Monthly Archives: October 2007

What’s the Big deal? (10/22)

Oct. 22, 20072:10 p.m.

Random musings from the Oct. 22 Big 12 coaches’ conference call:

BOB Stoops still loves Mark Mangino. It’s charming, really.

THERE were some issues last week with Bobby Reid, but Mike Gundy said the former Oklahoma State starting quarterback would be back practicing with the team this week and will resume his role as the backup, which got me thinking. Is there a better 1-2 combo/situation at quarterback in the Big 12, or maybe the nation than Zac Robinson and Reid? OK, Robinson and a focused Reid – the Bobby Reid we saw last year in Manhattan? He was a handful, but not as much as Robinson was Saturday. That kid is tough.

SOME have suggested that I’ve put too much stock into the importance of K-State beating KU, but here’s what Ron Prince said Monday: “When you lose to your in-state rival, it’s distasteful…”

GARY Pinkel has no interest in talking about about last season. “This is 2007,” he said, responding to a reporter’s question about a disputed ending last season. And with how his Missouri Tigers are rolling foes, can you blame Pinkel?

HOW great would it be to hang around with Mike Leach all day long? The Texas Tech coach is hilarious. He was asked about the Red Raiders dropping so many passes against Missouri, and then the next question he was asked was unrelated, about how good Missouri is. He didn’t understand the two questions weren’t tied together, and this was his response: “I thought Missouri was good from the beginning. (But) it’s impossible for someone to be so good to make you drop the ball – unless you’ve got someone so good they can make you drop the ball.”

COACH Fran believes you don’t play better on Saturday than you do on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Clearly, the man can coach.

WHETHER it’s simply lip service or what, we don’t know. But Texas coach Mack Brown had the following to say about KU quarterback Todd Reesing, who attended Lake Travis High in Austin and wasn’t pursued too hard by the hometown Longhorns: “He’s doing the same things now he was doing at Lake Travis. He’s playing great. I’m really, really excited for him. … Anybody who didn’t recruit him, including us, made a mistake.”

HAVE to wonder if Bill Callahan will be this condescending once he’s out of a job. “It’s probably too technical for you, but. …,” the Nebraska coach began in response to a question Monday. It’s been a tough couple of weeks for Callahan, I get it. But you don’t make it worse by issuing responses like that.

By J-Mart | Filed under Big 12 | Comments (3)

THE MORNING AFTER… Oklahoma State

Oct. 21, 20079:37 a.m.

I know you’re all bummed about another close loss, but don’t direct your ire at Ron Prince. It’s not his fault.

In some ways, what did in the Wildcats last night in Stillwater is the same thing we suspected might be this team’s downfall all along – run defense. As Prince said late night, there wasn’t much of any, and that’s been the case the last three games now. That, folks, is a trend, and that’s going to be the blueprint for attacking this team the remainder of the year.

With that said, who has the tools to pull off what KU and OSU did, and what Colorado attempted to do? Not Baylor and its spread offense. Even if Iowa State played the perfect game – at home, no turnovers, and was more physical than K-State, as the Cyclones were during the first half of their loss Saturday to Oklahoma – that still looks like a Wildcat victory.

Where it gets interesting is Nebraska. The Huskers are a shell of themselves, and this team has clearly quit on Bill Callahan. It’s funny – the old Nebraska, as in the power running game, would give K-State fits. But with the mess on the field in Lincoln these days, that’s looking like a win, too.

I don’t like K-State’s chances against Missouri and at Fresno State. But that would still give the Wildcats seven wins, which would match last season’s win total, which isn’t bad.

What else?

- Had to be impressed with Josh Freeman, even if he wasn’t impressed with himself, which is a good sign. I’ll have a story on him in tomorrow’s Eagle.

- It was strange to hear how much praise Prince and the Wildcats heaped on Oklahoma State. K-State was very complimentary, and for once, I didn’t think it was bluster. The Cowboys are a good team, no question, and I thought they were better than K-State last night – primarily because they were playing at home. I love their offense, but that defense is sketchy at best. It’ll be interesting to see how the rest of the season plays out.

- My curiosity was rewarded. I wondered how Adarius Bowman was a bigger NFL prospect than Jordy Nelson. While Nelson has been ultra-productive, Bowman is a man. No better way to put it. I mean, he’s so physical. Bowls people over, takes contact. In a pure passing offense, he’d have staggering numbers. He’s the prototypical possession receiver in the 21st century.

- Speaking of the NFL, scouts from the Oakland Raiders, New York Giants and one other team – it’s escaping me right now – were in attendance Saturday. They were talking about quarterbacks, and one mentioned ESPN’s Friday night telecast of Louisville-UConn. During that game, the announcers were wondering how anyone couldn’t think Brian Brohm wasn’t a high first-round pick, a comment the scouts at Boone Pickens Stadium were snickering about. Also, there was ridicule for Hawaii’s Colt Brennan and his release.

- What has happened to Rob Jackson? And, to a lesser extent, Ian Campbell? Weren’t people predicting All-Big 12 seasons for those two? I think I heard Campbell’s name called once last night.

- Good to see Marcus Watts making plays again – in something besides special teams. But that missed tackle in the end on Brandon Pettigrew will probably haunt him all day.

Have some thoughts? Holler at me in the comments below…

By J-Mart | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (12)

GAMEDAY… Oklahoma State

Oct. 20, 20074:54 p.m.

So, it’s true – Kansas State stopped by East High on its way to Oklahoma State, which is odd for a number of reasons. First, the Wildcats usually fly to destinations such as Stillwater, but K-State sports information director Kenny Lannou said the team will also bus to Ames in a couple of weeks.

According to Lannou, the K-State contingent left Manhattan in four buses Friday morning at 10 a.m. The Wildcats participated in a walkthrough at East, which is usually done in Manhattan.

“It’s not a bad ride,” Lannou said.

Now, reading between the lines, especially since this isn’t the normal or standard procedure with this program, we’d guess this was an obvious attempt to recruit Arthur and Bryce Brown.

Which would have been fine if either were there.

Arthur and his mentor, Brian Butler, left Friday morning for Baton Rouge; this is Arthur’s official visit to LSU. The Tigers are playing Auburn tonight. As for Bryce, the junior running back simply had something else to do, something already scheduled.

OK, just thought I’d throw that out there. I’m going to take some pictures soon and I’ll post them at some point during the game. Won’t be able to do a standard on-going update, but Levi and I will be checking from time to time.

By J-Mart | Filed under GAMEDAY | Comments (2)

THE FLIP SIDE… Oklahoma State

Oct. 19, 20071:58 p.m.

Have I mentioned that every time we’ve done one of these – OK, there’s only been two so far (thanks, Kyle) – the opposing team’s beat writer has been flat-out wrong. Don’t know if that’s telling or not, but if so, you’ll be happy with this week’s guest, The Oklahoman’s Mike Baldwin.

Kansas State and Oklahoma State are each fighting to stay atop their
division standings. The key matchup will be OSU’s high-powered offense
facing a formidable Kansas State defense that ranks among the league
leaders.

The Cowboys and Boise State were the only two schools in
the country to average both 200 yards rushing and 200 yards passing
last season. This season, OSU’s offense is on pace to fare even better.

Led by Big 12 rushing leader Dantrell Savage (124.4 yards a
game), the Cowboys are averaging 246.3 yards rushing which ranks sixth
in the country. The Cowboys, featuring an all-American wide receiver
candidate (Adarius Bowman) and tight end Brandon Pettigrew, also are
averaging 238.0 passing yards.

K-State counters with a defense that’s allowing only 3.1
yards a carry and 112.5 rushing yards a game. The Wildcats also test
opponent’s pass protection. K-State owns a 20-4 advantage in
quarterback sacks.

The other matchup isn’t as intriguing but could play a key
role. OSU’s once suspect defense has allowed the equivalent of 14.6
points a game the last 14 quarters after allowing 33.6 points in its first
14 quarters.

Led by QB Josh Freeman, WR Jordy Nelson and RB James
Johnson, the Wildcats will provide some answers whether OSU’s defense
can continue its recent hot streak or be suspect against the pass as
they were in losses at Georgia and Troy and a 49-45 shootout win
against Texas Tech.

Still, the key matchup is OSU’s offense versus K-State’s
defense. The Wildcats haven’t allowed more than 30 points in any game
this season. The Cowboys, though, are starting to resemble last year’s
unit that finished seventh in the nation in scoring. As a result, OSU
playing at home, with an offense finding its stride, will be the
difference.

Prediction: OSU 31, Kansas State 24.

Thanks, Mike. His coverage of the Cowboys can be read here.

By J-Mart | Filed under FLIP SIDE | Comments (4)

Goody on McGruder

Oct. 19, 200710:47 a.m.

I’ve never seen Rodney McGruder play, but my pal Jeff Goodman has. Goodman is a senior national college basketball writer for Foxsports.com, and during the summer, he can usually be found at those larger summer camps featuring all of the nation’s best young talent.

Here is what Goody had to say (via e-mail) about the 6-foot-4 McGruder, a four-star recruit (according to Rivals.com) from Washington, D.C.’s Archbishop Carroll who gave his 2009 commitment to Kansas State yesterday:

These
two commitments are probably as meaningful as just about any that have
occurred in the last month or so – other than Greg Monroe to Georgetown.
The reason is simple: This means that K-State isn’t going away anytime
soon. Both Judge and McGruder are kids that have a chance to be Top 50
kids in the Class of 2009. Judge is a big-time athlete who could
probably go anywhere he wants in the ACC – other than Duke or North
Carolina. McGruder was terrific in the spring and summer. He’s got size
and gets a lot done. Plus, both of these kids have plenty of toughness.
You’ve got to give Dalonte Hill and Frank Martin a ton of credit
because, frankly, I didn’t think he’d be able to get both of them to
commit to Kansas State despite his DC Assault ties.

And they might not be done. Terrence Boyd, another D.C. Assault kid who visited Manhattan during the "Madness" and was spotted shooting around on the court afterwards with Judge and McGruder, by all accounts wants to be a Wildcat. He told me so that night. Right now, though, it’s a numbers game. This is the world K-State basketball is in right now – Boyd is a highly-regarded three-star guard from Norman, Okla., that plays his AAU ball for — yep, you guessed it — the D.C. Assault. But K-State is holding off right now, trying to sort out the program’s needs as opposed to luxuries. According to gopowercat.com’s Brian Gates, the next target appears to be Topeka Hayden guard Jeff Reid.

By J-Mart | Filed under Basketball | Comments (9)

‘Ticket’ to Manhattan?

Oct. 18, 20072:56 p.m.

It’s progress.

The first time Jamar Samuels took the ACT, he didn’t come close to a qualifying score. He received the results of latest test Tuesday; he was two points short.

Disappointed? Not quite. Encouraged, really.

“I’ll be attending K-State, and I should be there Dec. 10,” Samuels said. “I had a chance to get out of high school early, but I couldn’t get (a qualifying) ACT score. … I’ll take it again Nov. 2.”

This weekend, he’ll be leaving his Washington, D.C.-area home for Notre Dame Prep in Fitchburg, Mass., the same school Dominique Sutton will be attending until he finishes an English credit so he can join the Wildcats.

Samuels has the same idea.

“Oh, I know for sure I’m going to pass it this time,” he said. “If not, I’ll stay in Fitchburg the entire year and go to K-State next year.”

Either way, he’ll be in purple in the future.

The 6-foot-9, 205-pound Samuels would rather it was sooner than later, though. He can envision contributing to the team immediately, and he can’t wait to re-connect with Bill Walker — “That is a funny dude,” he said — and Mike Beasley, his D.C. Assault teammate.
He laughed Thursday when the Assault connection/pipeline was mentioned, as if the whole thing has been overblown. Samuels spoke warmly of Dalonte Hill, whom he referred to as a “big brother-type,” but he said he felt an instant bond with Manhattan.

“The atmosphere, the people were great,” Samuels said. “You can tell they’re really into their athletics.”

That wasn’t the case at Seton Hall, which offered a scholarship. As for Tennessee, which showed some interest prior to the start of Samuels’ junior season at The Patterson School in Lenoir, N.C., Samuels said Wednesday that Vols’ coach Bruce Pearl told him he needed to shoot the ball better from the perimeter if he was going to end up in Knoxville.

Samuels did, ending the season with averages of 22 points and 10 rebounds, but he was locked in on K-State by then.

Like Sutton, he doesn’t want to come in and score a bunch of points. He’d rather be an energy guy, like one of his idols, Kevin Garnett, who can also fill it up a little. Garnett’s nickname is “The Big Ticket,” and Samuels, because of his build and skill set, is regarded as a smaller version.

Thus, his nickname is “Ticket.” That, he said Wednesday, or simply “Mar.”

He does model his game after Garnett, but he’s been told how he plays is similar to former Georgetown star Jeff Green, who was known as a point forward with the Hoyas.

Whatever he has to do to help the Wildcats, preferably sooner than later, he’ll do.

“I just want to come in with energy and get the crowd hyped,” he said.

ALSO…

ONLY 18, Samuels wouldn’t be surprised if he grew to be taller than 6-foot-10.

REGARDING another D.C. Assault product, Wally Judge, and his recent commitment to K-State for ‘09, Samuels said, “Wally’s my little brother. I’m happy with his decision, man.”

TURNS out Samuels used to be a big fan of a player from “that team up the road.” On the AAU circuit, Samuels would get to the gym early to watch Brandon Rush do his thing. “I liked his game,” Samuels said. Now a guard at Kansas, Samuels said he, like the rest of his classmates, can’t wait to get at the Jayhawks. Doesn’t take for the rivalry to take root, does it?

SAMUELS, like most, is smitten with Walker. “I can tell when I get there me and Bill are going to have a good bond,” he said. But it’s not just off the court. Walker is all business on the court, and during Samuels’ on-campus visit Aug. 4, the incoming freshman saw for himself. “(Walker) told me to get all of my stuff squared away, to get ready, because (the team) needs me,” Samuels said.

AND finally, this was his comment on Beasley: “He’s out of this world. I’ve never seen anyone that tall and that agile. He’s the next Carmelo, I’m telling you. … Thing is, I remember when Mike was just good, but he wasn’t one of the best players in the area. That was eighth grade. … We played him — I was playing for the Maryland Madness, and he was playing for the Assault, and we played at the University of Maryland. He dropped 37 or 40 points on us. Not on me, but our big man. He was just standing outside, shooting three’s and getting breakaway dunks.”

By J-Mart | Filed under Basketball | Comments (1)

I GOT FIVE ON IT … Bill Snyder

Oct. 18, 200712:03 p.m.

Can’t front — this made my morning. “The Man” was chipper, happy to answer all of my questions — when I explained they came from you, the readers. Makes me wonder if our job as journalists would have been easier all these years if we’d used that approach all along. Enjoy.

1. If you could pick 3 offensive and 3 defensive players you coached to start a team with, who would they be?

My gosh. (Laughter). I probably need some time to think. My heavens. … A lot of guys leap to mind. There isn’t anybody we’ve had that played and didn’t handle themselves appropriately. Some guys who come to mind are Quentin Neujahr, who came to us very early. He was a tremendous leader in our program. Chad May — Quentin was the center and Chad was the quarterback. Michael Bishop, also a quarterback, such a competitive young guy. They were all such competitive young guys. Right along with them, Darren Sproles. Kevin Lockett comes to mind, another excellent leader. Jamie Mendez … I’m getting beyond five, aren’t I? He was a tremendous leader in our program as well, one of the younger guys. You have to mention a guy like Darren Howard, who was an impact player on defense. … There are a lot of others. And I’ve left out probably a hundred players, a lot of guys who had a tremendous impact. If we were going to start over with a team, I’d have to list at least 120. (J-Mart note: The Man politely admonished me for not having a tape recorder handy. I promised to do better the next time.)

2. What opposing coach from the Big 8/Big12 gave you the most headaches?
Well, again, I’d have to preface it with it’s factual — they all give you headaches. If you’re not ready to play every week, you’re going to get exposed. There were some tremendous coaches, but I’d have to say Tom Osborne, because I don’t think we ever beat Nebraska when he was there. But the conferences have been full of tremendous coaches.

3. Other than coaching, if you could have done anything else what would it have been?
I don’t mean to be evasive with these things, but I grew up and knew that was the natural progression — you participated in sports, finished your education and went into coaching. That was how my life was laid out, not by anyone in particular, just by happenstance. I think if I hadn’t involved myself in coaching and ended up coaching, I probably would have continued in the teaching field.

4. What was the best coaching opportunity you were offered while at KSU?
I’ve always promised I wouldn’™t expose the interest of anyone. … I would think the number would be close to … There was a period of time when it was somewhat frequent. I never addressed it. … I responded, allowed people to know I was flattered, whether it was college football or NFL, and I was humbled by it. But I didn’t want to pursue it any further. There was never any doubt in my mind. I wasn’t going to leave K-State.

5. Did you like recruiting?
Some of it I enjoyed. It was a pleasure to get to know a bunch of people, to spend time with them. Spending time in the homes of young people — I have probably been in every type of environment you could imagine. Some of it wasn’t enjoyable, and that dates back beyond K-State. The rules were different, and how people abided by the rules was different — again, way back before K-State — and that wasn’t satisfying at all. From time to time, you ran across certain individuals that weren’t pleasant to be around. Not pleasant at all. But by and large, the vast majority, probably 95 percent, of the people you had to be around in that process was enjoyable. To lose someone you worked diligently with to get to come to K-State, no, that wasn’t enjoyable. (J-Mart question: You didn’t lose many of those, did you?) We lost our fair share.

(BONUS) 6. Do you think your style would have gone over well in the NFL?
A lot of people say coaching is coaching, regardless of the level. I always wanted to believe that. The systems are different, the expectations are different, and the age group is different. One of things I always said, that with my commitment to K-State, I never wanted to be involved in NFL. As we saw times change, I didn’t want to be in a situation where players made more money than the coaches, for obvious reasons. I’ve been privy to many experiences where that’s not a comfortable place for a coach to be.

I can’t say how much I respect that man. What a treat.

By J-Mart | Filed under I GOT FIVE ON IT | Comments (5)

MEDIA DAZE

Oct. 17, 20078:12 a.m.

10:47 a.m. — OKLAHOMA STATE

Sean Sutton just rambled for at least 90 seconds about his experience at the College Basketball Experience, which officially opens today here in Kansas City.

Consider me sold.

He says he’s energized for the start of the season even though it’s the same ‘ol song being played in Stillwater that’s being played throughout the league – nine Cowboys are freshmen or sophomores.

But his are awfully talented, led by McDonald’s All-American James Anderson, in part spawned from a renewed effort to recruit “good guys.”

“We have good guards,” Sutton said. “… I like this team’s potential. They are a group that has been very good about listening, about getting out and working hard. They’ve made a strong commitment to defense and playing hard.”

Now he’s talking about the importance of the postseason, about how teams will be remembered. There’s a philosophical tone he’s employing, and his first year on the job taught him a few lessons.

“I don’t think I was as good as when we were 15-1, but I also don’t think I was as bad as when we were struggling, in a tailspin,” Sutton said. “… I’ll be better this year than I was last year.”

Later, he defended his program, suggesting the recent spate of off-court issues is just that, an aberration.

Again, consider me sold.

10:28 a.m. — IOWA STATE

From one former Missouri Valley coach to another, at opposite ends of the spectrum. …

This has the potential to be one of the worst teams in the league – by far. That’s what happens when you have so much turnovers, six newcomers in all.

“We have some competition for playing time,” Greg McDermott said.

You’d certainly expect that. One of the league’s best unknown players, 6-foot-7 sophomore Wesley Johnson, has, according to his coach, added strength and improved his ball-handling. He played some point guard and off guard on a summer Athletes in Action tour; he might have to play three or four positions for the Cyclones.

Strength was probably the biggest weakness for Iowa State. McDermott said the Clones were taken advantage of last year, not built to compete in the Big 12. So everyone underwent the rigors of training. Jiri Hubalek, a nice but undersized post, gained 25 pounds of muscle, which should help.

“You have to be big and strong to be able to compete with the physical-ness of the league,” said McDermott, a quick study.

OK, coach, what else did you learn in Year 1?

“I learned that Doc Sadler is the biggest sand-bagger on the golf course,” McDermott said.

10:12 a.m. — TEXAS A&M

Maroon, the color of his tie, still looks strange on Mark Turgeon.

But he seems comfortable, and the move to the Big 12 seems to suit the former Shockers coach. What has to help the transition is the loaded state of the roster, who, despite the loss of Acie Law.

“It’s easier because we have good players,” Turgeon said.

In regards to some personnel issues, Donald Sloan will play some point, but he hasn’t been given the job just yet. He can score, Turgeon said, and Dominique Kirk has done a fine job as Law’s replacement. Joseph Jones’ knees are fine.

As for the newcomers, the new coach said DeAndre Jordan is a “big-time talent.”

It’s odd. One moment Turgeon is trying to downplay the impact the freshman forward might have, jokingly questioning his maturity, but the next, he’s touting how gifted he is.

“He has the most talent I’ve ever seen, but it’s raw talent,” Turgeon said.

The biggest jump from WSU to A&M? The athleticism, he said. Everything else hasn’t been a surprise. What he likes the most is when “the players care as much as the coaches.”

9:55 a.m. — NEBRASKA

Eight new players for Doc Sadler, which yes, is a lot.

But it’s the return of Aleks Maric, the conference’s best big man, that has Sadler pumped. That, and some other fundamental changes that should help the Huskers.

“We’re going to play more 94 feet than maybe we have before,” Sadler said. “We have to find a niche at Nebraska that’s maybe a little bit different.”

He doesn’t believe NU will be able to man up and defeat teams like Kansas, Texas and Texas A&M. “I’m not confused to think we’re going to line up with 13 players as good as some of the other teams,” he said.

The non-conference schedule is clearly geared to build confidence, as Sadler pointed out.

9:45 a.m. — TEXAS TECH

The General looks good, decked out in a light blue. But he’s answering questions Wednesday about the ALCS, rooting for “his guy” Eric Wedge since the St. Louis Cardinals – coached by his buddy Tony LaRussa – aren’t around.

Now he’s waxing poetic about coaching decisions, such as starting Tim Wakefield over Josh Beckett. Now he’s ranting about TV types, which is great.

“If Beckett were to win tomorrow, it’s all going to be about he can’t pitch another game,” Bob Knight said.

He’s hilarious – when he wants to be. He’s rolling with this baseball thing, that’s for sure. Then the topic turns to D. Wayne Lukas, another buddy of his.

“We may get through this whole thing and not talk about basketball,” Knight said.

Finally, when he’s asked something basketball-related, such as the impact of 6-foot-10 center Ricardo De Bern, he bristles, saying with such limited practices, he doesn’t know how good he is. But …

‘We didn’t bring (him) in to be a cheerleader,” Knight said.

And he kept going. Controversial? Sure. Intelligent? No question.

Amazing — only one question pertaining to basketball. Ladies and gentlemen, Robert Montgomery Knight.

9:31 a.m. — COLORADO

The toughest challenge is going to be spelling the new CU coach’s name.

It’s Jeff B-Z-D-E-L-I-K.

“I’m coming in with both eyes open,” he said.

This guy is going to be solid. Don’t believe me? He’s prepared, that’s obvious. He spewed out financial figures about how much a new basketball operations center (950K) will cost, how much a new locker room that is presently under construction will cost (750K). He stated, with confidence, about a new practice facility being built with three years – as it is apparently written into his contract.

“What do 18-year-olds want to see?”

He doesn’t have great expectations for Year 1.

“I understand where we are,” Bzdelik said. “We’re looking up at the league.”

He likes some of the talent already on hand, which helps in implementing his style of basketball.

“Marcus (Hall) and Richard (Roby) are excellent players,” Bzdelik said. “… It’s good to have them back.”

As for Roby, who struggled in 2006, Bzdelik said there many reasons his star didn’t play well last year.

“He didn’t shoot the ball well, but I don’t think it was a question of skill,” he said. “It was the quality of shot. It wasn’t all Richard’s fault, but now he has to be an active participant in his own rescue.”

His favorite phrase, based on Wednesday alone, is “desperate effort.” I love it. It works on so many levels.

9:15 a.m. — TEXAS

Nice look for Rick Barnes – no tie with his dark suit.

A sign of how relaxed he is? Not quite. He’s planning on ratcheting the intensity up even more, specifically on defense.

‘We haven’t been a good defensive team,” Barnes said.

Speaking of defense – terrible transition, I’m aware – the coach seems to be a little bit defensive, with the constant references to Kevin Durant’s departure. The Longhorns need to play a specific way, and that might have slipped a bit with a talent like Durant around.

Not anymore, and not with D.J. Augustin, who was fourth in the nation in assists (6.7 per game), around.

“D.J. had a phenomenal year, in terms of what he did,” Barnes said. “His family lost everything in (Katrina). … He was tired last year.”

Barnes likes his freshmen – especially the big men, who should help this season. Forward Gary Johnson, the Gatorade Player of the Year in Texas, has been cleared to play. Barnes calls him “a difference-maker.” As for returning players, he mentioned Damion James as someone to watch. If James could just be more consistent, the Longhorns would be fine. Justin Mason is the most improved player, he said.

One last thing – Barnes wasn’t asked directly about the Durant-Michael Beasley comparison/similarities, but he issued this comment:

“If anybody compares anyone (in the league) to Kevin, that’s a big mistake. Guys like that don’t come along too often. He’s the most improved player we ever coached in a three-month period. I don’t know if anyone is comparing anyone to Kevin Durant, but if they are, it’s not fair.”

Fair enough.

8:55 a.m. — MISSOURI

The adjustment is over for Mike Anderson – and the Tigers.

He’s hoping a beefed-up non-conference schedule should help.

“We have to play with urgency from Day 1,” Anderson said.

There’s a lot to like about Anderson, who’s kind of a badass, which is cool. You can see why recruits would want to play at Missouri.

Depth will be the key, the coach said.

Anderson wants more out of Marshall Brown, “a guy who has been playing in Big 12 for three years, hopefully become more consistent. … Maybe have a breakout year.”

Asked about Bill Self’s assertion that the Tigers might be the surprise team in the league, he kind of scoffed.

“I don’t know about sneaking,” Anderson said.

He’s more comfortable, and the horses are there – beginning with point guard Stefhon Hannah. If you thought he was good last year, if you thought the Tigers were good last year, wait until this season.

“We’re going to go faster this year,” Anderson said.

Buckle up.

8:40 a.m. — BAYLOR

Scott Drew is way, way too pumped up. He’s excited about the start of the season, but this dude would be excited if his dog died.

My veteran colleague, Rick Plumlee, had a couple of questions. For me, not Drew.

“Is there something wrong? Do people have to yell?”

Drew is talking about his newcomers, but haven’t we heard this before? It’s always about the new talent in Waco, but the results never seem to follow. Maybe this is the year. Drew is certainly excited about it.

If Baylor doesn’t take a step forward in the standings this year, “I’d be disappointed,” Drew said.

Man, he smiles a lot.

Curtis Jerrells was first-team all-conference? Unbelievable turn of events. News to me and several other media members in attendance. How does that happen? If a Bear is named first-team all-conference and no one realizes it, did it really happen?

Now he’s talking about reaching the postseason, which is commendable. You have to dream big, right?

8:25 a.m. — KANSAS

Bill Self is so country. Didn’t one of his players or recruits just say that? I think Mario Little, but I digress. He rolled into this ballroom at the Marriott, finishing the last bites of whatever he just ate for breakfast.

“It’s too early to be doing this,” Self said.

Ah, yes, there’s a theme developing.

First big topic he touches on is – drumroll, please – Brandon Rush. Self says Dec. 1 is still the date, but incredibly, the second question he’s asked if regarding football. A sign of the times, no doubt.

“I think it’s great what they’re doing,” Self said.

He’s talking about building depth, suggesting Brady Morningstar will see more playing time early, which seems hard to believe, doesn’t it? The topic switches to Sherron Collins, who Self hopes will be as good as he was in stretches, and then to the rest of the league, where Self thinks there will be much parity.

“… I think K-State is going to be very, very good,” Self said. “… They should get better as the year goes on.”

My veteran colleague, Rick Plumlee, yawns as he types. It happens again. He pauses, rubs his eyes, resumes typing but not before another yawn.

It’s too early to be doing this, man.

8:10 a.m. — OKLAHOMA

The best spot to be in at Big 12 Media Days for the coaches?

Eight a.m. slot. Little media, those that are here are groggy. OU’s Jeff Capel is taking advantage, the first coach on the podium. He’s talking about newcomer Blake Griffin, who Capel says “will be a good one for us.”

Peter Irwin, the moderator, almost apologizes for the lack of questions, saying, “It’s early for them, coach.”

Capel says the backcourt has to improve, which means he doesn’t have much concerns about the frontcourt. The Sooners should be decent, if only because they play so hard, which can be directly attributed to Capel, who is a good young coach. Sharp dresser, too.

By J-Mart | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (3)

Different plan for Sutton

Oct. 16, 200711:45 a.m.

This is Plan B.

Dominique Sutton planned to be at K-State right now, adding another five pounds of muscle to the 10 he’d already gained under the tutelage of strength and conditioning coach Scott Greenawalt. He was prepared to bypass a role on the offensive end in favor of being the Wildcats’ lock-down defender, a role the 6-foot-5, 210-pound Sutton was relishing.

That was Plan A.

Reality reigned, however, meaning the summer coursework Sutton completed at K-State wasn’t enough, so Sutton, a forward from The Patterson School in Lenoir, N.C., will finish his qualifying work — he said Tuesday it was an English credit — at Notre Dame Prep in Fitchburg, Mass.

“I’ll leave at the end of the week,” said Sutton, adding that he believes Jamar Samuels — another mid-year enrollee — will also be joining him at Notre Dame Prep; Samuels did not return messages left on his cell phone. “I’ll work out with the team, but I’m not playing for them. … This is the only thing holding me back.”

He said his first day in Manhattan will be Dec. 14, which means his first game with the Wildcats will be against Florida A&M at the Sprint Center in Kansas City. Because he’ll be nearly two months behind the rest of his teammates, Sutton knows how he’ll be able to make an instant impact.

“Just contribute how I can, which is by guarding the opponent’s best player every night,” he said. “I’m not worried about my offense. I grab rebounds. I’m very aggressive and I hustle, get loose balls. … A lot of people have commented about seeing me this summer, about me doing more than that this summer, but I was just feeling myself at the next level. I’m still working.

“My only downfall is my three-point ball. It’s not consistent. I’m more of a slasher. I like to pass the ball and get everyone involved. Defense is my specialty. I just play hard. That’s what the people want. I’m ready to get this show on the road. December is right around the corner.”

Expectations, especially following last week’s “Madness in Manhattan,” are rising, but that’s fine with Sutton. He and his future classmates are embracing their “No. 1 recruiting class in the country” title, but not at the expense of the team.

“We’re playing for greatness,” Sutton said. “We’re playing to win championships.”

Sounds like Plan C.

ALSO…

CALLED Bill Barton, who I thought was still the basketball coach at Notre Dame Prep. He’s not — he’s now an assistant coach at Duquesne, working under Ron Everhart, who used to coach at Northeastern (Frank Martin was on his staff) and he’s a native of West Virginia (as is Bob Huggins).

See the connection?

Anyway, he believes Martin will be fine in his first season because “if you’re a good high school coach, you can be a good college coach.”

Asked about Mike Beasley, who played his final season of high school for Barton, and if he was worried about the K-State freshman forward adapting to the rigors of college basketball, Barton replied, “No, I personally wouldn’t worry about Mike at the professional level. He’s a talent that doesn’t come along every year.”

A LOT of fans have pointed to a lack of outside shooting as a possible Achilles’ heel for the Wildcats, but Sutton didn’t seem too worried.

“Jacob Pullen can shoot the three-ball,” he said. “He lives by that. He’s a very good shooter. And Clent (Stewart), he led the team last year in three-point percentage. And Bill (Walker) is coming along. He’s more of a jump-shooter now. All he did this summer was shoot his jumper. He’s at the point where you don’t know how to guard him. You have to play him for his jumper, plus he’s so strong now. He’s known as “Sky” Walker, but when he hits three, four jumpers in a row and someone comes out to guard him, well, you know what happens next.

“It’s going to tough for teams to match up with him.”

SUTTON has a 1-year-old daughter named Nykira. She lives in North Carolina.

By J-Mart | Filed under Basketball | Comments (3)

What’s the Big deal?

Oct. 15, 20073:25 p.m.

Random musings from the Oct. 15 Big 12 coaches’ conference call:

IT was interesting to see Cody Hawkins and Josh Freeman chatting it up during pre-game warm-up tosses. Hawkins and Freeman were both EA Sports Elite 11 quarterbacks in 2005, which helps explain the acquaintance — and it also might explain Hawkins’ four turnovers in K-State’s 47-20 victory Saturday. Perhaps he was pressing, wanting to impress a peer? Hold on, Cody’s dad said Monday. “I think, for the first time, he was trying to force some things,” the CU coach said. “But the guy’s a freshman. … The other thing is, he got drilled a bit. They got after him.” Have to love Hawk… On a whim, I dug up the rest of the 2005 Elite 11 list, and it’s impressive – Georgia’s Matt Stafford, Florida’s Tim Tebow, Illinois’ Juice Williams, and Washington’s Jake Locker. There are transfers: Mitch Mustain, formerly of Arkansas and now at USC; Zach Frazier, formerly of Notre Dame and now at UConn; and Jevan Snead, formerly of Texas and currently at Ole Miss. The others – Neil Caudle (Auburn), Pat Devlin (Penn State) and Kevin Riley (California) – are currently stuck behind veterans.

NO one is better at spouting more clichés in a 10-minute span than Iowa State’s Gene Chizik.

OKLAHOMA State coach Mike Gundy loves Adarius Bowman, who many assumed would be the best receiver in the conference. Then Texas Tech’s Michael Crabtree and K-State’s Jordy Nelson blew up. No doubt Bowman has the highest NFL upside of the group, but which receiver would you like as your No. 1? Regardless of system, Crabtree is ridiculous. And Nelson is beating constant attention every Saturday. Bowman is a man among boys.

BILL Callahan said he didn’t anticipate making any changes to his staff Monday, but that was before news spread that Nebraska athletic director Steve Pederson was fired. Asked about his relationship with the former A.D., Callahan said, “We talk just about every day. We continue to talk about ways to improve our program.” Might want to start looking for a mover, Bill.

BOB Stoops said defensive end Auston English “has played better or as well as anybody we’ve had at the position.” Works for us.

ENOUGH. Graham Harrell’s numbers can’t be overlooked any longer. Or they shouldn’t be, at least. But even within his own conference, there seems to be a stigma in playing for Tech’s pass-happy system. “He’s a phenomenal quarterback in a system that allows him to be really good,” Chizik said. “… He’ll shatter every record that place has ever known. On sheer numbers, I don’t know how his name wouldn’t be up for some of those awards.” Maybe it’s that Leach doesn’t pump him up enough. “He’s really good,” Leach said Monday. “He’s really good, only a junior. He continues to get better.” He wouldn’t say he’s the best quarterback he’s had in Lubbock, which would probably help the cause. It’s what Gary Pinkel has done in consecutive weeks in regard to Chase Daniel, who has vaulted himself into Heisman consideration.

By J-Mart | Filed under Big 12 | Comments (1)