J-MART NOTE: This is an amazing blog entry, and I’m not even kidding. I’m certain we’ll hear from Mr. Wolters in the coming days. In fact, I’d be disappointed if we didn’t, although Dude won’t be happy with the pic I posted. But hey, I’m resourceful…
Really, this is the best name I could come up with for my blog debut. A bit sad, but if you have any recommendations for something a little more flashy, I’m all for listening.
But nevertheless, I’m in Orlando at the beautiful Milk House. Sure, it’s possibly the worst name for an arena in American history; and, yes, in the media room there is a huge mural of famous athletes with the famous Milk ‘Staches plastered on their larger-than-life faces (I’m sorry, but I can’t look at Tom Brady with milk on his upper lip without giggling); but it’s really a neat place.
As for my journey down, which began at 5 a.m…well it’s over, and that’s all that’s important. Joining me on my bus ride from the airport to the hotel was Manhattan city commissioner Bob Strawn, who said, among other things, he’s a faithful K-Stated reader. Yep, J-Mart is famous in the eyes of Manhattan’s elite. Mr. Strawn wasn’t sure what to expect with the Wildcats this week, but he did say he’s looking forward to Dominique Sutton’s arrival to help with K-State’s shooting. So there’s that.
Also, I just wrapped up a conversation with assistant sports information director Tom Gilbert. He gave me a brief lowdown on how the Wildcats have spent their time in O-Town since arriving late Tuesday.
Last night, MGM Studios had a little after hours get together for the eight teams. The park kept the rides going for all to enjoy and put out a huge spread of food for all to dine on. Sounded like a blast. Apparently there was quite a bit of familiarity among the players from their days in the AAU ranks and whatnot.
No special Thanksgiving dinner today, however. K-State had a short shootaround this morning and then it was back to the hotel for meetings and probably some rest after the late night.
And just in case you want a what-might-have-been moment before tipoff, South Carolina guard Devan Downey, who dropped 30 on Penn State here earlier today, could have been in purple tonight. Downey transferred from Cincinnati before last season and, before settling on the Gamecocks, considered Huggins and the Wildcats.
That could have been your shooter, Mr. Strawn.
P.S. – J-Mart’s on va-cay, so I’m keeping my entries to one-a-day (Vitamin!), so he doesn’t have to keep putting these up on the site. But I’ll be watching the comments below. Shoot me some questions. What would you like to know…other than about Dave Hoskins’ knee.
P.P.S. – Hope your Thanksgiving Day has been wonderful, everyone.