- I asked Bill how many times he’s been asked about O.J., including my latest query, and he replied, “Probably 20.” I asked if he ever got sick of talking about Mayo, and he said, “Nah, that’s my man, 100 Grand.” 100 Grand is his nickname for Mayo, because of his smile. Now you know…
- Ran into Mike, who looked relieved to be no longer answering questions. Asked him how he was doing, and he said, “Uhhhh…” Not sure if that was good or bad, but that was his response. But he said it was a bemused look on his face.
- The team is real confident. Not overconfident, mind you, but very much aware and in tune with what needs to be accomplished. Frank told me that if they make shots, they’re tough to beat. I believe sys and Rusty said precisely that after the A&M loss, so props to those two cats.
- Dominique Sutton said he will be on O.J. at various points, and the two have a long history as well on the AAU circuit. “He knows this face D-ing him up,” ‘Nique said, laughing. “O.J. knows.”
- Killing time: Luis Colon was on his Sidekick when reporters ventured into the locker room; Chris Merriewether was playing a video game – probably Battleship; Ron Anderson sat silently, solemnly at his locker with his iPod on.
- This one comes via Jeff Tuttle, one of the Eagle’s outstanding photographers because I wasn’t there – and yes, he has a photo, and if you’re nice, he might allow me to post it here: O.J. just ducked into the K-State locker room and spotted Mike. “Hey, Mike,” he yelled. Beasley turned around, acknowledged Mayo, and O.J. said, “Is Bill is there?” Moments later, Bill emerged and he and Mayo embraced. Nice moment.
- Some people inside the program that I trust are convinced the Wildcats understand what’s at stake and are playing with more energy than before, especially Bill. He’s up for the challenge of meeting O.J., but that could backfire, too. Anyway, it won’t be for a lack of effort if K-State falls. USC is pretty good. But all of the guys put up extra shots Sunday, and they all realize what lies ahead. Jacob Pullen said, “It’s win or go home. We know that.” ‘Nuff said.
- One last thing – it’s awesome covering this tournament, and it hasn’t even officially started yet. I’ve never done a Division I tournament. I covered a Div. III run to the Final Four – York College (Pa.), represent – but nothing like this. Unreal. Great atmosphere. Can’t wait for tomorrow’s games. I’d do this for free, but why do it for free when the Eagle will pay me? I love this.
13 Comments
J-Mart, you a former YDR scribe? Nice! Central PA resident here.
The Spartans don’t have anything on Elizabethtown College. D-III love, baby!
J-Mart-
Since we likely aren’t doing Friday Forum this week, I might post a 200 word essay about how jealous I am of you right now.
I want Yosh in the next Forum before sys and his Baylor hate knock him from the winner’s circle.
Complete and utter jealousy for you Chief Jmart!!
Say hello to the cats for us fans sitting at home watching the tube tomorrow night.
I am very jealous of you right now. Getting paid to go to the NCAA Tournament….wow. Oh yeah, your Forum Friday is freaking rigged…….
Jeff, awesome job. I can’t imagine being a KSU fan in the “olden days” when we didn’t get good stuff like this. The only downside is you sucking up to two of the craptiest fans of KSU.
Good job jmart now get some hot cheerleaders pics and ask bill and mike if they planning to go get autographs from any celebs over there
I am not the most up-to-date with the latest technology…my guess is Colon’s Sidekick is not a Suzuki.
Please clarify.
Catching up: Yep, a former YDR writer, but not by choice. Long story. No Forum Friday this week, but probably returning next week. Fatima insisted she was sending an update, but I’ve yet to see anything. Hmmmm… Hot cheerleader pics? Check… Sidekick is a mobile device. Seriously? You didn’t know that? How funny would it be to see Sweet Lu in a Suzuki Sidekick, though?
i’d rather see Lu on a Segway…
“Ron Anderson sat silently, solemnly at his locker with his iPod on.”
What???? Please tell me that he is going to be okay.
Just read your article from the Eagle. Are you implying that Walker is gone? I hope he stays for his own good and K-State’s.
JEFF!
I do have an update. I just haven’t been still long eough to submith it properly and you know it…