren’t just wishing the pair K-State success.

“(Beasley) said there are three schools we could fit in — he talked to them already, N.C. State, USC, and Florida State. And that's just the first day. I'm sure others will call."

During a television interview a few days after Sutton’s comments, Beasley said he remained committed to Kansas State, but seemingly left the door slightly open to the possibility that he would suit up for another school next season, only putting the commitment at “70 percent.”

His mother, who said she is looking forward to a summer move to Manhattan after her younger children finish the current school year, said not to worry.

“Michael’s really witty with his words,” Smith said on Monday. “Keep asking him something over and over again, and he’ll change his answer, just to keep things in an uproar.

“He’s a prankster. He entertains people. He keeps people talking. Why he does it, I don’t know, because it’s a headache to me, but he just entertains.”

Beasley’s unofficial continued recruitment, however, is not a source of entertainment for K-State Athletic Director Tim Weiser, who has stood fast in his stance of making players honor their signed letter of intent and said doing so is “protecting our investment.”

It is believed that Weiser is exploring filing a grievance with the NCAA against one or more schools for their actions.

Rivals.com Basketball Recruiting Analyst Jerry Meyer said what has transpired with Beasley and Sutton is merely a regular part of the dirty recruiting game.

“It’s an assumption, but yes, Huggins tried to take at least some of those guys with him,” said Meyer, who spent last weekend covering an AAU tournament in Arkansas. “There was talk there about other coaches who were contacting those kids trying to get them.

“I think, in this business, it’s just understood that’s what is going to happen,” Meyer said. “There is the letter of the law, the spirit of the law and then a whole lot of gray. Recruiting takes place in the gray.

“People who follow recruiting and have been involved with it just understand that things like that happen. It doesn’t surprise me, and I hardly bat an eyelash to it. That’s just sort of the way it works.”

Huggins’ and others’ attempts apparently didn’t work, however. Since K-State announced last Friday that Frank Martin would become the new head coach, all four members of the Rivals.com top-ranked recruiting class (Beasley, Sutton, point guard Jacob Pullen and shooting guard Fred Brown) have stated they will honor their commitment.

“Kansas State was going to do whatever it took to keep that No. 1 recruiting class intact,” Meyer said. “So, my money was on what happened. Frank Martin would get the job in order to retain Dalonte Hill. He’s the key piece to this whole puzzle.

“Wherever he went, that’s where Beasley was going to go, and more than likely Dominique Sutton.”

Perhaps a bit larger surprise came Monday as it was revealed that strength-and-conditioning coach Scott Greenawalt, a Huggins hire whose work paid immediate dividends for Wildcats such as David Hoskins and Cartier Martin, will remain at K-State.

That announcement means it appears the only ones to make the move to West Virginia will be assistant Erik Martin, a former Cincinnati Bearcat player under Huggins, and K-State intern Josh Eilert, who will take over as Director of Basketball Operations.

Personally, I do believe those who put Huggins' time as a Wildcat on a pedestal should do so. However, I also believe Huggins would have had no problem cutting off the pipeline as fast as he built it and taking it with him to West Virginia. So, was he great for the program? Absolutely, as it turned out. Was he a saint after he left and kept K-State's best interests at the forefront once he was gone?

Erm...

Regardless, that one year wiped out nearly 15 years of horrific program management and neglect, and it should be remembered fondly by K-State fans. That said, the lesson to remember here is two-fold: 1) history (and the individuals involved) is never quite as good or as bad as we want to remember it, for the most part; and 2) If you can get your follow-up hire to win 100 games faster than all but one other coach in the school's history, everything else largely goes away.

Call it a no blood, no foul.

Big 12 announces football 1st and 2nd teams

2011-12-07T11:12:00.002-06:00

Quick and dirty, and in all its glory, scan this year's list and see if your favorite teams and players were represented well on the Big 12 Conference's postseason awards list. But, before you do, I want you to remember how we questioned whether the preseason hype for guys like Bryce Brown and Roy Finch, both of whom were selected as the preseason picks for top running backs.

As far as K-State went, seven players made the top two teams, with a couple of notable others making honorable mention. I would question David Garrett not making at least second team, but other than that, pretty cut and dried list, I think (except for the inordinate amount of Texas A&M honorable mentions. Really? For a .500 team? TAMU, thy name is underachieving...)

2011 ALL-BIG 12 FOOTBALL FIRST TEAM

OFFENSE
QB Robert Griffin III Baylor Jr. Copperas Cove, Texas/Copperas Cove
RB Terrance Ganaway Baylor Sr. DeKalb, Texas/DeKalb/Houston/Texarkana College
RB Henry Josey Missouri So. Angleton, Texas/Angleton
FB Trey Millard Oklahoma So. Columbia, Mo./Rock Bridge
WR Kendall Wright** Baylor Sr. Pittsburg, Texas/Pittsburg
WR Ryan Broyles^ Oklahoma Sr. Norman, Okla./Norman
WR Justin Blackmon** ^ Oklahoma State Jr. Ardmore, Okla./Plainview
TE Michael Egnew ^ Missouri Sr. Plainview, Texas/Plainview
OL Philip Blake Baylor Sr. Toronto, Ontario, Canada/Champlain Regional Prep/Tyler (Texas) JC
OL Kelechi Osemele Iowa State Sr. Houston, Texas/Langham Creek
OL Clyde Aufner Kansas State Sr. Raymore, Mo./Raymore-Peculiar
OL Gabe Ikard Oklahoma So. Oklahoma City, Okla./Bishop McGuinness
OL Levy Adcock** ^ Oklahoma State Sr. Claremore, Okla./Sequoyah/NE Okla. A&M JC
OL Grant Garner Oklahoma State Sr. Mesquite, Texas/North Mesquite
PK Quinn Sharp Oklahoma State Jr. Mansfield, Texas/Summit
KR/PR Fozzy Whittaker Texas Sr. Houston, Texas/Pearland

DEFENSE
DL Ray Kibble Kansas State Sr. Houston, Texas/Navarro JC
DL Frank Alexander** Oklahoma Sr. Baton Rouge, La./Southern Lab
DL Ronnell Lewis Oklahoma Jr. Dewar, Okla./Dewar
DL Jamie Blatnick Oklahoma State Sr. Celina, Texas/Celina
DL Alex Okafor** Texas Jr. Pflugerville, Texas/Pflugerville
LB A.J. Klein Iowa State Jr. Kimberly, Wis./Kimberly
LB Arthur Brown Kansas State Jr. Wichita, Kan./Miami
LB Emmanuel Acho Texas Sr. Dallas, Texas/St. Mark’s
DB Nigel Malone Kansas State Jr. Manteca, Calif./City College of San Francisco
DB Jamell Fleming Oklahoma Sr. Arlington, Texas/Seguin
DB Brodrick Brown Oklahoma State Jr. Houston, Texas/Westfield
DB Markelle Martin Oklahoma State Sr. Wichita Falls, Texas/Rider
DB Kenny Vaccaro Texas Jr. Brownwood, Texas/Early
P Quinn Sharp ^ Oklahoma State Jr. Mansfield, Texas/Summit

2011 ALL-BIG 12 FOOTBALL SECOND TEAM

OFFENSE
QB Brandon Weeden Oklahoma State Sr. Edmond, Okla./Santa Fe
RB Joseph Randle Oklahoma State So. Wichita, Kan./Southeast
RB Cyrus Gray Texas A&M Sr. DeSoto, Texas/DeSoto
FB Kye Staley Oklahoma State Jr. Guthrie, Okla./Guthrie
WR Kenny Stills Oklahoma So. Encinitas, Calif./La Costa Canyon
WR Josh Cooper Oklahoma State Sr. Mustang, Okla./Mustang
WR Ryan Swope Texas A&M Jr. Austin, Texas/Westlake
TE James Hanna Oklahoma Sr. Flower Mound, Texas/Flower Mound
OL Robert T. Griffin Baylor Sr. Euless, Texas/Trinity/Navarro College
OL Hayworth Hicks Iowa State Sr. Palmdale, Calif./Palmdale/Antelope Valley
OL Jeremiah Hatch Kansas Sr. Dallas, Texas/Carter
OL Zach Hanson Kansas State Sr. Sacramento, Calif./Sacramento CC
OL Luke Joeckel Texas A&M So. Arlington, Texas/Arlington
OL LaAdrian Waddle Texas Tech Jr. Columbus, Texas/Clumbus
PK Randy Bullock Texas A&M Sr. Klein, Texas/Klein
KR/PR Tyler Lockett Kansas State Fr. Tulsa, Okla./Booker T. Washington

DEFENSE
Pos. Player School Class Hometown/Previous School(s)
DL Nicolas Jean-Baptiste Baylor Sr. Stafford, Texas/Strake Jesuit College Prep
DL Jacquies Smith # Missouri Sr. Dallas, Texas/South Oak Cliff
DL Jackson Jeffcoat Texas So. Plano, Texas/Plano West
DL Kheeston Randall Texas Sr. Beaumont, Texas/Kelly
DL Tony Jerod-Eddie Texas A&M Sr. DeSoto, Texas/DeSoto
LB Jake Knott # Iowa State Jr. Waukee, Iowa/Waukee
LB Travis Lewis # Oklahoma Sr. San Antonio, Texas/Robert E. Lee
LB Keenan Robinson Texas Sr Plano, Texas/Plano East
DB Leonard Johnson # Iowa State Sr. Clearwater, Fla./Largo
DB Tysyn Hartman Kansas State Sr. Wichita, Kan./Kapaun Mt. Carmel
DB E.J. Gaines Missouri So. Independence, Mo./Fort Osage
DB Demontre Hurst Oklahoma Jr. Lancaster, Texas/Lancaster
DB Quandre Diggs Texas Fr. Angleton, Texas/Angleton
P Trey Barrow Missouri Jr. Moberly, Mo./Moberly

** Unanimous Selection.
^ - Repeat first team selection from last season.
# - Repeat second team selection from last season.
A tie in voting created an additional first-team offensive line spot and an additional second-team offensive line spot.
Players listed at each position alphabetically by school.

2011 ALL-BIG 12 HONORABLE MENTION

Baylor: Art Briles (CoY), Elliot Coffey (LB), Ahmad Dixon (LB), Tevin Elliott (DL), Mike Hicks (DB), Sam Holl (DB), K.J. Morton (DB), Jordan Najvar (TE), Tevin Reese (WR), Cyril Richardson (OL), Terrance Williams (WR), Erik Wolfe (FB)

Iowa State: Jared Barnett (off FoY), Jake Lattimer (DL), Kirby Van Der Kamp (P), James White (RB)

Kansas: Tim Biere (TE), Ron Doherty (P), Steven Johnson (LB), Bradley McDougald (DB), Toben Opurum (DL), Duane Zlatnik (OL)

Kansas State: Clyde Aufner (off LoY), Anthony Cantele (PK), David Garrett (DB), Ray Kibble (def. LoY), Collin Klein (off PoY & QB), Tyler Lockett (ST PofY), Ty Zimmerman (DB)

Missouri: Dominique Hamilton (def. LoY & DL), Dan Hoch (OL), Kenji Jackson (DB), Luke Lambert (LB), T.J. Moe (WR), Jayson Palmgren (OL), Sheldon Richardson (def NoY & DL), Braylon Webb (def. FoY), Austin Wuebbels (OL)

Oklahoma: Tyler Evans (OL), Roy Finch (RB), Michael Hunnicutt (PK), Tony Jefferson (DB), Corey Nelson (LB), Donald Stephenson (OL), Bob Stoops (CoY), Tress Way (P), Dominique Whaley (RB), Tom Wort (LB)

Oklahoma State: Alex Elkins (def. NoY), Justin Gilbert (P/KR), Mike Gundy (CoY), Shaun Lewis (LB), Lane Taylor (OL)

Texas: Carrington Byndom (DB), Blake Gideon (DB), Cody Johnson (FB), Jaxon Shipley (WR), David Snow (OL), Justin Tucker (PK), Kenny Vaccaro (def PoY), Mason Walters (OL), Fozzy Whittaker (ST PoY)

Texas A&M: Eddie Brown Jr. (DL), Terrence Frederick (DB), Jeff Fuller (WR), Dustin Harris (P/KR), Nehemiah Hicks (TE), Trent Hunter (DB), Steven Jenkins (def NoY), Luke Joeckel (off LoY), Michael Lamothe (FB), Patrick Lewis (OL), Jake Matthews (OL), Christine Michael (RB), Damontre Moore (LB), Spencer Nealy (DL), Sean Porter (def. PoY & LB), Jonathan Stewart (LB)

Texas Tech: Terrance Bullitt (DB), Lonnie Edwards (OL), Ryan Erxleben (P), Adam James (TE), Alex Torres (WR), Eric Ward (WR), DeAndre Washington (off FoY)

K-State touchdowns breakdown by class

2011-12-07T09:31:00.001-06:00

This idea came from a tweet about the LSU football team's touchdown production this year, specifically the number of touchdowns scored by each class. @Turnksu asked me what the K-State breakdown is, and I thought it would be fun to find that answer.

So, here we go, and while it isn't nearly the insane amount of TDs scored by LSU's youth (of 65 TDs in 2011, 8 have been by seniors, 42 by underclassmen), if you're into that "returning players means something" camp, you're going to like how it shapes up for the Wildcats heading into next year.

And, yes, a lot of that positive vibe rests on the shoulders of a certain No. 7.

Offensive touchdowns

Seniors - 2 (Sheldon Smith - 1, Sammuel Lamur - 1)

Juniors - 34 (Collin Klein - 26, Chris Harper - 5, Angelo Pease - 2, Travis Tannahill - 1)

Sophomores - 6 (John Hubert - 4, Tramaine Thompson - 2)

Freshmen - 3 (Tyler Lockett)

Thought: The number is skewed by Klein's amazing season, but when you think about his return, along with most of the offensive line, and see that every key skill position guy returns as well, it's definitely worth notice. It isn't that the offense (i.e. numbers) will even be all that different in 2012, but it should be that much more polished. Also, the sophomores got a little boost when Thompson hopped on a Klein fumble in the end zone and got credit for the score during the Texas A&M game.

Defensive touchdowns

Seniors - 1 (David Garrett)
Juniors - 2 (Allen Chapman - 1, Nigel Malone - 1)
Sophomores - 0
Freshmen - 0

Thought: Not a whole lot here. Basically, three guys jumped routes, picked off passes on the outside and ran back interceptions for easy scores. Malone has had a fantastic season with a Big 12-leading seven INTs, and Garrett flew around the field making tackles, but, in 2012, the defense should hope that it adds some of the electrifying-type talent that can be a consistent threat to take one back the other way, or cause fumbles and return those for a touchdown or two - something that didn't happen this season. There's a lot of luck in those plays, granted, but luck has a little opportunity in it as well, and there just wasn't a lot of opportunity in 2011.

Special Teams touchdowns

Seniors - 0
Juniors - 0
Sophomores - 0
Freshmen - 2 (Tyler Lockett)

Thought: Tramaine Thompson has done a solid job returning kicks since Lockett went down with his kidney injury, but it's clear Lockett's speed and knack (must be in the family gene pool) for choosing the right lane to break through on kickoff returns were something unique. K-State could stand to find another returner to pair with Lockett, but just getting him back on the field will be a boost in '12...especially in punt returns, where KSU (barring a return against Arkansas) failed to return one for a touchdown this season.

The Sugar Bowl donated $250,000 to Virginia Tech after school shooting

2011-12-05T20:44:00.008-06:00

A day later, and many are still trying to determine the hows and whys regarding the Sugar Bowl match-up between Michigan and Virginia Tech. ESPN's Doug Gottleib threw out a chart (among several from other sources) showing the glaring on-field advantage Kansas State held over both teams.

NBC sports business reporter Darren Rovell followed on Twitter saying he told Gottlieb "that I can't come up w/a financial reason for the Sugar Bowl taking VaTech over KSU." Rovell is good enough (and separated enough from the situation) that if there was a legitimate reason, he would know.

If you've followed my Twitter account and/or blog the past day or so, you know I've cussed and discussed ad nauseum the BCS system - analyzing the people involved, the votes they cast and their backgrounds, which showed just how sickly the whole process is (but I digress...); all while trying to make some sense at how Kansas State was left out of the Sugar Bowl specifically, since that was the bowl that nearly every projection forecast as late as mid-morning on Sunday.

So, in that spirit, I took at look at the Sugar Bowl teleconference transcript from last night, just to see if either head coach from undeserving Michigan or even less-so Virginia Tech had anything to say about their selections.

Found a bit more than I was looking for.

While Wolverines head coach Brady Hoke wasn't pressed on his team's selection, Va. Tech's Frank Beamer was, and two answers stood out, including his response to a question regarding a donation made to Virginia Tech after the school massacre - from the Sugar Bowl.

"Could you also talk about the relationship between the Sugar Bowl and Virginia Tech," the reporter asked, "particularly the donation they made after the shooting a few years ago?"

"Yeah, you know, it was, like I said in the opening, the people there in the Sugar Bowl, we've had quite a bit of experiences with them and they're just first class," Beamer said. "They do things right. It's just always been a great experience when we've been able to come to that Bowl and spend a week in the city there and just first‑class in every way."

Sugar Bowl CEO Paul Hoolahan said Va. Tech's
history played a significant part in this year's pick.

The donation in question was a substantial $250,000, given to the university to be used for student counseling following the school massacre on April 16, 2007. While that, and other generous amounts have been given by the Sugar Bowl to causes such as $800,000 toward Hurricane Katrina, $115,000 to the New Orleans Police Department and $130,000 to the SEC's postgraduate scholarship program, according to the Sugar Bowl (and I will never argue against those types of causes except, perhaps, a conference's postgraduate program unless the Bowl provides for all conferences in similar fashion), it begs the question of whether being a part of something as specific as an individual school's cause, no matter the level, is something that should happen because of potential situations like this year's BCS fallout.

While noble, how can that relationship be explained to any more-deserving team that sees a windfall payday, sometimes up to two- or three-fold, upward of $10 million or more, cut out from under them.

Flatly, it can not.

Later, Beamer was asked, "Of course, there's criticism that teams that maybe were higher ranked in the BCS and some of the rankings, Boise and Kansas State, that you guys were picked over them, both you and Michigan. What response to that, teams that at least in the rankings had a better season getting passed over?"

"Well, I think Virginia Tech over the years has built a name for itself," Beamer said. "And we have a chance to win 12 games this year and it's never been done at Virginia Tech. And, in reality, we lost to one team this year. We lost to them twice, but we've been on national TV several times here in recent weeks. And we'd won seven straight until last night, and we got the Player of the Year in the Atlantic Coast Conference. We've been to three BCS Bowls over the last four years.

"I think there's a lot of reasons. We've got on our team this year the top two receivers ever in Virginia Tech's history. We've got an All‑American in Jayron Hosley. And I think there's a lot of reasons why Virginia Tech would be an attractive team to a BCS Bowl. I think the number of years we've won ten straight games, I think that's another thing. And the only team to do that. So I think again over the years I think the Virginia Tech name has gotten to be a very good name."

Being on national TV, having a conference player of the year candidate, some of the best players in school history and other seasons' success? Those are reasons to be picked this season over higher-ranked teams?

Apparently so if you're the Sugar Bowl.

Disgraced former Fresno St. AD, almost 90 year-old & guy whose team was famous for brawling helped shape bowls

2011-12-05T10:55:00.004-06:00

The Harris Interactive poll votes have been released, and it, along with basically everything else associated with college football these days, is riddled with personal and political bias and affiliation. Along with the absurd final Coaches Poll on top, the Harris is a perfect bottom slice of bread to college football's poo-sandwich known as the BCS.

That said, at least we know now just how consistent the sport is trying to be in upholding its core value that the best teams should be found and recognized anywhere else but actually on the field. I say this despite Harris' assurance that "Harris Interactive applies a standard statistical practice that allows it to identify potential instability, error or bias associated with unusual ranking patterns. Those rankings that are identified through the analysis are verified to ensure that each panelist’s intent is accurately reflected."

I'll somewhat politely disagree with that assertion.

Regardless, much has been made already (and just think, you have another month to debate this year's topic) about the national championship picture, but for our purposes, we'll concentrate on the local snub, which saw BCS No. 8 K-State get left out of the Sugar Bowl in favor of both Michigan and Virginia Tech. Specifically, here are some notable names and numbers from Harris voters between the Wildcats and Wolverines, with voter name, KSU rank first and then Michigan rank.

(I'm leaving Va. Tech off this full list because we simply know the Hokies did not belong. That said, Va. Tech had votes all over the map, ranging from 22 to former Connecticut AD John Toner's 6! Toner, by the way, was born in 1923...making him 88 or so these days. Want to bet he doesn't spend his free time watching all the college football he can? Also, if I told you the John L. Toner award, given annually to an athletic director who "has demonstrated superior administrative abilities especially in the area of college football, was given to Va. Tech AD Jim Weaver in 2009, would you buy it?)

- Chip Brown (orangebloods.com - Texas Rivals site): 9, 18

- Tommie Frazier (former Nebraska quarterback): 4, 10

- Scott Johnson (former trainwreck of a Fresno State Athletics Director, who also voted Oklahoma State fifth): 17, 9

- Akbar Gbaja-Biamila (former NFL'er, but not his brother, Kabeer): 15, 9

- Blair Kerkhoff (Kansas City Star Big 12 columnist): 8, 16

- Craig Morton (former Cal quarterback and current "major gifts officer" there, who also voted Oklahoma State fifth): 22, 7

- Don Strock (former NFL'er and was Florida International head coach when his team brawled with Miami): 10, 25

- Max Urick (former K-State Athletics Director): 10, 15

- Stan Weber (Kansas State radio network color analyst): 8, 16

- Jeff Van Note (former Kentucky player): 16, 10

In all, the real point is that we've grown accustomed to bypassing the actual polls and immediately dissecting how a voter is affiliated to the sport, a team, a conference, etc. The real issue with that point is that way more often than not, those affiliations normally prove to be about 26565 on a scale of 1-100 in choking out true objectivity.

To see the full Harris Interactive Poll, click here.

Comments from K-State's John Currie and Cotton Bowl Chairman Tommy Bain

2011-12-04T21:32:00.003-06:00

After Kansas State head coach Bill Snyder shared relatively general comments regarding the Wildcats selection to and upcoming participation in the 2012 Cotton Bowl Classic via teleconference for about five minutes late Sunday evening, KSU director of athletics John Currie and Cotton Bowl Chairman Tommy Bain each shared their comments as well.

Several topics were discussed, including the timing of K-State's invitation to play Arkansas (came several hours before the announcement, around 3 p.m.), the game-day experience that K-State fans should expect (as good as or better than some BCS sites), the game's economic impact on the Dallas/Fort Worth area (it's large) and ticket sales (they're essentially gone already as of Wednesday, according to Currie).

Click here for the full Currie/Bain audio. (I apologize in advance for some pops in the audio.)

A couple of notes about the game:

- This is the 76th edition of the Cotton Bowl Classic.

- With No. 6 Arkansas and No. 8 Kansas State, it is the first Top 10 match-up in 18 years for the Cotton Bowl.

- The last time K-State and Arkansas faced the other was in 1967. Arkansas won 28-7 in a game that was played in Little Rock.

Also, see Bill Snyder's remarks from the teleconference along with several K-State players who provided their thoughts through a written release.

Head Coach Bill Snyder

“As I shared with (AT&T Cotton Bowl President) Rick (Baker) earlier today, we are very honored to have the opportunity to play in the Cotton Bowl. It has been a great experience for us in the past, and I think the Cotton Bowl and Kansas State University have been very good for each other. I know we will have a tremendous following when we go as we have in the past. I think our players are excited about it and are looking forward to it.”

On his favorite Cotton Bowl memories…
“I would start with the tremendous following that we’ve had. I remember the last Cotton Bowl we were at, there was somewhere in the vicinity of 55,000 Kansas State fans, which is absolutely amazing, particularly when the tickets are so hard to come by, and they find a way. That was very impressive for me and for all K-Staters, and it was very impressive for the Cotton Bowl. Rick (Baker) and I have had conversations about that over the years. They were very grateful to Kansas State and its following for filling up the stadium and being so supportive for a magnificent bowl game. The experience to play Tennessee in that ballgame, play as well as we did and beat a very fine Tennessee team was certainly a fond memory.”

On Arkansas…
“I know they are a very talented football team. They probably have the same feelings we do and feel like they’ve accomplished a great deal this year. They throw the ball around extremely well. They have some extremely talented wide receivers and a very good return unit on special teams. So they present some problems across the board. I haven’t had a chance to sit down and study film on them at this point in time. Those are the things that I think all of us know and are well aware of. I think Bobby (Petrino) is obviously a very extremely talented and fine football coach. He has a good staff.”

Quarterback Collin Klein

“We are very excited for the opportunity and grateful to be selected to play in such a prestigious bowl. I’m excited for the opportunity to play a very good team in Arkansas, and we will need to prepare well over the next month.”

Linebacker Emmanuel Lamur

“We are excited about the season that we have had but we also know that we have one more game to play against a really good Arkansas team. We are excited to head to the Cotton Bowl and play on national television, and most importantly, work to get our 11th win of the season.”

Defensive Back Tysyn Hartman

“The opportunity to play in one of the top stadiums in the world and the best bowls in the country is a great reward for our hard work this season. But, we know that we have one more game to play and are looking forward to working hard this month to play a great Arkansas team.”

K-Staters Making Travel Plans for AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic

2011-12-04T20:23:00.002-06:00

From Kansas State University relations

MANHATTAN, Kan. – The K-State Alumni Association is offering multiple travel options to Arlington, Texas for the Wildcats’ trip to the 2012 AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic on Friday, Jan. 6.

“We are very proud of Coach Snyder, his staff and the team for their outstanding season, and we are excited to again offer the official university travel packages for the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic,” said Amy Button Renz, president and CEO of the Alumni Association. “This will be a special opportunity for fans to attend K-State’s third appearance in the Cotton Bowl. Wildcat fans are well-known for their tremendous support, and we look forward to turning the Dallas area purple.”

In partnership with Premiere Global Sports (formerly Dodds Athletic Tours), the Alumni Association has planned another top-quality bowl experience. Official university travel packages include hotel accommodations at the K-State team hotel, game transfers, pep rally, pregame party, special Wildcat souvenir and more. In addition to air and land-only packages, a package with motor coach transportation also is available.

The toll-free bowl hotline number for official university travel packages is (866) 373-7379 and will be open the following hours (CST):

Monday, Dec. 5 to Wednesday, Dec. 7 – 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 8 to Friday, Dec. 9 – 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 10 to Sunday, Dec. 11 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 12 to Friday, Dec. 16 – 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Starting Monday, Dec. 19 – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For specific information about the travel packages, please visit www.k-statesportstravel.com. Fans also may call the bowl travel hotline at (866) 373-7379 to learn more about the packages and to make reservations. All other bowl information will be updated as it becomes available at www.k-statesports.com/bowlgame.

PLEASE NOTE: Tickets to the bowl game are not included in travel packages. K-State’s 2012 AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic allotment of 12,500 tickets has been sold out through pre-orders. Fans who did not pre-order tickets who wish to attend the Cotton Bowl should purchase tickets through the official ticket exchange on the AT&T Cotton Bowl website at www.attcottonbowl.com. Ticket locations will be assigned in order of the K-State Athletics Priority Point System and follow post-season priority limits. Ticket shipments are expected to be mailed by priority delivery at least two weeks prior to the game. For more information, please contact the K-State Athletics Ticket Office at (800) 221-CATS (2287).

One of the highlights of K-State’s bowl experience is the always-exciting pep rally. Details are still being set for the time and location of this free event brought to you by the Alumni Association, K-State Athletics, KSU Foundation and the President’s Office. The football team, coaches, band, cheerleaders, university dignitaries and Willie the Wildcat will participate. Transportation to and from the pep rally is included in the Alumni Association’s travel packages.

The Alumni Association’s popular tradition of hosting pregame parties for the K-State family before away football games also continues at the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic. The pregame party time and location is yet to be determined, and game tickets are not included in the price of the pregame party. Alumni Association travel packages include the pregame party. Fans traveling to the bowl on their own can make pregame reservations only by calling the Alumni Association at (800) 600-ALUM (2586) or (785) 532-6260 in the Manhattan area.

Further information regarding time and location of the pep rally and pregame party will be provided as it becomes available.

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What else can Oklahoma State do to get No. 2?

2011-12-04T09:40:00.002-06:00

We all will wait throughout the day Sunday to find out whether the Oklahoma State Cowboys will get the Big 12 back into the BCS national championship game. And, after the Cowboys reduced the trash-talking Oklahoma Sooners to a bug-smear on the season's windshield, they should be there.

With six wins against BCS Top 25 opponents and winning a BCS conference championship outright, there is no question. BCS Guru agrees with that, having said Sunday morning that they believe the computers will overcome the human element and pit LSU against OSU just slightly ahead of Alabama.

From the site:

In a stunning turn of events, Oklahoma State will face LSU in the BCS Championship Game on Jan. 9, not Alabama, as had been widely believed until the wee hours Saturday night.

The final BCS Standings will be close between OSU and Alabama, with the computers locking in the Cowboys at No. 2 and Alabama at No. 3. And then it would be up to the voters to render their final verdict.

More of them will still have Alabama at No. 2, in both the coaches and Harris polls, but OSU's edge in the computers will be enough to overcome the Crimson Tide's advantage in the two human polls."

What is curious regarding the shameless cheerleading (I'm looking at you CBS broadcasters) that Alabama should get the nod (which may, ironically, actually hurt the Crimson Tide's chances) is that it is exactly the reverse of how many viewed both Oklahoma and Nebraska making their championship games without winning their own conference.

Why is anything different now?

Regardless, it is the latest in a long list of BCS controversies, and we find out how it wraps up tonight at 7:15 p.m. central time.

Audio: Full Snyder postgame, Currie talks bowls, Tre Walker talks carrying the torch

2011-12-03T21:52:00.001-06:00

10-2. That's what Kansas State is after a 30-23 over Iowa State victory to wrap its regular season. It caps an amazing regular season, and opens, finally, the conversation about the postseason.

Scenarios will be determined Sunday evening, but until then, take a listen to head coach Bill Snyder's postgame (where he really does sound truly pleased to be the head coach of this Wildcats team). It may not have been obviously noticeable, but it speaks volumes that, when referencing quarterback Collin Klein, Snyder does not say "youngster" in describing Klein. Instead, it's "man." Klein is a man in Snyder's eyes now. He has grown. He is a leader. He is set to lead in the bowl game, and set to lead next year. Pretty phenomenal stuff when you think about it.

Also, John Currie, discusses his want and ability to push the K-State product, and his beliefs on the Big 12 co-championship policy (though that appears a moot point now with Oklahoma State blowing out Oklahoma as I write this).

Linebacker Tre Walker discusses what his decision to play for K-State means to him now that the team has had a season that seemed improbable even earlier this year, let alone when he committed to K-State.

And finally, Chris Harper gives his thoughts on the game and season overall, as well as Nigel Malone giving his account of what happened on the touchdown catch that happened in front of him during the ISU game.

Spending time with SCACCHoops.com talking KSU/Hokies

2011-12-02T18:16:00.000-06:00

As Kansas State and Virginia Tech get set to square off this weekend, the good folks over at SCACCHoops.com asked me to do a Q&A with them in order to learn more about this year's K-State group. Thanks go specifically to @hokieguru for asking me to take part, and if you'll see at the bottom, it appears the Wildcats will have some new fans...after Sunday's game.

By the way, Virginia Tech head coach Seth Greenberg took some questions on Friday about his team and the upcoming game. It is safe to say that Thomas Gipson and Rodney McGruder would have at least one standing offer to play somewhere if the need ever arose. Greenberg spoke at length about Gipson, gushing about his size and game. The Big Gipper has gotten off to a fantastic start having led the Wildcats in scoring in each of the past three games.

Of course, all that has done is make fans want more. Hey, it's the nature of the beast. Anyways, click here for the Q&A session.

Big 12 Rankings: Last ranks of the year & their Week 1 doppelgangers

2011-12-01T16:46:00.003-06:00

Bedlam is always a good time to get all bloodied up!

Well, the end is here. The end of the regular season, the near-end of the college football season and the rear-ends of both Missouri and Texas A&M as they prepare to bid adieu to the Big 12 and head for ~~shark-infested waters~~ greener pastures. This will be the year's final Big 12 football rankings on Kitchen KC as well, so I thought it would be fun to post the year's first thoughts and ranks for each team as well. Some thoughts weren't that far off...others, erm, yeah...

To the year's final rankings, and their Week 1 doppelgangers...

1. Oklahoma State - OSU has a chance to beat Oklahoma for the third-straight year this weekend in Stillwater...if you take out 2003-2010. None of the Cowboys' other Bedlam wins had as much riding on them as this game does, and it still may mean nothing. (How's that for BCS junk?) Regardless, if Mike Gundy and crew want any miracle shot at making the national championship game, they have to beat big brother, again, in convincing fashion. Been waiting on this game all season. Bring it on!

First-week comments: 2) Oklahoma State – It’s fair that some media haven’t bought into the Cowboys this season as Mike Gundy’s recent teams have had the defensive prowess of a road-kill armadillo. This year, the ‘Pokes are also having to find new linebackers. That’s not stopping me from thinking the fightin’ Boone Pickens could be primed for a dark horse BCS run.

2. Oklahoma - Is OU's defense put back together enough to beat OSU's offense? In the last four games, Brent Venables' defense has allowed 240, 527, 616 and 245 yards. Those teams in the middle were Texas A&M and Baylor, both of which resemble, but probably aren't as polished as OSU's. I'm pretty sure Landry Jones and the offense will have their way with OSU's 7th-ranked (in the Big 12) defense that is giving up 453.6 yards per game, so which offense is going to not choke itself with turnovers the most?

First-week comments: 1) Oklahoma – Of all the Big 12 teams, the Sooners may be the most ready to actually get on the field. Bob Stoops’ troops will include a pair of new linebackers as Travis Lewis is out for two months and Austin Box is remembered each week by a different member of the defense wearing his No. 12 jersey – one of the coolest tributes I can remember for some time.

A lot of this has led to Collin Klein needing time off
from practice just to heal enough to play on Saturdays.

3. Kansas State - It is supposed to be wet, cold, a little windy and a whole lot nasty in Manhattan on Saturday. Advantage K-State's ~~running show~~ Collin Klein, who is back at practice (to what level is uncertain) after not practicing for two weeks leading up to the Texas game. That is notable, but not really vital. With K-State looking for a tenth win and, depending on how some things ahead of them fall, a real (Fiesta) or fake (Cotton) BCS bid, Klein would have to be dead to not play in this game.

First-week comments: 5) Kansas State – Tim Fitzgerald at Gopowercat.com did some excellent tricky math and found that in year three of Snyder II, only eight players from the Ron Prince era are listed on the depth chart for Saturday’s game against Eastern Kentucky. I ask myself: “Is that a coincidence that I also believe this team is far better than most are giving credit for?” Then, I answer myself: “No.”

4. Baylor - The Bears are a win away from calling this a true breakout season. A win would mean beating Texas for the second-straight year since 1991-92 and give them their most single-season Big 12 wins in school history. It would also give Art Briles 13 Big 12 wins, two more than four other coaches could get in the conference's first 12 years...combined.

First-week comments: 8) Baylor – The Bears have the honor this season of being the first Big 12 team out of the chute as Art Briles and crew take on TCU tonight (Friday). Let’s hope BU keeps it respectable because I’m just a little bit worried that Baylor getting blown out by a Big East team could be the symbolic stick of dynamite for many who think the fuse is ready to be lit on blowing up the Big 12.

5. Texas - The Longhorns just want to get Saturday's game with Baylor over with, get to a mid-level bowl, strut through that win or lose, and get on to next year, where Mack Brown insists the team will be much improved with the latest influx of talent to go with what really does appear to be some solid youth in place.

First-week comments: 6) Texas – Raise your hand if you think Foswhitt Whitaker and Garrett Gilbert are the types of guys that are going to lead the Longhorns back to football greatness. Whitaker is good, but he’s not the superstar type. Gilbert is…well, he’s 6-ft-4 anyways.

6. Texas A&M - Consider this with me if you will because it damn near knocked me out of my chair... If A&M was to lose its bowl game, it would have a losing record for the third time in the past four years. I only present that scenario because if they do lose, the Aggies would be 1-10 in bowl games since 1997, or in other words, since joining the Big 12. I blame myself for thinking A&M football has ever really truly been any good since Bear Bryant left after the '57 season. No wonder they followed his lead to the SEC.

Missouri was hoping for a lot of this in 2011...

First-week comments: 4) Texas A&M – The Aggies have been the frontline story for all the wrong reasons the past few weeks, but what it did was take away attention from a pretty darn good football team. You wonder, however, whether the team will be distracted at the thought of playing SEC football so much that they let some games get away from them that they shouldn’t.

7. Missouri - I received some spirited feedback from MU fans who thought seventh was too low for the Tigers last week. It had a reasonable point that Missouri had beaten the two teams directly ahead of it. What the argument didn't consider was the nature of those two teams. A&M, well, we know they let wins slip away faster than a Rick Perry thought in a debate. So, it didn't sit well with me. And, Texas? Looked fine except, Fozzy Whitaker, the emotional heart and soul of that offense, blew his knee out early in Columbia. Jesus himself couldn't have created a mountain of adversity that high that fast, and the Longhorns freshmen didn't handle it well. If they played again, I would bet my left pinkie (which has value because it's on my throwing/shooting hand) Texas scores more than five points. So, seventh it is for you, 7-5, 5-4, Missouri.

First-week comments: 3) Missouri – The Tigers again have a nasty defense. They could have a dynamic offense to go with it if James Franklin is really the best since Brad Smith was quarterback (as CBS’ Dennis Dodd said recently), that ~~Big 12 North title~~ second-place Big 12 finish could be a reality for Gary Pinkel.

8. Iowa State - The Cyclones are the most dangerous any 3-5 (in conference play) team could be. They play reasonable defense. They have a young but growing quarterback who can make plays in the air and with his feet. And, they have JFK-eternal flame of a spirit that starts with their head coach. That said, weather conditions blew up ISU at Norman a week ago in the form of turnovers, and even though they played well everywhere else for the most part, the result was a 20-point loss. Similar conditions are forecast to be on tap in Manhattan, so while I know the past few Iowa State/Kansas State games have been close, I need to see a stronger effort from the 'Clones before I think they can pull this one off.

First-week comments: 9) Iowa State – Paul Rhoads, KitchenKC loves everything you’re doing at Iowa State. Maybe someday you’ll tell us if it feels like the next rung up the rankings ladder feels like it is the 75 miles apart that it seems. But, that said, with Nebraska gone, who becomes the perennial, personal whipping boy for the Cyclones? Texas?

9. Texas Tech - Tommy Tuberville didn't make the Big 12 coaches teleconference on Monday. I'm not sure I would have either. What makes me sad is I don't know if I'll ever get to hear those smooth, bluesy tones of Tubs' voice on another call or not at this point; not after the Red Raiders finished 1-7 (like we thought they would) and missed a bowl after beginning 4-0.

...and got this for the most part instead. But hey,
you could always be in KU's current situation instead.

First-week comments: 7) Texas Tech – Mike Leach got fired, wrote a book, got sued, sued back, and Bruce Feldman left ESPN.com for CBS.com as a side-story to that plot. The one constant in that time: the Red Raiders are still scary offensively, and keep trying to improve on defense under Tommy Tuberville. Some things, like Craig James’ smarminess, never change.

10. Kansas - "Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end." - The new football coach who has yet to be named, won't be one of the top 535234235 on KU fan's wishlist because those guys are already hired elsewhere, and could wind up being of the same fiery ilk that got Mark Mangino fired and got KU into this mess in the first place. #smh

First-week comments: 10) Kansas – Plenty has been made about what football experts think will happen with the Jayhawks in Turner Gill’s second season. I think KU fans have spoken even louder with their overwhelming average response to the school’s push to sell tickets on Groupon. As of 1 p.m. on Friday, the number of packages sold: 248.

Louisville telling football recruits it is Big 12-bound

2011-11-29T14:28:00.002-06:00

It isn't as though most people in Big 12 country would be shocked to hear Louisville had been extended an offer to join the conference.

But, it is a little bit surprising that, considering Big 12 interim Commissioner Chuck Neinas' stance that 10 teams is the magic number for now, the Cardinals football coaches are telling recruits that their playing futures "no doubt" reside there.

Louisville's apparent actions would seem to undercut the Big East's hard-line stance toward member institutions wanting to leave the conference while giving credence to the thought that the Big 12 does want to find its way back to the actual number of teams in its name; though probably not until the 2012 season at the earliest.

In early November, West Virginia was sued by the conference for breach of contract as it was announced the Mountaineers would join the Big 12. At the time, Big East Commissioner John Marinatto indicated a heavy hand would be played toward West Virginia's bid to join its new home in 2012.

"Today's legal action underscores Big East position it will vigorously pursue enforcement of its rights and West Virginia's obligations, which WVU agreed and helped construct," Marinatto said then.

That stance, however, seemed to hinge on the thought and/or hope that several schools, including Brigham Young, Boise State, Air Force, Navy and several from Conference USA would join the Big East and keep it viable. Since that time, the plan is in an extremely precarious position after negotiations with BYU reached an impasse, Boise State is dealing with potential Chris Peterson interest from other schools and has yet to accept (and may be hinting it is okay with where it sits), and none of the other invitees have committed as of yet. There is also the possibility that Rutgers and UCONN are still on the ACC's radar as well.

On West Virginia's side, there is a hope that an announcement regarding 2012 Big 12 participation could come before the end of the year, and a source said a schedule is nearly complete.*

*Of course, anyone can put games on paper. That's one thing. However, the source also said while the schedule isn't confirmed, media in both West Virginia and Texas have heard the Mountaineers could replace Texas A&M on the schedule and play Texas on Thanksgiving. The fact that both sides are hearing pieces of the same story makes it at least a little believable.

With all of that in play, the source felt strongly that WVU would be a part of the Big 12 in 2012. And, now Louisville is not-so-quietly hinting it may be planning to depart as well.

Big 12 hoops: Off and runnin' ... Initial thoughts

2011-11-28T17:01:00.000-06:00

After every team in the Big 12 having had a chance to get out and stretch the legs a bit through a handful of games, some early returns are in. A couple of interesting story lines have developed as the season makes its way into December, and they've helped put some shape to the early part of the year.

Here are my top five (put yours in the comments section below):

1) The Missouri Tigers - Forget best in the conference at this point; there may only be a handful of teams in the nation playing better than the 6-0 Missouri Tigers right now. To be fair, the competition wasn't great, even on paper, for the first three games, so it was tough to tell just how well the Tigers were going. But, when it absolutely wiped the floor with both Notre Dame (before Tim Abromaitis suffered his torn ACL) and No. 23 California in Kansas City, the conference was put on notice. Marcus Denmon has been lights out, and Kim English, well, at this point, there aren't enough good things to be said about how dominant his reemergence has been. With the guards and wings playing at such a high level, it has taken all pressure off of the thin Missouri front court for the time being, though Ricardo Ratliffe is finding life pretty easy in the paint as opponents have had to focus on the outside shooting threat. All in all, while we knew the guards were talented, nobody expected Mizzou to blow the door off the early part of the year in such a fashion.

2) Coaching upgrades - How long does it take for a coach to leave his print on a program? If you're Missouri and Oklahoma, you're seeing it immediately. With the Tigers, Frank Haith has put a system in place that has given Missouri's overall excellent speed a purpose in the half-court, and teams are finding out very quickly its actually harder to guard that than it is covering a team that just wants to "run." I admit I didn't expect much from MU this year, and the season still has the potential to level off, but man, to see Missouri flourish has been something to watch. As I said earlier, it is now speed with purpose. Then again, when the shots are falling like they have so far, any offense can look great.

In Norman, Lon Kruger moved several guys back to their natural positions - something he alluded to doing over the summer. What a novel concept. Between that and the steady play from newcomer point guard Sam Grooms (26 assists to nine turnovers through five games), the Sooners have looked more like a real basketball team (i.e. organized) than they ever did under Jeff Capel. Stephen Pledger has taken to the new style extremely well, averaging 17.8 ppg and being named to the 76 Classic All-Tournament team (OU finished second after falling to national upstart St. Louis and Rick Majerus). The Sooners aren't an overly talented bunch, but with Kruger guiding the ship, OU is quickly becoming one of those teams that, if you're not on your game that night, will be capable of a five-point, unexpected win. Overall, the Sooners have the look and feel of a middle-of-the-pack Big 12 team at this point - far ahead of the preseason bottom finish most predicted.

3) Biggest early disappointment - With the Aggies, the coaching change hasn't proven to be necessarily positive. Not that things can't change in a hurry and be fine moving forward, but in New York, A&M just didn't seem to have that same under-your-fingernails, irritating, dogged style it had under Mark Turgeon. Khris Middleton's absence played a part for sure, but it resulted in two pretty lackluster performances - a 69-60 loss to Mississippi State and a 58-57 win over St. John's. The slow start could also have quite a bit to do with Billy Kennedy's time away from the program as he dealt with his health issues. As a player, it can't be easy to try and prepare in a new system when the guy who knows it best isn't able to be there to teach it to you, but again, it just seems like the attitude isn't quite where it was for the past few seasons.

4) Big men - Several newcomers on the blocks have paid immediate dividends for the Big 12. Transfer Royce White is averaging a double-double (14 ppg, 10.8 rpg) for Iowa State. At Baylor, Quincy Miller has shown why he was one of the most sought-after high school players in the country last year as he currently leads the Bears in scoring (15.2 ppg) and is third in assists. And, though he has been much less flashy and more steadily improving after an average start, freshman Thomas Gipson appears to be settling in and gaining confidence for Kansas State - leading the Wildcats in scoring the past two games after a meager two-point, two-rebound season-opener. And finally, Bill Self said Thomas Robinson was going to have to be an All-American for the Kansas Jayhawks for the team to be competitive this year. We now know why. Yeah, KU can wish that Jeff Withey plays consistently at the level he did against Duke (getting 14 points and 10 boards for his first-career double-double), but the real-life responsibilities absolutely rest with Robinson, who proved he can be what Self has asked for by getting double-doubles against both Kentucky (11 pts, 12 reb.) and Duke (16 pts, 15 reb.).

5) Based on what we've seen, here are five conference games we wish were coming up now:

A) Baylor at Texas A&M (Jan. 2) - We figure A&M's veteran front court will have things ironed out by then. Should be a heck of a contest in College Station.

B) Missouri at Iowa State (Jan. 11) - The Cyclones have made 10 or more 3-pointers in all but one game this season, including a school-record 16 versus Northern Colorado. ISU leads the Big 12 in 3-point field goals (68) and percentage (.442). Put that offense in a home game against Missouri's offense? Can't wait.

C) Kansas State at Oklahoma (Jan. 14) - Frank Martin's team will have a decided athletic advantage. We want to see what Lon Kruger will have cooked up for his alma mater in Norman.

D) Kansas at Kansas State (Feb. 13) - It's a long, long ways from now, and the teams will have played once already, but the freshmen for KSU should be more than settled in by February, and there are several individual match-ups both inside and out, I'm anxious to see.

E) Baylor at Kansas (Jan. 16) - Simply a clash of the front courts in this one. Baylor wants to prove it belongs on top...outperforming KU in Allen Fieldhouse would be a strong foundation for that claim.