K-Stated

Art Alvarez answered the phone Thursday, even though he was already on the other line.

The caller? Florida coach Billy Donovan.

The presumed subject? Freddy Asprilla, a 6-foot-10 center who was the Sun Belt Freshman of the Year in March after averaging 14 points and 9.3 rebounds at Florida International.

Because FIU fired Sergio Ruoco – who was the reason Asprilla, who originally committed to Miami but didn’t have a sufficient SAT score, attended the school in the first place – the center is looking for a new home.

“Everybody in America has inquired about him,” Alvarez said.

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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.

From the Kansas State sports information department:

Kansas State head coach Frank Martin and the men’s basketball team will hold its season-ending banquet on Tuesday, April 14 at 7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn at the Campus in Manhattan, athletics department officials announced today.

Tickets for the banquet are available March 27 for $50 per person, $400 for a table of 10 people or $600 for table of nine with a member of the team.  The event is limited to the first 300 people and fans are encouraged to make their reservations by Thursday, April 9 or until the event is sold out.

The evening’s festivities will include a review of the 2008-09 season, a highlight video and presentation of both awards and senior gifts.  A complimentary meal will be included in the ticket price and a cash bar will be available throughout the evening.

Fans interested in ordering tickets for the banquet may do so in person at the K-State Athletic Ticket Office in Bramlage Coliseum or by calling toll-free, (800) 221.CATS.  The ticket office is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

There are about 50 Kansas State fans in the Jenny Craig Pavillion. And there’s this:

And the San Diego State fans? Give them props for spirit. Some kid was screaming at Darren Kent, saying, “White Tiger? That’s a stupid nickname.” I don’t think Darren heard.