New recruits bring athleticism to K-State

When discussing the six newest members of Kansas State’s basketball team, Frank Martin uses one word more than any other: Athleticism.

“The one thing with our team last year was that we weren’t as athletic as we needed to be,” Martin said. “But with these guys, we just got a lot more athletic.”

Junior college transfer Jeremy Jones and Division I transfers (by way of JUCO) James Watson and Omari Lawrence appear to be the most agile of the group, but Martin also sees explosiveness in freshmen Angel Rodriguez, Adrian Diaz and Thomas Gipson.

All bring something unique to the court.

“Omari, James and Jeremy, they’re all older and as you get older you get stronger and you get exposed to basketball,” Martin said. “All three of those guys are very athletic and should help us. Then you look at those young (freshmen) they all bring a certain level of athleticism that I think is going to help them continue to grow and get better.”

Here’s a rundown of what Martin likes about all six newcomers.
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A few summer K-State basketball notes

I spoke with Kansas State basketball coach Frank Martin for about 20 minutes earlier today. During that conversation we covered a number of topics, ranging from the similarities he sees between Dallas Mavericks guard J.J. Barea and Wildcats freshman Angel Rodriguez (read all about it in tomorrow’s paper), what he is expecting out of his newest recruits, the promotions on his coaching staff and plenty in between.

I’m planning on passing along all of those tidbits throughout the week right here. Allow me to kick things off now with a few notes.

Feeling Better

Martin is much healthier today than he was last month when he began undergoing treatment for blood clots found in his leg.

“I feel great,” Martin said. “I’m on blood thinners. There are times during the day that makes you feel weird, but I’m good. My doctors are comfortable with my blood and they’re comfortable with the clot. In the back of my mind, I’m always worried. Blood clots are nothing to mess with. So I’m not free and clear. I’m always going to have a concern in the back of my mind, but physically I’m good.”
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