I’m blessed. And you are too.
Jordy Nelson and Michael Beasley in one athletic year at Kansas State? Two once-in-a-lifetime talents passing through Manhattan at the same time? What are the odds?
We knew what to expect from Beasley, for whom the hype proved to be insufficient. I remember sitting in the press box at The Bill when the Internet reports began filtering in about the damage the freshman forward from Washington, D.C., had inflicted upon Marquette, a preseason Top 25 club, in a closed-door scrimmage.
Forty-two points and 12 rebounds? Was that even possible?
With Michael Beasley, we soon learned nothing was impossible – not beating Kansas, not averaging 26 and 12 and being named a first-team All-American, and not guiding K-State to a victory in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 20 years.
But we anticipated greatness, on some level, from Beasley, who probably never should have set foot upon a college campus.
Never saw it coming with Nelson.
What a revelation he was in 2007, for much more than all of the tired storylines – Riley County native, former defensive back, the color of his skin. His play on Saturday, every Saturday, made it so. He was the most productive wide receiver in college football; Texas Tech’s Michael Crabtree had better numbers, but he was also surrounded by multiple receiving targets in the Red Raiders’ aerial attack.
Nelson, like JFK assassin Lee Harvey Oswald and scorned NBA official Tim Donaghy, acted alone. And he still couldn’t be stopped – do you realize his worst game was six catches for 82 yards against San Jose State?
And a couple of weekends ago, Nelson – a consensus All-American like Beasley – was rewarded for his efforts, selected in the second round of the NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers, 36th overall and the third wide receiver taken off the board.
Beasley’s big day will come June 26, when he is expected to be one of the first two names called by NBA commissioner David Stern. Why anyone would contemplate passing on Beasley is hard to fathom, a potentially franchise-changing decision for some general manager.
Anyway, my question is this: whose season was more memorable and why? Now, that can be interpreted in a number of ways, which is precisely what I want to hear from all of you.
26 Comments
It’s an interesting argument, but I think Beasley’s season is the one that will be long remembered throughout the Wildcat Nation. No single player has changed the landscape of Wildcat sports as quickly as he did. Beasely put us in the headlines of national Sports Pages, not just regional. Even in their hayday, the football team was still not respected as one of the country’s elite. That was never more evident then this year and the fact that Jordy got little play on the media outside of the Sunshine State. At least he was rewarded for his efforts on draft day, as will Michael. Unfortunately, Jordy’s great season will have little impact once the first game kicks off in 2008, but we are going to feel the impact of Beasely for at least the next 3-4 years…for both the good and bad. He redefined a program, and that’s why he was a true, once in a generation player.
It’s an interesting argument, but I think Beasley’s season is the one that will be long remembered throughout the Wildcat Nation. No single player has changed the landscape of Wildcat sports as quickly as he did. Beasely put us in the headlines of national Sports Pages, not just regional. Even in their hayday, the football team was still not respected as one of the country’s elite. That was never more evident then this year and the fact that Jordy got little play on the media outside of the Sunshine State. At least he was rewarded for his efforts on draft day, as will Michael. Unfortunately, Jordy’s great season will have little impact once the first game kicks off in 2008, but we are going to feel the impact of Beasely for at least the next 3-4 years…for both the good and bad. He redefined a program, and that’s why he was a true, once in a generation player.
It’s almost impossible to compare the two. Beasley was obviously amazing, but there is such a great story behind Jordy. Why do we have to pick one or the other? Why can’t we just feel lucky to have been blessed with both?!
Even though this was the first year I actually watched EVERY basketball game, I still think Nelson’s season will remain with me longer. It could be that I’m more of a football fan, but I’ll never forget that day, in Austin, in the stands, surrounded by arrogant UT fans, watching Jordy have a heyday.
“Who is that guy?” “Man he’s fast.” “He’s a big receiver.” “Why can’t we tackle him?!” “For god’s sake, cover that guy!” – was all I kept hearing. With a smirk and a slight chuckle, I watched as they all left in the 2nd half when he returned that punt 80 some yards down the sideline.
It’s a great story that the state of Kansas can produce a talent like that.
Oh, and come to think of it, maybe I produced a bit more than just a smirk and a chuckle.
Hmmm. Both should be remembered as having huge impacts, but it is hard to argue that Beasley’s impact was not greater than Nelson’s. Personally for me it will be Jordy because of how he did it. Kansas Native, walk on, stayed 4-5 years. He is KState. But I will always think of Beasley as one of the two recruits we got that put KSU back on the basketball map (Bill W being the other). Tough to decide, a top notch person and football player compared to a top notch person (from everything I hear) and basketball player. We were lucky to see them both.
Beasley’s will be more remembered for the impact his season had on his program, and his reltive separation with the recent caliber of KSU basketball player.
Jordy, while having the best WR season in KSU history, wasn’t far and away above (but he is better than) recent WRs James Terry, Quincy Morgan, Darnell McDonald or Kevin Lockett. (Morgan and Lockett were also 2nd round NFL picks BTW.) Also, K-State has had Heisman finalists, concensus AAs and NFL top 5 draft picks in the past 10 years at other positions. Guys like Bishop, Sproles and Newman had equal or better seasons than Jordy on the grid iron. All that said, I think Jordy will be the best offense NFL player the Cats have produced since Lynn Dicky (Ironically also a Packer)
Beasley OTOH, is far and away better than any basketball player in the past 20 years at K-State. Guys like Hatcher, Dies, Massey and Martin will be remembered as the best player of this era…Beaz is more than twice as good as any of them. There just isn’t a comparable player in recent History…not since Mitch at least.
Most of all, the football teamed tanked at the end of the year, while the basketball team had a reletively great year. When looking at the recent histories of the programs, the seasons success/failure is magnitized. The football program went to the postseason in 12 of the past 14 years prior to this last season. Basketball went 4 times during that span and only made the NCAAs once. They hadn’t won an NCAA game in 2 decades. It’s clear that Beasley’s season will stand out more in K-State history.
Mike. Period.
Mike, for above all other reasons he will be KSU’s first real elite professional athlete.
We are all so proud of him!
Gotta be Mike. K-State football has seen elite talent, all-americans, high draft picks in the last 15 years, but K-State basketball hasn’t.
Mike was the most talented basketball player in the NCAA this year, no question. Jordy was great, I love that he was a nobody from Kansas who works hard, he represents what the state is all about, but Mike was a talent we will NEVER see again at K-State.
The two biggest victories in K-State basketball in the last 20 years were because of Mike, Jordy of course can’t be faulted for the failure of the team, but his last season here will be forgetable, Mike’s won’t.
I love B-Easy and Jordy both. Can’t choose between them.
But I don’t buy that Tim Donaghy acted alone. Not for one second.
In the state of Kansas and the fine university of K-State, I believe it’s a toss up like most of you said. Everyone is going to remember those two for a long time.
But as for popularity and how memorable those two will be in their given sport, it’s MB all the way. For years to come during every televised basketball game they will remember the seasons Kevin Durant and Micheal Beasley had back-to-back. Once in a lifetime players happened back-to-back. Everytime there is another stud player, they will compare them to MB.
Both MB and JN put up god-like stats, but MB was more phenominal.
An interesting question, JMart.
Before I give an answer, let me just mention that while I understand the analogy you were trying to make, comparing Jordy to either Oswald or Donaghy is perhaps not the best way to make that point.
So, back to the question…
Is it really possible to compare the two in this way without somehow lessening the impact of the one not chosen as “most memorable”? Arguments can be made for both Jordy and Mike, true. But to make that argument dismisses all the hard work, achievements and God-given talent of the less memorable of the two, does it not?
To put in perspective, I would liken Mike’s season to that of Haley’s Comet. A brilliant, once-in-a-lifetime event for KState fans. How many of us will be thrilled to say “I SAW Mike play at KState” in the future? A good bet is that in 20 years the “attendance” of KState fans when we beat KU this past season will rival that of those who claim to have been at Woodstock, as these things tend to grow over the years. Still, a brilliant, shining and memorable season for everyone to recall with fondness.
On Jordy’s side, we have a longer body of work to appreciate. In keeping with the astral theme, perhaps it’s best to compare Jordy with the constellations. Constant, comfortable to know they are there, appreciated through the ages and a founding aspect of our existence (both as KState football fans and as humans – in the appreciation for the stars).
Is the constellation LESS worthy of note, praise or remembrance than the comet? Is the comets brilliance SO dominant in our memories that it dwarfs the consistency of the constellation?
My feeling is that both seasons were transformational. Mike, surely, brought a level of success and excitement to KState basketball and heralded the arrival of the Frank Martin era. Jordy, perhaps providing a glimpse of what the Ron Prince offense can become, could in time be equally influential in providing the blueprint for wide receiver success in that offense.
I say appreciate BOTH seasons. Appreciate BOTH players for what they brought to KState and for the good guys they are. BOTH seasons and players are deserving of praise, qualified within the sport they played but held separate in order to understand the true value of their individual impact.
Perhaps the best thing that can be said is that we, as KState fans, are fortunate because BOTH chose to attend KState and represent our school.
Barn, O.G.
One person called Mike KSU’s first elite Pro Athlete well I think Mr. Richmond would argue that. 9 time all star, All Star MVP, first 9 years in the NBA over 20 PPG (only 5 others ever done it, truly elite. That said Mike Beasley changed the B-Ball equation at KSU. If Jordy’s teams would have won more it would be closer but Mike wins hands down.
I’d have to say Mike. Jordy was great and we will all remember him for a long time. But, Mike was, I don’t know, just Mike. There are not the correct word to discribe him. Mike was the best player in all of college basketball, and he wore purple. Not red and blue, or carolina blue, but a Kansas State uniform. And he did things with a basketball that I have never seen anyone do at any level. While I’m sure Jordy will have a nice NFL career, I think Mike will be one of the top 10 players in the NBA within the next three years. And will will all be able to say he played for us.
How can you compare a second round wide receiver with the best player in the country? Just b/c he’s local? Not even close…
insulting comparison for beasley. feels like you are pandering to provincial kansans.
Insulting? Obviously you aren’t a K-Stater.
We don’t need your kind of attitude around here. Two completely different athletes in two completely different sports. And besides, we’re not comparing the two players. We talking about who you will rememeber most.
Guys, get a clue before you spout that garbage.
For those that have trouble understanding: Not whos the best, who will be most remembered. For KSU fans, both because of what they brought to KSU and how they performed. For those others (above) that are not KSU fans, probably Beasley, but that’s looking at it in terms of who was better at their position and sport.
Methinks you’re comparing an apple to an orange.
Jordy will always be a special part of K-State, much like my Manhattan High classmate and College Football Hall of Famer Gary Spani… the hometown boy that makes good.
Beasley? What can you say? In one fell swoop, we’re back to the K-State basketball I grew up with. KU may have won the national championship… but thanks to Bill W. and B-Easy, we’re one of only three teams to beat ‘em.
Frank Martin has earned the opportunity to mature into as good a coach as he is a recruiter. Ron Prince? Well, as we used to say at MHS, “tweet, tweet, tweet, tweet….”
To me, it’s pretty simple. Jordy had a great year. I’ll be telling my kids and everyone I know that I watched Beasley in college, and about all he did, and that I was there in person. Jordy will not be such a legend — merely a guy in the record books.
Beasley in a landslide.
What an insult to Michael Beasley to be mentioned in the same argument as Jordy Nelson. Even forgetting whatever happened on the court/field, did you listen to any of the interviews/soundbites provided by Mike!? Unbelievable how great he is on camera. Plus, Jordy drew zero national attention to Kansas State while Mike got more natioanl pub than any other basketball player this side of white dorkstore at UNC. Not even fair to compare Mike and Jordy imHo.
Michael Beasley will always be known as the guy that turned KSU basketball around. Jordy will always be known as the small town guy that got it done. Jordy had to work his butt off to even get a scholarship, Michael had the size,weight and talent to get anything he wanted. In response to the person commenting on Mike’s “sound bites,” I think you may want to think about that some more. Jordy is shy and timid in interviews, but he can atleast form credible and complete sentences. Michael Beasley didnt do much the same all the time. Jordy represented the school more because he was there all four years and is from there to start with. Michael came in, worked hard and left. In Kansas citizens eyes Jordy will be loved more, but Michael will be credited with turning the program around. Let’s just hope KSU basketball fairs well next year because if they do not, Michaels work has left many open voids.
Jordy Nelson is absolutely 1 in a million, but I don’t think there’s a chance he’s bigger than Mike. I would definitely put Jordy’s season on par with what Darren Sproles did for about three years. If you’re looking for a football/basketball comparison for Mike, I think you’ve got to go with Michael Bishop. He wasn’t here long, but the impact was flat out BIG! Now, will Mike’s time here usher in a ‘decade of dominance’…that remains to be seen. It’s hard to not get excited about the guys coming in the year after next though!!!
Jordy Nelson will be one hell of a story through many, MANY years in this program. Coaches will be inspiring young college athletes with his story. That story will translate into motivation, and might just bring somebody else out of their shell.
You expected what you seen from Michael Beasley.
Nobody seen what came out of Jordy from 30,000 feet.
It’s really, that simple. But I was blessed to experience both stories in one season.
Two thoughts: Michael Beasley did revive basketball quickly albeit briefly. And to call his appearances on camera unbelievable? Yes, it was difficult to believe he’d been to so many “prep” schools because he didn’t seem to be prepped at all to complete a single sentence.
Nelson is the most memorable, no question. Beasley was the better athlete, but one season and done can’t outdo what Nelson gave Cat fans. Nelson is a guy from Kansas who walked-on and became an All American. I love Beasley, but there’s just so much more to remember about Nelson.