K-Stated

I listened to Kevin Kietzman’s show “Between the Lines” on the way back from Manhattan today. Always entertaining, I can’t ever turn the channel – especially when the topic is Kansas State.

Well, Kietzman dropped a bombshell, suggesting that because Kansas is now back in pursuit of Xavier Henry, the Jayhawks’ chase of Lance Stephenson might be over. And, because Stephenson feels spurned, his representatives might have reached out to K-State (or Missouri) in an attempt to gain revenge against KU.

Hey, I love drama as much as anyone, so I made some calls.

Don’t know if the motivation is legitimate, but I do know K-State is curious about Stephenson. I suspect the Wildcats will investigate and then move forward. But, yes, K-State is interested.

Sonny Vaccaro, the director for grassroots basketball for Reebok, is close to Stephenson. He said he spoke to the 6-foot-6 guard “this week,” and still believes it will come down to KU, Maryland and St. John’s.

“I’d be very surprised if someone else got in the picture,” Vaccaro said.

As for DeMarcus Cousins, I’m hearing he’s going to bide his time and sort things out. I don’t think he’s in a rush, and he’s not exactly a follower, either. Cal might still bag him for Kentucky. I expect K-State to make a hard push, but don’t be surprised if Anthony Grant, the new coach at Alabama, makes a play and actually lands Cousins, who is from Mobile. It would be interesting – I believe Martin is the godfather of Grant’s children, and vice versa – to see if that would strain the friendship between the two buddies from Miami Senior.

I doubt it – it’s business, really.