Nineteen home games, including visits by NCAA Tournament participants Baylor, Kansas and Oklahoma, highlight the 32-game 2008-09 Kansas State men’s basketball schedule released by athletic department officials on Wednesday.

“We are excited about the schedule that we put together,” said head coach Frank Martin. “It features some challenging road contests to go along with a home slate that features some really quality programs from throughout the country. We think that it is one that will harden our basketball team and prepare it for an obviously difficult Big 12 schedule, which I think will be as competitive as there is in the country.”

It will mark the fifth time in school history that Kansas State has hosted at least 18 regular-season home games, following the 1981-82, 1993-94, 2004-05 and 2006-07 seasons.

In addition to the 19-game home schedule, Kansas State fans will be able to watch the team at the world-class Sprint Center in Kansas City, Mo., for the second consecutive year. The Wildcats will meet Southern Mississippi, led by former Iowa State head coach Larry Eustachy, on Thursday, Dec. 11. Last season, the squad defeated Florida A&M, 87-60, before 17,699 fans at the Sprint Center.

The schedule also includes eight games on national television, including seven on the ABC and ESPN family of networks. The slate includes the program’s fourth appearance on ABC Sports in a home game against Kansas on Saturday, Feb. 14 as well as three appearances each on ESPN2 and ESPNU. In the past three seasons, the Wildcats have made 30 national appearances on ABC Sports, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU or Fox Sports Net compared to just five the previous six years combined.

The television slate kicks off on Friday, Nov. 28 when the Wildcats face Kentucky in the Findlay Toyota Las Vegas Invitational at the Orleans Arena on ESPNU at 11 p.m. CT. The championship game of the tournament, which could pit the squad against former coach Bob Huggins and West Virginia, will be broadcast on ESPN2 at 9:30 p.m. CT. Other nationally-televised contests include Oregon on FSN on Sunday, Dec. 7, Baylor on ESPN2 on Wednesday, Jan. 21, Texas Tech on ESPNU on Wednesday, Feb. 11, Missouri on ESPNU on Wednesday, Feb. 25 and Oklahoma State on ESPN2 on Tuesday, March 3.

In addition to the national telecasts, Kansas State will have eight regular season games broadcast as a part of the newly-branded Big 12 Conference Television network, beginning with the league opener against Oklahoma on Jan. 10 at 12:30 p.m. The network will also televise road tilts at Kansas on Jan. 13 (7 p.m.), Nebraska on Jan. 17 (5 p.m.), Colorado on Jan. 24 (5 p.m.), Texas on Jan. 31, Texas A&M on Feb. 7 (3 p.m.) and home games against Nebraska on Feb. 28 (7 p.m.) and Colorado on March 7 (7 p.m.)

K-State could face up to 16 teams from 13 different conferences and the independent ranks during the non-conference portion of its schedule, including members of the Atlantic Sun, Big East, Big Sky, Big Ten, Conference USA, Horizon, Ohio Valley, Pacific-10, Southeastern and Summit Leagues. There are three first-time opponents, including Idaho State, North Carolina Central and SE Missouri State.

The non-conference slate will provide significant competition for Martin’s second squad with an appearance in the Findlay Toyota Las Vegas Invitational, road tests at Cleveland State and Oregon, as well as the aforementioned contest against Southern Miss at the Sprint Center.

Eight of the potential opponents won 16 or more contests during the 2007-08 campaign, while three – Kentucky, Oregon and West Virginia – advanced to the NCAA Tournament.

Kansas State opens its 106th season of basketball, including the second under Martin, when the Wildcats host Washburn in an exhibition game on Sunday, Nov. 9. The season officially gets underway on Friday, Nov. 14 when the squad hosts Florida A&M in the first of three straight home games.

Following home games with SE Missouri State and Emporia State, K-State will make its first trip to Cleveland, Ohio, to face Horizon League favorite Cleveland State on Saturday, Nov. 22. The Vikings return four starters from a team that posted a 21-13 overall record and made their first postseason appearance in 20 years with a bid to the Postseason NIT in 2007-08.

After a home game against Oakland on Tuesday, Nov. 25, the Wildcats will begin perhaps their toughest stretch of the season, starting with a Thanksgiving trip to Las Vegas for the Findlay Toyota Invitational on Friday-Saturday, Nov. 28-29. The squad will face national power Kentucky in the opener on Friday before playing either Iowa or West Virginia on Saturday.

K-State will start December with a road trip to Oregon and famed McArthur Court on Sunday, Dec. 7 as apart of the Big 12/Pac-10 Hardwood Series. The Ducks handed the Wildcats’ one of their only two home losses last season with a thrilling 80-77 overtime victory in Manhattan. It will be the program’s first visit to Eugene, Ore., since a 92-58 win on Dec. 21, 1965.

Following the contest with Southern Miss at the Sprint Center on Dec. 11, the Wildcats will begin a seven-game homestand on Sunday, Dec. 14 against Gardner-Webb. The Bulldogs pulled one of the bigger early-season upsets of the 2007-08 season when they shocked No. 20 Kentucky, 84-68, at Rupp Arena on Nov. 7. K-State concludes the calendar year with home games against Centenary on Saturday, Dec. 20 and Wagner on Tuesday, Dec. 30.

Kansas State kicks off the New Year with back-to-back home games against Idaho State on Saturday, Jan. 3 and Chicago State on Monday, Jan. 5 before beginning Big 12 play with a home game against Oklahoma on Saturday, Jan. 10. It will mark the Wildcats’ first home game to start Big 12 play since the 2002-03 season. The contest with the Sooners will be the first of nine games against seven league foes that advanced to either the NCAA Tournament or NIT in 2007-08.

After the league opener, K-State hits the road for four of the next six conference games, including consecutive trips to national champion Kansas on Tuesday, Jan. 13 and NIT participant Nebraska on Saturday, Jan. 17. The squad returns home for a contest against NCAA Tournament foe Baylor on Wednesday, Jan. 21 before a trip to Boulder, Colo., to face Colorado on Saturday, Jan. 24. The month concludes with a home game against Missouri on Wednesday, Jan. 28 and a road trip to Texas, which advanced to the NCAA Tournament South Region Final last season, on Saturday, Jan. 31.

The Wildcats begin the all-important month of February with a home game against Iowa State on Tuesday, Feb. 3. The squad swept the season series from the Cyclones for the second consecutive season in 2007-08 and have won seven straight at home in the series. Following a road tilt at NCAA Tournament participant Texas A&M on Saturday, Feb. 7, K-State will enjoy a three-game homestand, beginning with Texas Tech on Wednesday, Feb. 11. The team will host archrival Kansas on Valentine’s Day on Saturday, Feb. 14 before concluding its non-conference slate against second-year Division I foe North Carolina Central on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

The month of February continues with road contests at Iowa State on Saturday, Feb. 21 and Missouri on Wednesday, Feb. 25 before concluding with a home game against Nebraska on Saturday, Feb. 28.

The team starts the month of March with a road contest at Oklahoma State on Tuesday, March 3. The Wildcats haven’t won at Gallagher-Iba Arena since January 1993. The squad concludes the home schedule with a Senior Night affair against Colorado on Saturday, March 7.

The 13th annual Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s Basketball Championship returns to the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Okla., for the second time with a new format, as the tournament will now run from Wednesday, March 11 to Saturday, March 14.

Kansas State returns one starter and eight lettermen from the 2007-08 season, which produced the school’s first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1996 and first NCAA Tournament victory since 1988. In all, the Wildcats recorded their second consecutive 20-win season – a feat not done in 20 years – and earned its highest finish (third place) and tied its highest league win total (10) in the Big 12 era.

The times for the remaining home games and the FSN Kansas City television schedule will be released at a later date. FSN is contracted to televise at least 10 contests.

Kansas State has ranked in the top 30 nationally in attendance the past two seasons, including 25^th in 2007-08 with an average of 12,529 for 17 home games. For ticket information, call the Athletics Ticket Office at (800) 221.CATS or go online to www.k-statesports.com.

Unlike last season, the Sprint Center game will not be considered a Kansas State home contest and will not be included in the season-ticket package. Most tickets will be priced at $25, while current K-State students will be able to purchase tickets at the special rate of $10 through the Athletics Ticket Office.

Season-ticket holders will have until Wednesday, Oct. 15 to purchase tickets for the Sprint Center game for priority seating. All other tickets will go on sale to the general public on Saturday, Oct. 18, at all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling Ticketmaster at (816) 931.3330 or ordering online at Ticketmaster.com.

2008-09 Kansas State Men’s Basketball Schedule

Day Date Opponent Time TV

Sunday Nov. 9 WASHBURN (Exh.) TBA

Friday Nov. 14 FLORIDA A&M TBA

Sunday Nov. 16 SE MISSOURI STATE^ TBA

Wednesday Nov. 19 EMPORIA STATE TBA

Saturday Nov. 22 at Cleveland State 7:10 p.m.

Tuesday Nov. 25 OAKLAND^ TBA

FINDLAY TOYOTA LAS VEGAS INVITATIONAL (Las Vegas, Nev.)

Friday Nov. 28 vs. Kentucky^% 11 p.m. ESPNU

Saturday Nov. 29 vs. Iowa/West Virginia^% 6:30/9:30 p.m. ESPN2

BIG 12 / PAC-10 HARDWOOD SERIES

Sunday Dec. 7 at Oregon TBA

Thursday Dec. 11 vs. Southern Mississippi# TBA

Sunday Dec. 14 GARDNER-WEBB TBA

Saturday Dec. 20 CENTENARY TBA

Tuesday Dec. 30 WAGNER TBA

Saturday Jan. 3 IDAHO STATE TBA

Monday Jan. 5 CHICAGO STATE TBA

Saturday Jan. 10 OKLAHOMA* 12:30 p.m. Big 12

Tuesday Jan. 13 at Kansas* 7 p.m. Big 12

Saturday Jan. 17 at Nebraska* 5 p.m. Big 12

Wednesday Jan. 21 BAYLOR* 8 p.m. ESPN2

Saturday Jan. 24 at Colorado* 5 p.m. Big 12

Wednesday Jan. 28 MISSOURI* TBA

Saturday Jan. 31 at Texas* 3 p.m. Big 12

Tuesday Feb. 3 IOWA STATE* TBA

Saturday Feb. 7 at Texas A&M* 3 p.m. Big 12

Wednesday Feb. 11 TEXAS TECH* 8 p.m. ESPNU

Saturday Feb. 14 KANSAS* 2:30 p.m. ABC

Tuesday Feb. 17 NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL TBA

Saturday Feb. 21 at Iowa State* TBA

Wednesday Feb. 25 at Missouri* 8 p.m. ESPNU

Saturday Feb. 28 NEBRASKA* 7 p.m. Big 12

Tuesday Mar. 3 at Oklahoma State* 6:30 p.m. ESPN2

Saturday Mar. 7 COLORADO* 12:30 p.m. Big 12

Wed.-Sat. Mar. 11-14 at Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship

(Ford Center, Oklahoma City, Okla.)

All Times are Central and subject to change

*Big 12 Conference game

^Apart of Findlay Toyota Las Vegas Invitational

%Game to be played at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.

#Game to be played at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Mo.

Big 12 is the Big 12 Regional Network

BILL Self is beating the drum for as many as SIX conference teams to make the NCAA Tournament. “I think that’s very realistic,” the Kansas coach said. “If RPI matters, I think we have six in the top 35 or something like that…” He believes the issue is the perception of the teams in the middle of the pack in the standings. “In my perspective, if you have a couple of teams that are 15-1, your league isn’t very good,” Self said. “We don’t have traditional powers at 8-6, 7-7… Those other leagues have teams traditionally in the hunt every year. We have as good of teams as anybody.”

THIS says it all from Texas A&M coach Mark Turgeon: “We don’t have the gumption or fight to overcome adversity… This is new ground for me, new territory. It’s probably the most frustrating season I’ve been though as a coach… You don’t win by 44 one day and then lose the way we did the other day… You can’t do it one night and turn it off the next… It has to come from within… Words are cheap. I want to see some action.” We’re guessing the College Station boosters agree wholeheartedly with his last statement.

INTERESTING comments from Oklahoma State coach Sean Sutton. He was asked about his choice for Player of the Year, and he said, “I think it depends on what happens this week… If someone wins outright, I’d lean towards someone on one of those teams. It’s a tough choice.” He paused, but then followed up. “Obviously, you have to consider (Michael) Beasley. He’s as good as anyone in college basketball. He’s one of the two or three I’d consider.”

BAYLOR coach Scott Drew came even stronger than Self on the topic of how many teams in and why: “This is the toughest the Big 12 has ever been… The numbers and the facts speak for themselves. Seven of 12 teams ranked in the top 50 of the RPI. Compare how we’ve done against other conferences… I think we’re battle-tested… On the road, it’s tough everywhere — but especially in the Big 12.”

DON’T know why, but Missouri coach Mike Anderson always sounds defensive.

GIVE Pat Knight props for honesty. He was asked if Texas Tech still had a shot at the NCAA Tournament and he said sure, but… “I have to be realistic. I’m just trying to win a couple of more games and get in the NIT. I’m not trying to be overzealous… For how up and down we’ve been, it’d be great for the program if we got to the NIT.”

GUESS it’s not exactly a secret anymore. Colorado coach Jeff Bzdelik was asked about defending Michael Beasley, and he said, “The big thing is, he’s obviously going to get his… You have to make sure others don’t have above-average nights.” He was also asked about Beasley’s game and whether it was NBA-ready. “His game is suited for the NBA, without question.”

NO politicking for Frank Martin on Beasley’s behalf for Big 12 (can there be any doubt?) and national (should there be any doubt?) Player of the Year. “I’ve never been that way,” Martin said. “I’m not going to start now. It’s up to the people who make those decisions… He’s had a special year, and it’s not over yet.” He also said Bill Walker, who has scored 10 points in his last two games, is “fine. He played his heart out against Texas.” But he couldn’t make a bucket. “The least of my worries are his mindset. He’s going to overcome adversity… As long as he competes at a high level like he did against Texas…”

BLAKE Griffin underwent arthroscopic knee surgery Sunday morning and he will miss Oklahoma’s final two regular-season games. But OU coach Jeff Capel expects his freshman forward to be back for the Big 12 Tournament. He was asked about his initial thoughts: “My first concern was for Blake… He’s a kid who loves to compete, who loves to work.”

DOC Sadler doesn’t know if freshman point guard Cookie Miller will be available for tomorrow’s game. He is, however, certain that the chance to play in the post-season this year is ahead of schedule, and he’s humbled by this turn of events. “It’s happened faster than I would have anticipated,” he said. “This league this year is so darn tough.” He likened reaching the NCAA Tournament or the NIT to “your spring practice games” — remember, he’s at a football school. “Like any experience, you need to go through it at some point. This year would be a good opportunity.”

IF Rick Barnes was a member of the NCAA Selection Committee, K-State’s recent slide wouldn’t be a big deal. “It’s from start to finish,” the Texas coach said. “I’m not a big believer in the last 12 (criteria)… You’ve got to make sure the entire season counts.”

GREG McDermott wasn’t available, so he was replaced by Iowa State assistant coach Jeff Rutter.

HOW about this? Kansas coach Bill Self was asked if his team was rooting for rival Kansas State tonight, and he said, “I hadn’t thought of that. But yes, we will be…”

THINGS have gone badly for Texas A&M, which Mark Turgeon admits. “Our backs are against the wall now,” he said. “We went from being in great shape three games ago to… Our backs are against the wall. There should be a sense of urgency for us.” The first-year Aggies coach used the term “our backs are against the wall” at least three times while uttering “a sense of urgency” at least twice.

REVISIONIST history? Oklahoma State coach Sean Sutton says not so. He said he and his Cowboys set a goal to win seven games in a row to close out the season. “We’ve gotten three in a row, and we’ve got four more,” Sutton said. His players stuck up for their embattled coach, who may have secured his job with this recent run, after their huge victory against KU. “It meant a lot,” Sutton said. “You want your players to believe in you, to have confidence in you as a coach… Anytime you get that from players, there’s a lot of satisfaction.” There was actual discussion, at least one question, asking the OSU coach what it would take to reach the NCAA Tournament — which wasn’t even under consideration a few weeks ago. Give the man credit.

LIFE on the bubble is admittedly better than life not on the bubble, according to Baylor coach Scott Drew. “Our guys know how important these games are,” he said. “They know what’s at stake. Everybody knows there are going to be 4-6 bids in our league, and we want one.”

LOTS of love for Oklahoma State and Sean Sutton this morning — count Missouri coach Mike Anderson as an admirer from afar. “At this time of the year, you want to be playing some of your better basketball,” he said. “… They’re on a roll. They’re playing some good basketball. The way (Byron) Eaton is playing right now… They’re one of the hotter teams in the league.”

QUESTION — could the change from Bob to Pat Knight have given Texas Tech a lift? The Red Raiders have won three of their last four, and they probably should have beaten Oklahoma if not for David Godbold’s desperation heave. “We’ve won some games — that’s probably the biggest difference,” the younger Knight said. “The kids are playing hard. They’re still making mistakes… The kids are pushing the ball up the floor, playing fast… Their confidence is getting better. We’ll see what happens the next two weeks.” Knight also had an interesting take on the difficulty in winning on the road: “That’s where leadership comes in. You have to have a coach on the floor.”

RICHARD Roby will undoubtedly have his jersey retired at Colorado — he has 1,890 career points, which is fifth on the Big 12’s all-time list and third on CU’s — but what will his legacy be? First-year coach Jeff Bzdelik wasn’t sure, but he volunteered this: “Richard has maintained a level of focus… He’s continually working to improve his game.” Roby is 106 points away from being the Buffs’ all-time scoring leader.

HERE’S the word via Frank Martin: He thinks D.J. Augustin is “unbelievable.” The way he shoots free throws is the reason “why Texas can go to UCLA and win, why Texas can beat KU at home — because of who he is. With the game on the line, he can get a shot.” He bristled at suggestions his backcourt has had trouble defending opposing guards. And he said Dominique Sutton only played two minutes because he’d practiced only two days. “I didn’t think he was ready to play,” Martin said. He said Darren Kent practiced yesterday, so he anticipated DK being in uniform tonight.

IS Doc Sadler the Big 12 Coach of the Year? Rick Barnes is going to get support, but don’t sleep on what the Huskers coach has accomplished. NU has won two in a row, getting K-State at home and then going to College Station to extend the Aggies’ misery. Oklahoma coach Jeff Capel, whose team plays Nebraska next, has taken note. “I was very impressed with what they did against K-State,” he said. “… Doc Sadler is a very good coach… They’re playing as well as anyone in the conference right now. It was so impressive to see them go win at A&M, and they did it pretty convincingly.” The Huskers are 16-9 and 5-7 in the Big 12, by the way.

AND if you’re not a Sadler fan, you just might have an issue with college basketball. He’s fantastic. The Nebraska coach’s freshman point guard, Cookie Miller, injured his shoulder in Saturday’s victory against Texas A&M, and he basically blew it off, saying teams get injuries all of the time and he has a couple of experienced alternatives at the point on his roster. With Oklahoma on deck, he even laughed about it at one point. “I don’t think Jeff (Capel) is going to feel sorry for us,” Sadler said. “I hope they do…”

BARNES did not participate in Monday’s call.

AFTER his team virtually handed the Big 12 player of the week award to Oklahoma State’s Byron Eaton (!), Texas A&M coach Mark Turgeon was bummed Monday. He isn’t sure what to expect tonight from his team against Texas. “I just want our guys to play hard and compete,” Turgeon said. “We didn’t do that Saturday… We had great practices (last week). Maybe it was being home… We weren’t the same team. Give Oklahoma State credit. Eaton was tremendous.” Perhaps the Aggies are exactly what D.J. Augustin needs to snap out of his funk — Eaton torched A&M(in College Station) for a career-high 25 points, eight assists, five rebounds and three assists. If the Aggies can’t stay in front of Eaton, they have no chance against Augustin, right?

SPEAKING of Eaton, the 5-foot-11, 215-pound point guard is the key to the rest of Oklahoma State’s season, according to Sean Sutton. “When he takes care of the ball… When he’s aggressive, we’re winning games,” Sutton said. “When he doesn’t, we’re struggling.” Sutton admitted that Eaton, a former McDonald’s All-American, hasn’t “quite lived up to what I thought he could be.” But he added, “There is still a lot of time left.” Sutton said the Cowboys have been close at the end of ballgames, but they just need to make a play at the end. That, folks, reminded me of Wooly.

SCOTT Drew was asked how he was doing, and the Baylor coach replied, chipper as ever, “We’ve been better!” Truth is, Baylor has a real chance to lose five in a row, which was unthinkable a few weeks ago. The Bears are at Oklahoma tomorrow night (Tuesday), and Baylor has already lost to the Sooners. And Saturday, the Bears host Kansas State, which should be a fascinating matchup. Drew, though, was feeling good. Before signing off, he told the media, “Everybody have a great week!”

NEWSFLASH No. 1 — Missouri coach Mike Anderson said his team’s problem Saturday in Manhattan wasn’t about offense. “It was about defense… We have to get better at defending the rim, rebounding better. Our biggest deal is we’re not being consistent in what we do.”

ASKED if he’s take his chances again on David Godbold’s improbable 30-footer in Saturday’s OU victory in Lubbock, Texas Tech coach Pat Knight said, “Yeah, who wouldn’t? You have to play the percentages. Give the kid credit — he hit a (heck) of a shot. From a percentage standpoint, we want him to take a deep shot.”

HERE’S Frank Martin’s take on this week: “We played well on the road early in the year. We had a bad second half at Missouri and a bad first half at Texas Tech… We have to put two halves together.” All of that said, Martin admitted he was pleased with where the Wildcats are. “You tell me another team in the country that plays six freshmen in the rotation,” he said. “I couldn’t be happier.”

IT’S a huge week for OU, and Jeff Capel says he has had THAT conversation with the Sooners. “I wish you didn’t have to, but I have,” said Capel, referring to discussing the possibility of reaching the NCAA Tournament. OU is 17-8 overall and 5-5 in the league, winners of two straight. “We talk about the opportunity we have, controlling our own destiny,” Capel said. “Most people wrote us off, especially after Colorado. But we still feel we control our own destiny… We’ve had a very small amount of success, winning back-to-back games. With young guys today, sometimes you have to remind them they’re not as good as they think they are and maybe not as bad… We’re not going to out-talent anybody, especially in this league.” Also, center Longar Longar was been playing with a broken leg. Capel said he doesn’t practice daily, which illustrates his value — and toughness. “He does so many things for us on both ends,” Capel said.

DOC Sadler is fantastic. The Nebraska coach was asked about the difficulty in dealing with Beasley and Bill Walker, a pair that combines to average more than 40 points per game. His response: “As a team, we have a hard time scoring 40 points.”

WITH all of the Longhorn talent on display Friday night in the NBA Rookie Challenge, it’s still amazing (to me, anyway) that Texas coach Rick Barnes hasn’t won more than he has in Austin. And by more, I don’t mean volume of wins. I mean quality of wins, as in the NCAA Tournament. Daniel Gibson went nuts for the Sophomores, hitting 11 three-pointers. Kevin Durant led the way for the Rookies with 23 points. And that’s not even mentioning LaMarcus Aldridge, who was also on the Sophomore rosters.

A.J. Abrams reminds Kansas coach Bill Self – from a size standpoint and probably because of that ridiculous compression arm sleeve – of Allen Iverson. “He’s going to get looks,” Self said of the Texas guard. “You hope he doesn’t shoot a high percentage.”

MORE coaching philosophy: “It’s a fine line between winning and losing,” Texas A&M coach Mark Turgeon said. His point was, his team isn’t so much better or worse than the rest of the Big 12, so it’s the little things that will define the Aggies. After a recent skid, A&M has gotten hot. “We kind of came together,” Turgeon said. “We have gotten a lot better. More confidence, more poise…”

FRESH off Saturday’s spanking at Bramlage Coliseum, Oklahoma State coach Sean Sutton insisted his kids were fine. “We didn’t play well Saturday night, and K-State had a lot to do with it,” he said. “K-State is a very good basketball team. They dominated us in the second half… Our guys didn’t fight.”

THE one area Baylor coach Scott Drew wants to improve as soon as possible? “Transition defense,” said the perpetually gleeful Drew. He was pleased with scoring 90 points against KU – Sutton, whose team faces the Bears next, said putting up 90 in Allen Fieldhouse “doesn’t happen a lot” – but dismayed that his team gave up 100. But… “Kansas does a lot of things right, and that’s why they’re so good.”

MORE on the Wildcats: Expect something soon in the Dallas Morning News on Frank Martin. Also, Missouri coach Mike Anderson was complimentary of K-State, saying, “They have some nice pieces… Frank has done a nice job of bringing that team along… He has them playing hard and together.”

PAT Knight began his head coaching career at Texas Tech with a pair of games on the road – both losses. Now he’s back at home, at the United Spirit Arena, but it’s against Kansas State. “I got baptized by fire,” Knight said. “We came off the road, but now we have to face Michael Beasley, so it doesn’t get any easier.”

JEFF Bzdelik wasn’t available, but Colorado assistant Steve McClain took his place Monday. One of his first orders of business was fawning over the Jayhawks, whom the Buffs meet Feb. 16. “It’s one of the best Kansas teams I’ve seen on TV, that I’ve watched on tape,” McClain said. “When you have that many players, to keep them as grounded and focused as Bill (Self) has done is an enormous task in itself… That’s what makes Kansas a great team. They have a lot of great players that on any given night, one can explode.”

HARP on his substitution patterns – and you will – but Frank Martin was consciously building depth, which is why nobody plays more than 31 minutes per game. “I believe in depth,” Martin said. “I believe in preparing guys for the moment they get on the court and play… It’s what I believe in.” Also, the K-State coach said there was nothing new to report on Dominique Sutton, other than the freshman was sore Sunday. Martin said he’d know more before today’s practice.

LOVE Doc Sadler – and he’s doing a nice job in Lincoln, too. The Nebraska coach said he didn’t believe Frank Martin was getting the respect he deserves, and then I asked him how to stop Michael Beasley – especially after all of the junk defenses the Huskers tried Wednesday didn’t work. “You hope he misses shots,” he said. That’s awesome on several levels…

FROM the “Just Sayin’” Department: Texas coach Rick Barnes was asked about the difficulty in winning back-to-back NCAA titles – why he was asked, I’m not certain – and he said it was hard enough just winning one. Elaborating on that point, Barnes said, “The teams that win have two or three pros on it.” Hmmm….

BILL Self jokingly said he was tired of talking about Kansas State after last week’s loss in Manhattan, but almost half of his questions Monday were about Kansas’ rival. “They’re a total team,” he said. “They guard, they rebound. They’re efficient. They have the best player in the league, maybe the best player in the country — let’s call it like it is… They’re a nice team.” He was asked if the Wildcats are a threat in the Big 12, a contender, and Self said, “Absolutely… They’re still in excellent position. They have a favorable schedule, in my opinion, and I don’t see them losing too many.”

IT’S the Valley days all over again this week as Mark Turgeon (Texas A&M) squares off against Greg McDermott (Iowa State). The difference are obvious — “The players are bigger and stronger,” Turgeon said — and then not so much. “The road crowds,” he said. “We ran into some tough road crowds at Creighton, but the road crowds in the Big 12 are more difficult, the arenas are louder.”

AFTER his father, Eddie, recorded his 800th career victory at San Francisco, Oklahoma State coach Sean Sutton said he spoke with his Dad. “I was really happy, excited for him,” the younger Sutton said. “It was more special for him coming from 19 down. He said he was relieved to get it over with. He’d gotten a lot of calls. He was excited we were excited and happy for him.”

COLORADO coach Jeff Bzdelik isn’t surprised by the caliber of talent in the conference. “I had both eyes open coming in,” he said. “It’s a great basketball league, and that’s why I came here. A great challenge… There are great players here. Every team has someone who will playing for my friends at the next level.”

ALWAYS interesting to hear from Frank Martin after a loss. You’ll never hear an excuse, that’s for sure. Asked what difficulties Missouri’s zone presented, Martin said, “We stood around too much. We didn’t move to the ball.” On the topic of freshman point guard Jake Pullen being a non-factor against the Tigers, he said, “I don’t think any of those guys are freshmen anymore. I’d like to think those days are behind us. Apparently, they weren’t this week.” Finally, when Martin was asked if it was possible the freshmen, like Pullen, have hit another wall, the K-State coach said no. “That’s an excuse to accept failure,” he said.

NEBRASKA is still hanging its hat on defense, but Doc Sadler seems stumped about the prospect of stopping Michael Beasley. He admitted he didn’t have an answer. “Do you have one? I’m not that smart,” he said. Sadler spent a week around Beasley this summer as part of USA Basketball and he came away impressed with Beasley, the player as well as Beasley, the person. It’s the former that he’s concerned about this week. “… We don’t have anyone who can stop him,” Sadler said.

TOTALLY out of context, but it’s still funny. This is from Texas coach Rick Barnes: “We know how important TV is to our league,” said Barnes, mentioning recruiting for emphasis. “People watch TV.” Can’t argue.

EXPECT an official word from Frank Martin later today on Jamar Samuels. I’d be shocked if he isn’t red-shirted, but then again, given David Hoskins’ situation, he might be needed for depth. So, now, after typing that last sentence, I’m changing my mind. I don’t think they’re going to red-shirt Samuels. Can you follow that logic?

ALSO, Martin hasn’t read the Sports Illustrated feature on Mike Beasley, but he’s pleased with his star freshman’s progress.

NOW with Acie Law in the NBA with the Atlanta Hawks, first-year Texas A&M coach Mark Turgeon believes he has several players who will inherit the role of big shot-maker at the end of games. “I think we’ll do it by committee,” he said. Fascinating…

CALLING it his deepest and most talented team, Scott Drew believes Baylor has given itself a shot at reaching the NCAA Tournament — especially if the Big 12, given its RPI standing, reaps five or six berths in the tourney as Drew suspects it might. My thought is six is probably going to be the cut-off, and wouldn’t you know it — that’s probably where Kansas State is going to hover all season.

MIKE Anderson believes Texas is a better team this year than the Longhorns were last year. The reason is Kevin Durant. “They have a lot of weapons,” the Missouri coach said. “I think D.J. Augustin is the glue to the team. A.J. Abrams can shoot it from the parking lot…” Asked if there was a tendency for the rest of the Longhorns to stand around and watch Durant, Anderson replied, “Given what he did, it made sense sometimes.” Do you think a little of that is happening right now in Manhattan?

IT’S still an experience listening to Texas Tech coach Bob Knight. One win away from 900 for his career, he said he hasn’t even given it a thought. “You win a lot of games because you’ve coached a long time,” Knight said. He was asked about playing at Oklahoma State, and he replied, “It’s the same as any place else.” He gave props to John Roberson, saying the guard has played to his strengths, namely intelligence, but he also knocked Martin Zeno for his inconsistency.

GIVE Jeff Bzdelik credit for being blunt. Using only about eight players, the first-year Colorado coach was asked if he expected that rotation to hold up during conference play. “No,” he said. “We’re undersized and not really deep… It doesn’t bode well for playing in this particular league — I’m going to be honest with you.”

JEFF Capel says Memphis is the most athletic and talented team the Oklahoma Sooners have faced this year, but he expects that to change Monday when OU faces Kansas. On the topic of K-State, Capel compared Beasley to a young Derrick Coleman (which I think I’ve said a time or two before, but I digress). He also said that given how well Bill Walker has shot it from three-point range recently, that’s gives the Wildcats a “dynamic combination” at forward. Now, about those guards…

EVEN though it’s not just the Aleks Maric Show in Lincoln anymore, Nebraska coach Doc Sadler isn’t holding his breath about upending Kansas this weekend. “I look at Saturday’s game as a free game for us,” Sadler said. “I don’t think too many guys are going to beat those guys.” For the record, I think this guy is a very good coach. I think he’s gone about the growth process the correct way, focusing on defense and tempo. “Are we better? Yes,” he said.

INDIRECT rebuttal to Anderson via Texas coach Rick Barnes: “To think our team wouldn’t be better if Kevin Durant was here is ridiculous,” he said. “… We had a very unselfish team last year… People look at Kevin last year and think that was all we did… I think people make this more complicated than it is.” Also, Barnes was explaining about how the this year is different without Kevin, and he said, “That could happen a year from now…” But he caught himself, when it seemed almost certain he was going to say “without D.J. Augustin.” Now, I’m not putting words in his mouth, but I’m guessing the point guard — who might be Mike Beasley’s biggest competition for Big 12 Player of the Year — will be in the League next year. Much has been made of how much he idolizes Steve Nash after learning from the two-time MVP this summer, and he really does play like Nash. Wouldn’t he be a good fit as the heir apparent in Phoenix? He’ll probably be the third or fourth point guard taken, depending on how you classify Eric Gordon. It will go Derrick Rose, Gordon, Ty Lawson and then Augustin. Write it down.

APPARENTLY, Bob Knight now has beef with the Associated Press. The backstory isn’t clear — probably stemming from his recent incident on which he was reportedly hunting on private property — but when an AP writer asked a question Monday, the Texas Tech coach said, “I don’t have any interest in talking to the Associated Press.” Then, once the writer hung up, Knight said, “Don’t put any questions from the Associated Press through to me again.” Just to make clear he was heard, he told moderator and Big 12 director of communications Rob Carolla, “Did you catch me on that Associated Press thing?”

THE consensus, if there is such an animal during these calls, is that Michael Beasley has a better-than-average chance of being named a first-team All-American. Shocking news, I know.

TEXAS A&M coach Mark Turgeon has taken to being back in the Big 12, saying Monday, “I think we’re better than we’ve been,” in response to a question about what the league has shown so far. He had some other interesting things to add, specifically how he’d schedule weaker non-conference foes if he could do it over again at Wichita State. Why? “Because it comes down to how you do in the league,” Turgeon said. And on the topic of star freshman DeAndre Jordan, a probable Top 10 pick whenever he decides to make himself available for the NBA, he said his biggest concern isn’t whether Jordan likes him or not. “My biggest concern is making him better,” he said.

SEAN Sutton says it’s the Big Three — Kansas, Texas and Texas A&M — and then everybody else, basically a big clump of teams in the middle, which isn’t to be confused with mediocrity. The Oklahoma State coach believes, as most do, the Big 12 is much better, as evidenced by a strong showing against the Pac-10 in the recent Hardwood Series. Baylor coach Scott Drew echoed that theme, saying he’d heard a lot of people suggesting the Pac-10 was the best conference in the country. Including the Series, the Big 12 is 8-6 against the Pac-10 this year.

FRANK Martin says you’re not going to find a league with better coaches in it than the Big 12. Isn’t it amazing how much he sounds more and more like his predecessor each day?

PERHAPS Michael Beasley’s biggest competition for Player of the Year — at the one-third mark of the season — is Texas point guard D.J. Augustin, who was just named Big 12 player of the week. His coach, Rick Barnes, loves him. “He’s special,” Barnes said. “… He’s unbelievable. He does so many things for you… He’s a great leader. His leadership skills have improved so much… He gives his teammates great confidence, and that’s what you want from a leader.”

RON Prince believes everything that is lacking — notably a pass rush and positive play in the kicking game — can be corrected in-house and “are in our control.”

LET’S just throw it out there — I’m certain K-State extends Missouri this Saturday. Why? Ron Prince is being extra complimentary of the Tigers. He called Jeremy Maclin “the playmaker,” adding Maclin reminds him of Marshall Faulk. He said the two tight ends, Martin Rucker and Chase Coffman, are “certain” first-round NFL draft picks. He thinks Chase Daniel is a good quarterback, but he’s impressed most by the offensive line and MU offensive coordinator Dave Christensen. He even trotted out the “Greatest Show on Turf” tag, which he last did following a loss at Oklahoma State. Given all of that, and the fact that Missouri coach Gary Pinkel is telling his team it is “the hunted,” and it’s Senior Day, and the Tigers’ historic struggles in Manhattan, and it’s a national TV game against a Top 10 team, yeah, I wouldn’t be surprised one bit if the Wildcats won.

Yeah, I said it. Actually, I wrote it.

MIKE Leach is digging a hole for himself, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he decides to leave Lubbock after the sea-son. He didn’t back-pedal Monday from his provocative comments Saturday about the officiating and an apparent bias toward Texas, which he said was “higher bowl-wise.”  He was asked if he has heard from the Big 12 office, and he said he hadn’t but he imagines he will. Asked if expected a fine, he said he had no real expectations in that regard. But he insisted he had no regrets. “As for specifics, you’re going to have to get notes from those that were in class. … (But) I wouldn’t change anything I said.”

THIS just in — Oklahoma’s defense is rather good. “It’s hard for everybody to move the ball on Oklahoma,” Leach said. Even Bob Stoops chimed in on the topic. He was asked whether he feels any pressure to get into shootouts given all of the high-powered offenses in the Big 12, and Stoops replied, “That’s not how we think. That’s not our mindset. … We give up 16 points per game through the season.”

IS Jordy Nelson an All-American if he’s not even the best receiver in his own conference? It’s not a scientific study or anything, but gauging questions and responses Monday, it’s clear Tech’s Michael Crabtree is going to be on a lot of All-American teams. Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy said he was asked to submit a ballot for one of those teams, and he said he voted for Crabtree. He may have also voted for Nelson, but he did not volunteer that information (and he also wasn’t asked directly).

GUY Morriss said there is no meeting set up — as of now — with the Baylor administration to discuss his future.

IDENTIFY who uttered the following words: “We needed to make a few more plays, needed one more stop.” If you said Jim Wooldridge, technically, you wouldn’t be wrong. He seemed to say that quite often during his tenure at K-State. But Monday, those same words were spoken by Texas A&M coach Dennis Franchione.

INTERPRET this Mack Brown quote in any way you must. “Seeing your team go from being not very good to good is a positive,” the Texas coach said.

WHAT is a week without checking in Dan Hawkins? The Colorado coach wasn’t wallowing in blowing a 21-0 first half lead to Iowa State over the weekend. “That’s life — it really is,” Hawk said. “I’m always the Chinese philosopher in these things. The highs and lows of life will never be experienced if you don’t throw yourself into it.”

MARLON Lucky, who had a strong game Saturday against K-State (then again, who didn’t?), will be “a nice pro back,” according to his coach, Bill Callahan. The NU coach said Lucky compares favorably to Brandon Jackson, the workhorse on last season’s team, and Jackson was a second-round NFL Draft pick. Callahan thinks Lucky is more versatile because of pass-catching skills. Also, Callahan was asked if he felt the Huskers would accept a bowl invite should NU reach six wins. He said that decision wouldn’t be his, but he hoped the administration would allow the team to go, as a reward for the seniors and the team. “It’s an opportunity to finish the season on a winning note,” he said.

FINALLY, here was Callahan’s “endorsement” of his vanquished foe: “Coach Prince does a heck of a job. We have been there as a team. I know exactly what he’s going through. Our kids continue to compete. … He’s a great man. We have respect for him. … There is no doubt his team will bounce back this week.”

HERE’S something to ponder: according to Iowa State coach Gene Chizik, whose start in Ames is mirroring the start Colorado coach Dan Hawkins jumped off to in Boulder, this is natural. “You take your lumps, so to speak, in your first year and hopefully you see progress in your second year,” he said. Which made us think – what does that say for Ron Prince? I’d be curious to hear your feedback on this, and I’m not trying to pile on or start anything here. I’m serious. I think everyone agrees this year’s team is vastly better than last year’s, but the record might not necessarily reflect that progress. Prince alluded to that Monday: “I think it’s where we are in the development of our program. I expected us to win more games than a year ago.” But he also said he knew it would be the most challenging year of their development. What do you think?

TODD Reesing reminds Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy of former Boston College quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie, which makes me want to throw up. Disclaimer: it’s a BC/BU thing.

BASED solely on the pitch of their voices, I’d say Baylor coach Guy Morriss is bummed, Missouri coach Gary Pinkel is pumped and Nebraska coach Bill Callahan is sorely out of touch with reality.

MIKE Leach’s arm aches. But the Texas Tech coach isn’t about to give up riding his bicycle, which is how he broke his arm in the first place. See the type of things that are discussed during a coaches’ conference call?

APPARENTLY, there isn’t much difference between Paul Coffman, former K-State tight end, and his son Chase, current Missouri tight end. Oh, other than the fact that Chase told “The Man” no and went to Mizzou. That’s the word according to Texas A&M coach Dennis Franchione, who coached at K-State just as Coffman was leaving. “He’s a lot like his dad,” Fran said.

BY running more north-south instead of always looking to break the big run, Texas coach Mack Brown said Jamaal Charles has become one of the nation’s best running backs again, and it’s hard to argue with the numbers. He’s averaging 119.2 yards per game, which is 15th in the country, and ripping off 6.2 yards per carry.

DAN Hawkins, who was fired up Monday, said Missouri is a “very, very, very good team. Very good.” He says the Tigers are on par with anybody the Buffs have played, which includes Arizona State and, obviously, Oklahoma.

AND, finally, Callahan was asked how he has “handled” the constant barrage of questions about his future with relative dignity. “I just think you have an inner strength,” he said. “… You trust the Lord and move forward.” Please, let it end. Soon.