K-Stated

Here are a couple of Mike Beasley nuggets/facts to pass along:

HE’S not overly close with Blake Griffin, his fellow McDonald’s All-American, but he respects the OU freshman’s game. A lot. But he’s apparently quite close with Texas A&M’s DeAndre Jordan, K-State’s second Big 12 foe. Beasley said the families are close, and perhaps that’s something Mrs. Smith can comment upon (hint, hint).

MIKE is a sand-bagger. He was asked following the Savannah State game about how he expected to be defended, and he said – almost convincingly, by the way – that he thought he’d be single-covered because the rest of the Wildcats would be able to hurt the opposition. But moments later, in a one-on-one conversation, I told him that the Sooners might start with Longar Longar alone on him. His eyes got bigger and then he started shaking his head. “Oh, I wouldn’t do that,” he said, a smile forming on his face. “I definitely wouldn’t do that.” Something tells me Jeff Capel knows better.

THERE is no filter with Mike, but that’s what makes him so enjoyable. K-State assistant sports information director Tom Gilbert said he’s a pleasure to work with because he’s been so dependable and reliable. He’s supposed to be the focus of a Grant Wahl piece in either this week or next week’s Sports Illustrated, so keep your eyes peeled for it. Apparently, there was a cover shot taken, and there was a SpongeBob SquarePants theme to the photo. Can’t wait to see it, if it makes the cut.