1. What happened at Clemson?

I didn’t feel, for what we accomplished… Nine weeks in a row of not allowing 200 yards of passing, four seasons in the top 20 in total defense and the top 16 in scoring defense? For them not to be able to make a commitment to me, I didn’t think that was right. But it’s the new coach’s call, 100 percent, to make his call, and I’m not spiteful. But I would have hoped the administration would have said something… It’s like when you have beautiful roses in the garden. If you have a few weeds, you don’t cut down the rose bushes along with the weeds, too.

2. Have you spoken with Bill Snyder?

I have had dialogue with Coach Snyder. But to the degree of anything I can comment on… Hey, we had dialogue in September. He’s an idol of mine. He’s an icon. I look to him for guidance. It’s not unusual for us to talk. But yes, we’ve spoken.

3. Ever look at the Big 12 and think, “I can handle these offenses?”

I’m not an arrogant person. To say someone can come in and slow these offenses down is arrogant. I’m very proud, too prideful to say that. I take a great deal of pride in that… The whole thing about stopping these offenses is to get better players than they have and win the one-on-one battles. Right now, their Jimmies are better than your Joes… A lot of great coaches are taking it to the next level. No one can stop it, but slowing it down is possible with better or comparable players. When Missouri came to Troy (J-MART NOTE: Koenning was the defensive coordinator at Troy from 2003-04), they had Brad Smith, and the first two drives, they drove right down the field like they stole something. But we settled down after that… But I don’t know if anyone has the answer.

4. Is the next job where you hope to “drop the anchor?”

It’s unrealistic to use the term “drop the anchor.” It’s an oxymoron in this profession. Being a coordinator, you’re going to take some bullets. The survival rate isn’t high.

5. Which brings us back to Clemson. Any regrets?

I stood my ground and believed in my accomplishments… Sure, I’ve had some calls. But I want to do what’s best for my family first. I want to go to a place where you can win – that’s what I spoke to my father about last night. He reminded me about Wyoming (J-MART NOTE: Koenning was the head coach at Wyoming from 2000-02), and how that was a tough situation.

(BONUS) 6. Just to be clear – you’ve been offered jobs?

I have to some things to consider, yes, sir.

(BONUS) 7. When do you want to start?

I’m ready to recruit now. I have a five-star recruit right here in South Carolina who is ready to go wherever I go… These are young men who you build a connection with, who want to stay with you. Wherever I go, I have to make recruiting a priority… The last six years, my areas have been the Southeast. The Florida Panhandle, South Alabama… I used to be good in Dallas, but it’s been a number of years… Recruiting now is the sophomores… I have lists here of freshmen and sophomores. You have to get to know kids from scratch.

(BONUS) 8. How and by how much do you expect to improve whichever defense you’ll be running next year?

At Wyoming, when I was the defensive coordinator under coach (Dana) Dimel, we went from 96th in the country in defense to 23rd… This year, we played five freshmen at times in our front seven… You just have to take it every day, get better, stay fundamentally sound and keep positive. That’s it.

1. Some of the fan base has grumbled about the perceived lack of competition in the non-conference schedule. Explain the strategy.

Our schedule is ranked as the 35th-toughest schedule in the nation (Rivals’ pre-season strength of schedule rankings). When we play 16 Big 12 games, that’s 16 better games than everybody but two or three conferences that are competitive with us… When you put games on your schedule, you do so to get on television and to chal-lenge your team. If I was concerned with going 12-0, we wouldn’t play Oakland, Cleveland State and Gardner-Webb. We’d play someone else. Sometimes, the sexy games are difficult to schedule… We’re playing Southern Miss, which is coached by Larry Eustachy, one of the better coaches in country, and he has a point guard who will be in the NBA next year… Last year, Gardner-Webb went into Lexington and beat Kentucky… I know I’m extremely happy with our schedule.

2. In what area do you need to improve as a coach?

The one thing you always have to continue to do is evaluating yourself. The day you think you have all of the answers, you’ll run into a dead end. I’m striving for a constant evaulation of myself… Also, patience, and that’s something I’ve battled with since the day I started coaching… But I don’t make playing time decisions based on the game. It’s all on preparation. You either prepare to succeed or prepare to fail… We all want to get to the finish line. We have to realize the finish line isn’t moving. Have to keep the feet churning.

3. What’s more ideal — coaching a talented kid to a level that is expected or coaxing the maximum ability out of a less talented kid?

It’s not one more than the other. I enjoy both. The reason I like coaching is you have to get people to co-exist. They have to realize how important it is to work together to achieve a common goal. If your selfish in your everyday life, you’re going to be lonely. It’s the same way in basketball… People have helped me grow as a person in life, and I love coaching because it allows me to do the same through basketball.

4. Do you ever dread going to work?

No. Me? Noooooo. Are you kidding me? I’m living the dream. Some people wish they could do some-thing their whole life, but never take a chance. I took a chance eight years ago, chasing a dream, and I’m living it now. It’s hard for me to be upset at life. I’ve got a healthy family, a great wife and I get to do what I dreamed of doing my whole life.

5. What type of music does Frank Martin listen to?

A little of everything. Some R&B, some Sinatra. It all depends on the mood. When I’m wound up, I want some high energy stuff to really get me going. When I need to relax, I listen to jazz, some R&B… When I’m trying to reflect, I listen to some old-time music, stuff I grew up with.

(BONUS) 6. Any truth to the rumors K-State will be playing next year in Puerto Rico?

Next question.

(BONUS) 7. If you had a Heisman Trophy vote, who would you cast it for?

The quarterback at Texas Tech (Graham Harrell). Hey, the receiver there (Michael Crabtree) is big-time, but somebody stands in the pocket and delivers the ball to him, right?

1. It’s the Year of the Freshmen, especially in the K-State-Southern California match-up in Omaha. But we’ll touch on that in a minute. Who are some of the more underrated freshmen that the national audience is going to get a chance to see?
We’re not going to see one whose team was on the cutting room floor, (Arizona State’s) James Harden. He’s good. The kid at Baylor, LaceDarius Dunn… The kid at Pitt, DeJuan Blair, plays with an effervescent smile, a wide body and tremendous heart. And Austin Daye at Gonzaga… Oh, he’s got major game. A bunch of game… 6-foot-10 and can shoot it.

2. OK, enough with the small talk. O.J. and Mike. Thoughts?
Both have stepped up and led their teams. Mike has been phenomenal. I think Mike has been the most outstanding performer in the nation, even though Tyler Hansbrough will probably be the Player of the Year. But it’s semantics. And I’ve been impressed with O.J. I just did USC’s game against Stanford. He’s strong, has change of pace, a terrific stroke, great disposition on the floor — there’s an awful lot to like about his game. I seem to think he wants to fit in some times, holding back a little. He’s working so hard, but he’s still keeping about 20 percent of what he has in the tank. It’s an admirable quality, but I’d like to see him let him rip… Measured is a good word. I think he wants to fit in more… Back to Mike, he’s got a phenomenal pace to his game. He’s so supremely gifted. He has a smoothness that gives the impression he’s not breathing harder.

3. You’re an outsider. How legitimate is the argument that youth has held K-State back?
It’s legitimate. The cynics don’t want to hear it. The haters don’t want to hear it. When you have young players, regardless of how good you are… There is a difference between being a junior with two-plus years of experience… Being able to ward off distractions, handle the success, the workload, to come back from adversity — it’s the stuff you grow through as you navigate college. That’s what youth is about. That’s where the roadblocks are. Sure, they can go out and play, but they can still be outdone by people with more experience. … Watch a team like Wisconsin, like UCLA. Watch those teams closely. Watch Georgetown. You see a difference in how they handle their business in between the lines. They don’t get rattled when they make mistakes. Whether it’s losing your cool, like Bill Walker in the game when Frank sat him for the last 10 minutes (at Nebraska)… Heck, I’ve got three kids, two in college. There are things they won’t grasp until they experience it for themselves.

4. Does K-State have what it takes to make a run in the NCAA Tournament?
That’s a tough match-up in the first round, chief. They’re going to have to strap it on. Did you see them against Memphis (in the Jimmy V Classic)? They’re going to do something defensively. The Taj Gibson-Michael Beasley match-up — it will be interesting. Gibson is angular, smart, and he’s quick. It will be interesting. And Davon Jefferson is good… The ability to dribble-drive that USC has… It’s going to be a really good game. To project a tournament run, I’m not sure. USC has shown the consistency to be a better defensive team than K-State… But USC has struggled to score the ball over the course of the year. Then again, K-State has some really nice pieces. I like Jacob Pullen, who is having a solid freshman year… It will be intriguing.

5. Everybody seems to have a take on Bill Walker. What’s yours?
I think he’s really talented. He seems like a hard-working kid. I know he’s had some issues… But part of that is just growing pains. He’s coming off an injury last year. For him to do what he’s doing, it’s hard for people to understand. With an ACL, you can come back after seven months… But you don’t get the last 10 percent back until the next year. It’s a testament to how hard he’s worked…  He seems like an ideal big-time player who doesn’t mind not being “The Guy.” He can be a marquee guy in most places, and that takes a special guy. It’s what it seems to be to me. I’m speaking from a long way away now. That’s just my impression… I always try to give these kids the benefit of the doubt. So many of my col-leagues want to project where they’re going to be in the pros. I think it’s important to know who or where they are now… Everyone’s rate of development will be different. He’s tremendously talented,though. And he’s coming off an injury… You don’t get it all back right away. He’ll be what he used to be next year. Look at anybody (with an ACL injury). It takes a year-and-a-half plus. The last 10-15 percent of consistency, of explosion, that takes longer.

(BONUS) 6. So what’s it going to take for K-State to “upset” USC?
A couple of things. One, K-State is going to have to take care of the ball. To be a good offensive team, you don’t short-change possessions. A low turnover game is important. They average 15 turnovers a game. They’ll have to do better than that. And two, it’s mind-set. Staying the course for 40 minutes, and that’s tough for young kids to do. You might get a lead, a cushion, and want to let up, but it’s fight on until the final buzzer. It’s a tough thing to get players to understand. Bring it every possession, every ro-tation on defense… It’s hard to sustain. But it will be significant to watch — which young team is going to stay engaged physically and mentally for the entire 40 minutes?

1. What other AAU organization do you most respect?
Hmmm… Well, the Atlanta Celtics. Pump-n-Run (California). Boo Williams (Virginia). I respect all of them, really.

2. Compare and contrast Michael Beasley and Wally Judge.
I think in comparison, Mike, at the same point, was more physical. Wally is more of a wing at this point… Wally is more quiet. Mike is a trash-talker. Wally is a good kid. Mike has always been a physical guy.

3. How good is Rodney McGruder? How good can he be?
I think Rodney will be a very, very good get for K-State. He’s going to be a great player… He can shoot the ball, which they could use right now. He has a nice in-between game. K-State got themselves a real nice player… I think Georgetown is upset he got out of here. He was one of the better kids in the D.C. area.

4. If you couldn’t hire Dalonte Hill, what current or ex-D.C. assault coach would you choose as a major college assistant coach?
I think Georgetown has a guy who was with us, David Cox.

5. What makes Dalonte so effective as a recruiter?
I think it’s his ability to deal with the young guys that he recruits. It’s good to have older guys on the staff, but it’s always great to have young guys to communicate with the younger players… He just has a great gift for kids. Not just kids at K-State, but kids everywhere. You have to see him interact with other people’s kids… He demands respect. He’s not a pushover. Mike loves him to death, but he knows… He’s a stand-up guy, but he’s laid-back. … I think he’ll be a great head coach one day.

(BONUS) 6. Your thoughts on Manhattan, Kansas? You’ve been here quite a bit recently.
I like it, man. The toughest part is the ride there if you’re flying into K.C… I enjoy little towns.

(BONUS) 7. What D.C. Assault player should KSU fans keep an eye on for 2010?
We have a bunch of 10th graders. Really loaded… Tyler Thornton at Gonzaga Prep, Eric Atkins, another sophomore guard from Mt. St. Joseph’s in Baltimore… Josh Hairston, who everybody has offered. He’s like a big four… (J-MART NOTE: Thornton is a 6-foot-2 guard. Atkins is a 6-foot-2 point guard who says he likes Georgetown, Maryland, Wake Forest and Duke, which is where his favorite college player, Nolan Smith, plays; Smith is Malone’s step-son. Hairston is a 6-foot-8 power forward from Spotsylvania High in Courtland, Va., who seems enthralled with Georgetown. Sounds like Dalonte is going to be going head-to-head with Mr. Cox for kids in the coming years.)

(BONUS) 8. What are your impressions of K-State in 2008-09?
You know what? With Mike out of the equation, I think they have a good solid base, should be a solid team in the Big 12. I think Ron has a hell of a upside. Dominique is going to be good. Jamar is going to be real good. And with Pullen… They should be fine.

1. Why do people get the impression you hate Kansas State? You love KU, don’t you?

Hate? Love? These are very strong emotions. Everybody knows I have no emotion. I simply judge the sports world from a stoic ivory tower and pass down judgments that are, usually, without fault. Can an ivory tower be stoic? Sorry, sometimes my own writing distracts me. Anyway, back to your question. My father whipped me with a purple belt when I was young, so maybe that has something to do with my “hatred.” There were now crimson and blue belts in our house. This is all deeply psychological and, honestly, I’m not comfortable with self-examination. The bottom line is that I’m a sports columnist who writes about my many, many opinions. Everybody has opinions; I get to share mine in a newspaper. I’m sure that annoys people. Hell, it annoys me sometimes. But I have no hatred or love for Kansas State. Ditto for Kansas. And Wichita State. And Delaware State. The only team I have “love” for is the St. Louis Cardinals, and I have a really strong feeling they’re going to test that love this summer. I’m equally loathed by Wichita State fans. And KU fans are just too cool to really care that much about what a columnist in Wichita has to say.

2. What was or has been more impressive this year — the ascent of Jordy Nelson or the arrival of Michael Beasley? Why?

Jordy who? Oh, that wasn’t very nice. Especially since I just wrote about him last week and I would have to say he’s one of my all-time favorite Wildcats. What a career he had. And any time a Kansas kid does well, it’s extra nice. I like this state. It would be kind of sad if I had spent 52 years here and didn’t like it, huh? But as good as Nelson has been, Beasley is one of those once-in-20-years stories. And players. How many times does a player like Beasley not only live up to the hype, but surpass it? I was against the hiring of Frank Martin and Dalonte Hill when it happened. Everybody knows that. And I’m still not convinced it will work in the long term, although I have been impressed with Martin. That being said, I’m thankful for the opportunity to see Beasley play in person this season. And it wouldn’t have happened had Martin and Hill not been hired. So, what I’m trying to say (and it doesn’t come easily) is that I was wrong.

3. You’re hired to succeed Tim Weiser as K-State’s athletic director. Are you happy with the first-time coaching hires your predecessor made?

First of all, I would never even apply for the job because it would mean moving to Manhattan. OK, now I’m just being silly. By the way, Weiser is one of my favorite people. Not in sports, but in life. Great, great guy. I think it’s a tough loss for K-State. But if I were hired, I would be happier about the coaches still in place than I would about having to work under K-State president Jon Wefald. I like Wefald personally. He’s an engaging guy. But I think he’s too involved in the athletics department. And if I’m an AD, I want more autonomy that I believe Wefald is willing to give. As for the coaches, I have real doubts about football coach Ron Prince. I think all of the changes on his coaching staff, in just two years on the job, is alarming. I think Prince was a real stretch. As for Martin, I’m curious to see what he can do without Beasley. And without Bill Walker, who may or may not be around next season. The jury is still out.

4. Who wins Saturday in Lawrence? Is K-State in trouble?

Kansas wins. Not the answer you K-Staters were looking for, I know. But KU will have revenge in its hearts for this one. The KU fans will have a good time with Walker and Beasley. It won’t bother Beasley in the least. He has amazing poise and focus for such a young player. It could bother Walker, though. In fact, it could send him over the edge. He lacks poise. And his focus is easily disrupted. I say it’ll be 82-68. And K-State better handle both Colorado (done deal) and Iowa State if it wants to cement itself as an NCAA Tournament team. I want to see the Wildcats in the NCAAs. Actually, I want to see Beasley in the NCAAs. I just want to see Beasley as many times as I can before he leaves for the NBA.

5. Fast forward two years — what the state’s landscape in Division I athletics look like? Is KU the dominant program in all sports? Does K-State seize control in football? Is Wichita State good again in basketball?

You know how good I am at this predicting stuff. Not good at all. So how do I know? This question is a set-up and I’m not going to put myself out there. I’ll just say that, of the three schools, Kansas State is in the most tenuous position with its athletic department. No athletic director and two unproven coaches. That’s not to say things won’t work out. It’s just to say that K-State has more question marks right now — at this very moment — than KU or WSU.

6. When can I submit something to Bob’s Blog?

Bob’s Blog is hallowed ground. One must fill out many forms and go through a detailed background check before being allowed to submit an entry. If you call the FBI, you can begin the process.

Retired and still living in the Vermont house I grew up in, Ben Martin — Benny to some, Dad to me — has been become a Kansas State nut.

God bless him.

These days, my cell phone will ring. The face will read “unknown,” even though I know who it is every time, and as soon as I answer, I hear, “Sonny…”

And for the next five-to-ten minutes, it’s all Wildcats. You realize he’s coming out for the KSU/KU game in Lawrence, right?

You asked for him, so here he is — Pop, this week’s “Five,” and with all due respect, my favorite yet.

1. What is K-State’s image back East and do people know the difference between KU and KSU?
You can answer that. (J-MART NOTE: That’s not how this works, Dad) You have a second cousin who went to K-State, Ray Butler, and played football there. I forgot what years. (J-MART NOTE: This is true — Ray Butler played at K-State from 1977-78 — in 1977, he was the backup tailback, running for 175 yards and three touchdowns, and in 1978, he was a defensive back, making 29 tackles and intercepting two passes) … So he didn’t play for Bill Snyder? (J-MART NOTE: No, Ellis Rainsberger and Jim Dickey) … I think people know the difference between the schools. Yeah, they do.

2. What’s better — Michael Beasley or Vermont maple syrup?
(Laughing) That’s hard. (J-MART NOTE: My mother can be heard in the background, giving instruction in between giggles) I don’t know what the diplomatic answer is here. (J-MART NOTE: A second passes) Michael Beasley.

3. What are your expectations of “your” Wildcats the rest of the way?
I think they can run the table, I really do. If they can get on the same page. What has to happen is… They came out against Texas Tech and I think the stripes (J-MART NOTE: He means officials) knocked them back on their heels. They played hard, but got some bad calls. Especially the one on Pullen, when he tried to get around one of those big Euros and then (Martin) Zeno inched over and then there was a wall for a screen for (Alan) Voskuil. Pullen was trying to fight through. They were cheating and the refs should have seen it… Everybody wants a piece of Beasley, including the refs… If K-State played that team on a neutral court 100 times, K-State wins 99 times. K-State is just a better team… Those kids are much better than that… (J-MART NOTE: Paranoia sets in) Are we being recorded?

4. When did you know I wanted to be a sportswriter?
Oh, we knew it a long time ago. But I thought you put yourself in a corner by simply wanting to be a sportswriter. (J-MART NOTE: This is all new to me) I wanted you to focus on news and then pursue sports later, but you got it just right. After spending nine months in Boston (J-MART NOTE: After I “graduated” from Boston University — I walked with my class, but I didn’t get my degree until 2000 — I was bartending in Beantown and I thought at the time that might turn into my career), there was an opening at the local paper.

5. Which do you love more — me or K-State basketball?
That’s a no-brainer. (J-MART NOTE: My mom is howling in the background again) I love sports, too, but it’s you.

(BONUS) 6. Have you or would you ever Wabash?
What is that? I was going to look it up… Is that like “the wave” out here? (J-MART NOTE: No, it’s a K-State tradition that isn’t all that complicated)… Oh, yeah, I would. Anything for these guys to win, anything to help.

Anyway, this is a refreshingly candid yet sort of disturbing “Five” with Pomele, the 6-foot-1, 235-pound linebacker from Santa Rosa (Calif.) Junior College who is one of the 19 junior college transfers Kansas State is bringing in or has brought in. Pomele, who is already on campus, is a pleasant, affable kid who, according to his bio, is married. He was a little nervous with so many recorders stuck in his face, but he was honest. Makes you wonder what they sold him on during the recruiting process – besides immediate playing time.

1. What impressed you about Coach Prince and Kansas State?
Just his character, the way he lives his life. Man, just to meet a guy like him, especially him coming from a JC experience as well, it’s encouraging for me to come out here. Man, there’s a lot of great things about him, a lot of great things. He really stresses to the players is being in a positive environment, which is great and that’s where I come from and where I like to be in — a positive environment. … I’m not used to this. I’m kind of the guy who likes to stay under the radar. All of this, right here, is new to me.

2. How does it feel to be at K-State?
So much of a great blessing to be out here. I’m very humbled. For me, with my family, I’m the first to be out in college. It’s a really big step and I’m just very grateful.

3. What did you know about K-State?
I didn’t watch a lot of college football, didn’t pay attention to the Big 12 — I didn’t even know they were the Big 8. I just learned that. My thoughts, my first visit was fun. I think I came Nov. 30. Definitely before the snow. The people out here were very welcoming. Out here, cause I’m from California, it’s a lot laid back, a lot slower, which is cool… The people out here were encouraging, especially the coaches. The players as well.

4. What did you learn about K-State you didn’t know before?
Fort Riley, the military place. Just learning the history about Kansas State. A lot of the bowl games they won, the legendary coach (Bill) Snyder — I never knew about him, either…

5. Have you met Coach Snyder?
I haven’t, but I’ve met his son.

(BONUS) 6. Ever heard of ‘The Miracle in Manhattan’?
Nope, not at all. I’ve seen it on YouTube… They talked to me about it, but it’s my first time experiencing it. I’m still feeling it out.

1. How did you become such a rabid basketball fan? How did that all develop?
As a kid, growing up here in western Kansas, I grew up in the (Jack) Hartman era. Rolando (Blackmon), Chuckie (Williams)… We didn’t have a football team then. I was always a basketball fan. I remember playing in my parents’ driveway, doing the play-by-play. I went to Jack’s camp, but I was too slow, too white, and too fat to play. But it was always a dream to play for Jack or K-State… I specifically have a passion for K-State basketball, and it has carried on. Here I am, 40 years old, and some people watch me at games and think I’m an idiot. I think I’m good comic relief for Frank (Martin)… I’ve never seen a win in Manhattan. In 1988, when we went to Elite Eight, we beat KU two out of three times. Everybody kind of assumed we get them again… But in the Elite Eight, the day we lost to them, it was probably the second or third darkest day — when Huggs left, the day we lost to A&M in football and losing to KU in the Elite Eight — of my life as a K-State fan… I love the game of basketball. The last eight years, though, before they hired Huggs, it was absolutely brutal. We accepted mediocrity. Everybody can be mad at Huggs for leaving, but I guarantee he misses K-State basketball more than anyone realizes.

2. How much influence do you have on K-State athletics? You’re kind of a big deal, no?
I don’t have any… I consider Tim (Weiser) a friend, but I’m not Jack Vanier. He has influence and should have influence. I’ve donated to the Ahearn Fund for a long time, but I’m no different from anyone else who has donated to the fund… The difference is I’ve become close to a few of the coaches, Frank and Brad (Underwood). They’re like brothers. I have a good relationship with Ron (Prince) and his wife. Our kids play together… I don’t think I have any more influence than anyone else that donates.

3. Why haven’t they asked you to sing the national anthem? I saw you used to be a country music singer.
I had a dream of being a star, and moving to Nashville gave me an opportunity to move away from home and grow. I came back home and sang the anthem, by myself, at a football and basketball game in the ‘90s… (J-Mart note: Why haven’t they asked you since?) They’re probably afraid I’ll take the microphone and start throwing out F-bombs.

4. Is Michael Beasley the greatest player you’ve seen don the purple and white?
I’d have to say yes. Look at all of the things he’s done in such a short amount of time. He’s much different than anyone I’ve seen at K-State. I can relate to how he compares to Chuckie (Williams), Mike (Evans), Rolando and Mitch (Richmond)… The thing about Mike, he’s not going to be able to turn down a chance to play in NBA. But if he did, he’d break every record at K-State. If he’s not the best, he’s certainly in the top two or three. He makes everything look so smooth. I’d love to know how many ‘and-ones’ he has this year. If you foul him, you’d better grab his arm and rip it off. He’s going to get the shot off, and he’s going to make it. And he’s such a good kid… He’s a great player. He talks the talk but he walks it, too. I think he truly believes we’re going to win tomorrow night, and I believe it, too… He’s a great kid, and what I hope is that he stays attached in some shape to K-State after he leaves.

5. Do you expect any chickens — dead, alive or hypnotized — to make their way into Bramlage Coliseum?
No comment.

(BONUS) 6. Gotta have a prediction, Garth. How does it play out tomorrow night?
I think what we have to do to win the game is allow them to not make that run they always make. Look at the last 24 we’ve played. We’ve played them tight, but we always allow them to make that 10-0 run. If we can withstand that onslaught, we’ll win the ballgame. If we allow them to score in rapid fashion for two or three minutes… Can we get back over the hump? We’ve done it before. I think the key is don’t give them a chance to make a run. My prediction is I think we have as good of a shot to win as we’ve had in the last 24 years. I think we’ll win. If we don’t, we’re 4-1, and we go to Missouri this weekend. The world will not end if we lose to KU… I guarantee there is no one who wants it more than I do. But if it doesn’t happen, we can’t allow the rest of the season to be ruined because of one game. I expect the place to be electric, and I hope everyone contribute to one of the best environments in the history of K-State athletics… I truly believe we have an impact on the game. You can’t do it sitting on your hands, with your arms crossed. You have to be involved in the game… People think I act like a fool. I encourage everyone to join me tomorrow night. We can do something exciting and get people to stop talking about the streak.

(BONUS) 7. True or false — you out-kicked your coverage in marrying your wife.
True. There is no doubt, I over-married. I’m not the only one who has ever done that. A wise man will always do that.

Anyway, enjoy:

1. Your mother had a couple of questions. First, she wanted to know what you thought of “Mama Sayz,” and two, she wanted to know if you enjoyed your birthday because, and I quote, “I can’t get a peep put of him unless he needs something.”

No, I don’t read it. I see her every day. Why do I have to read her blog? (laughter) The birthday was cool. I had cake and pizza at her house with the guys. It was cool. I didn’t do too much on my own.

2. Did you like the Sports Illustrated article?

It was real good. I liked it. But it was too long to read (laughter). It was pretty accurate, though. It was definitely who am I, what I’m about and where I’m from.

3. How many serious moments are there in a day of the life of Michael Beasley?

Probably one or two (laughter). Probably on the basketball court. Or when I’m playing video games. If you want to be serious, don’t come to my room.

4. Is college basketball everything you’d think it was going to be?

Yeah. But I don’t like to lose. I’m not mad, though. In high Division I basketball, losing is going to come.

5. Are you really afraid of the dark, as your mother mentioned in one of her earliest blog entries?

Yeah. Bad things happen in the dark.

(BONUS) 6. What are you listening to right now?
(J-Mart note: one group that I couldn’t hear, even after he repeated it several times – there was a lot of background noise). I listen to Jay-Z all day. Lil’ Wayne. And Lauryn Hill.

(BONUS) 7. Players you admire, professional or collegiate?

If I had to say anybody, I’d say (Duke guard) Nolan Smith and Kevin Durant.

(BONUS) 8. So who’s the best college basketball player in the country?

(Laughter) Tyler Hansbrough, I guess. I’ve never played against him. (J-Mart note: Would you like to?) Oh, yeah.

1. How did K-State come about? Did you have a pre-existing relationship with Frank?
Frank and my relationship goes back to when we both used to work the University of Florida camp together. When Billy Donovan got the job there, I got in because I went to school with one of his assistant coaches at the time, Donnie Jones (now at Marshall). Frank and I started working camps and built a relationship. He was a high school coach in Miami, and I was coaching junior college basketball in Vincennes. I moved to Odessa. Frank was coaching an AAU team, and he had a kid that was available late. I signed the kid at Odessa, and that’s how we started working together. I got six of his kids at Miami High. Frank moved to Northeastern, and three of those kids ended up playing at Northeastern. We were two guys who depended on each other… It happens throughout the country. That’s how recruiting is. With every kid in your program, there is a tie with someone who is influential. You can’t find a player in a program where a coach doesn’t have a tie. It’s six degrees of separation… You can check any program in the country and there is some kind of tie. Happens at Florida, at Kentucky, at Duke… When Dalonte was in D.C., he coached the Assault, and he ended up mentoring Mike in the eighth grade. He happened to get a college job, and that’s how this all came about. There’s always a tie with someone.

2. How does a college baseball player end up coaching college basketball?
It’s funny. Growing up in a small town in Kentucky, everyone dreams of playing basketball at Kentucky. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the talent to play college basketball. A childhood friend of mine, who was 24 at the time, ended up playing junior college ball at Wabash Valley in Illinois. I went to all of the games. The head coach, Pat Smith, who later became the head coach at Barton County, noticed I was always around. He asked me what I wanted to do when I got out of college. I said I wanted to be a coach in some capacity, and he said why don’t you come up and join me next year… It wasn’t an easy road. There were so many things to overcome.

My first year at Wabash Valley, I lived in the dorm with the players and drove international students around the campus, six or seven times a say. I started at 6 a.m. and finished at 5 p.m. The pay was about $5,000. The No. 2 value meal at McDonald’s was all I ate. I was 24 hours short of my degree when I went up there. I figured this was my only chance. I had gotten things set up for independent study… And I started finishing up when I was coaching there. Then Coach Smith left. He was going to Barton, and he said, “I can’t take you with me — you don’t have a college degree.” So I went to Olney Central, which was about 30 minutes away, doing the same thing. I was painting during the day and I coached basketball in the evening. After about three months, Dan Sparks at Vincennes, told me to come over. I was a tutor — that’s how I got paid — of all things. I got everything done from my first year at Wabash done. But I was still three hours short. There was a three-hour class that never made numbers, kept being dropped. I was a physical education major and the last class was teaching and instructing dance — I didn’t know a thing about it. But it was my third year, in three different places, and I still didn’t have a degree… It was the last semester, and I had to get my degree. From Vincennes, Ind., to Richmond, Ky., is about a 250-mile drive one way. Three times a week, I’d make the drive.

Here’s where the story gets crazy. I was a janitor at Vincennes. I was on campus from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. I’d get in my car — a 1988 Ford Festiva I paid $1,000 for — and drive four hours to Richmond, Ky., which is in a different time zone, for a 10 a.m. class. I’d get back at 7 a.m.  The 1988 Ford Festiva, every 100 miles, it burnt a quart of oil. I’d have to put in a quart every 100 miles. So, I paid my dues, to say the least. I ended up going to Odessa. I was there for three years, and then John (Pelphrey) offered me a job at South Alabama for five years. I told him the story I just told you and he said, “Anyone willing to work that hard can work for me.” And when Frank got the job, I’ve always said I wanted to coach with someone I’m friends with… Here, when the business part ends (at the end of a day), the friendship begins. That’s the most important thing. Nothing is ever personal.

3. How is recruiting junior college kids different than high school kids? Or is it?
Recruiting junior college kids is not as much of a hassle, more to to the point. When you recruit a junior college kid, it’s the coach and the kid. In high school, it’s the AAU coach, and whoever else is giving them advice. In JUCO, the players are swept to the side. They’re the type that doesn’t get the publicity, so they’re humbled. They have to ride in vans, drive to games on gameday… Those kids, to have the opportunity to be recruited by the Big 12.. It’s easier. But when a kid has Big 12 talent, and he’s available late, everyone gets in. So, it’s the cycle all over again.

The thing is, there are probably only 10-12 kids that can truly play and be impact players in the Big 12. Now, way more than that will be signed, but only 10 will have a major impact. They have to be able to adjust to play in the Big 12. Their talent level has to be so good to overcome the adjustment period… I think guards have the easiest transition. It’s not as physical on them. But a 6-foot-8 kid in junior college, he doesn’t get the proper nutrition and conditioning… Physically, a kid at K-State for two years is going to be stronger than a kid who does not have that, especially as a junior coming out of junior college.

4. Who is the best player you coached? What made him the best?
Shawn Marion is obviously the best. What was so great about Shawn, who we got out of Clarksville, Tenn., was that his energy and work ethic was tremendous. But what made Shawn special was that he was a better human being — he was just a good old country kid from Clarksville, Tenn., that grew three inches over the summer. I realized he was a great junior college player. He basically did the same things Mike (Beasley) is doing at the junior college level. The first time I saw he had a chance to be special was when we were working Michael Jordan’s camp. He was playing pick-up with the counselors and against Jordan. This was 1996, 1997, when Jordan was still winning championships. Shawn was lacing them up with him, he was guarding Mike, and he belonged on the court. His sophomore year, every NBA scout wandered into Vincennes. It was all about he and Steve (Francis, who played at Allegheny). There were three junior college kids taken in the top 12 of the NBA Draft that year, Francis was second and Shawn was No. 9. It has never happened since. Since then, prep schools have taken over, and the landscape has changed dramatically… Shawn was probably the best player I ever coached, and Mike has some of those same attributes. I think Mike is a tremendous kid. He’s a happy-go-lucky kid, a great teammate, and there is no selfish bone in his body. He’s not a finger-pointer, and he can handle coaching.

5. Where is Matt Figger in five years? Ten years? What are your career goals?
Obviously, I’d like the opportunity to be a head coach. But it’s not something I sit and dwell on. I’ve been fortunate to get to this spot. I don’t think about ever taking a step back. If there is an opportunity (to be a head coach), it would be a career goal of mine. if someone told me five years from now I’d still be at Kansas State, I’d be fine with that. Because if I’m still here, that means we’re doing something right.

(BONUS) 6. In your estimation, can Kansas State basketball be a power once again?
It starts with the administration. With (K-State president Jon) Wefald. I’ve not been all over the world, but there is no president in this country more committed to having great athletics than Jon Wefald… 17,500 in the Sprint Center? That rivals programs like Kentucky or North Carolina. Only Kentucky can play in some other venue and sell the place out… The fan support, commitment, everything is here. It’s our job to continue to grow, and we have to hit on the things that are positive. I know every kid that we have brought in for a visit has been impressed by all of the passion and purple… Our fans are some of the most passionate in the country. They’re as big of a part of the game as the players are. In my opinion, if you’re a true basketball person, why wouldn’t you want to come to Kansas State?