Nice win, and nice to see Frank Martin’s reaction afterwards – first with Doc Sadler, who is someone Martin has a lot of respect for, and then with the media in regards to his Wildcats. He has never minced words when it comes to how he feels about this team, and Saturday, he allowed himself to sound a little vulnerable, which has to be difficult for him.
I walked away thinking the Kansas State coach realizes how rewarding this season has been, especially compared to last year, when outside observers believed his job was easy because of the existence of Michael Beasley and Bill Walker. In actuality, it was just the opposite, certainly for a first-year coach.
There is a question I tend to ask coaches and, sure, it might be a cliche. But I always wonder, is the job more satisfying when you coax more out of a group with minimal expectations or when a talented group finds success? I asked Martin this once and he was perplexed. In his mind, coaching is always coaching, but I bet if I’d asked him my question following Saturday’s game, his answer would have been heartfelt and thoughtful.
Are the Wildcats talented? There is athleticism to spare, but I don’t know if anyone would refined enough at either end of the court to qualify as talented. That, to me, makes 20 wins so much more impressive.
Know how we, the media, always write about “buying in”? Well, K-State bought in so much, the Wildcats have sold out. It’s remarkable, really, how much they’ve trusted Martin, and how much he, although it may not seem it from game to game, trusts his players.
But now is when everything gets interesting. A solid case could be made that if K-State wins tomorrow night, the Wildcats should be in the NCAA Tournament. Why? Because the Big 12 should get at least four teams in the tournament, and K-State would be the No. 4 seed in the conference tournament. Personally, I don’t think it’s that simple, and neither does Martin.
There is still work to be done, and if it’s more wins that it will take to impress the selection committee, fortunately for the Wildcats, there are more games left to be played. If K-State rips off a handful more victories, it would be difficult to deny the Wildcats a dance ticket. How many? Who knows for sure?
But, in that scenario, K-State controls its own future, and Martin can live with that. He’s seen enough from the Wildcats to know what to expect, and there can’t be a better feeling for a coach – a second-year coach who now has 41 wins to his credit – than that.
6 Comments
Well written J-mart. I too was in the group of people that though that Martin was just a guy brought here to keep Beasley and Walker. But this year his coaching skills have imporoved and i really enjoy listening to him talk to Wyatt and Stan immediately follwing each game on the radio. He just seems to say the right things and it makes me like him more and more. I’m beginning to hope that Frank stays with this program for years and years because he gets good players and the players want to play well for him. I also think his humble background makes him affable to the K-State community. Go Cats.
i don’t think he’s any better as a coach. he was a good coach last year (in a more difficult situation, as jeffrey points out).
definitely better at being interviewed this year, you know?
Post-season aside…this year was supposed to be a rebuilding year. Last year the players revolved around Mike and Bill and the insane amount of talent they brought. Don’t get me wrong, the team has talent, but Mike and Bill were in the clouds, above the clouds even. But Bill and Mike are gone and we were supposed to struggle, and at first we did.
The fact that we’ve made it to another 20 win season is outstanding. It has been a remarkable revolution and rebirth in the past three seasons here in Manhattan. With the talent coming next year, we stand to be an even better team.
Great job Coach Martin for building the synergy in this group of kids and maintaining an even keel even though your animation during the game might say otherwise. You have the charisma and leadership that we require to be the best. Great job Wildcats for the mental toughness and determination that you display on the court and in the classroom and for another exciting season!
Are we the same caliber right now as Kansas or UConn, probably not, but there is no reason that we can’t be. Go Cats!
Some HBBIQ EMAW’r posted a Goodman piece about how the top three recruits from last year’s class could all miss the dance this season. Kinda puts things into perspective.
Great stuff J-Mart, and I agree with the previous post of how this year he’s doing at least as good of job (if not better) than last year due to the talent issue… Coach Martin can coach, and besides the 41 games he’s won in two years, another example would be the growth of a Mr. Luis Colon. The progress he’s made over two short years is phenomenal and a testitment to Frank and the staff…
I have got to comment on something kwilla said in the above post. Luis Colon has made great strides on what I consider little talent but great desire and hustle. I have to wonder what could have happened to Jason Bennett if he had stayed and had half of Luis’s attitude and hustle. I guess we will never know but I like the way Luis has developed. Frank is a “coach”.