Chats

Michael Ashford

February 13, 2009 at 6:58 p.m.

Thanks for having me Jesse. I feel like we're back in Emporia for another episode of the Sports Buzz. But seriously, I'm looking forward to tomorrow's game. Let's get started with some questions.

Michael Ashford

February 13, 2009 at 7:06 p.m.

There are a few things that have changed since the last time these two squads met. The biggest difference is simply that K-State now knows it can win in the Big 12 against good competition instead of hoping it can win. The Wildcat shooters -- Fred Brown in particular -- have been nails at the end of tight games, and that all goes back to confidence and knowing how to win.

Also, K-State is playing with the defensive tenacity that Frank Martin demands of his teams. Just look at how the Wildcats opened against Tech. In the first meeting in Lawrence, K-State was coming off the Oklahoma loss where defensively, the Wildcats just fell apart.

Lastly, K-State has gotten much better at its half-court offense. K-State's a team that loves to get out and run, but as Big 12 teams took away that ability, K-State was forced to run the half-court offense, and as it turns out, it improved.

Michael Ashford

February 13, 2009 at 7:13 p.m.

KU has to feed the ball inside to Aldrich. It's no secret that K-State's interior is somewhat lacking, and Aldrich will be the best interior player on the court on Saturday. K-State forward Darren Kent has stepped up big during the six-game winning streak, but when push comes to shove, Aldrich has him beat talent-wise. It would be wise if KU made sure Aldrich got his touches.

Also, K-State, even though its been playing better basketball and better defense, they've still left some shooters with wide-open looks from three-point range.

Michael Ashford

February 13, 2009 at 7:20 p.m.

While Clemente and Pullen are the motors that drive the Wildcats, K-State must establish some kind of presence down low, even if it is as simple as just feeding the ball to the big guys down low and allow them to find the shooters on the perimeter.

KU will have to put what happened in Columbia on Monday behind them. I know Collins and Aldrich can do it -- they've played in the national championship game and won. But the freshmen and the new guys on KU's roster who have never experienced Bramlage Coliseum as it will be on Saturday will have to put all the surrounding elements out of their heads and just play basketball. Because with as crazy as last year's game was, a storm is brewing that might make Bramlage even more wild than a season ago.

And we all heard Beasley was planning on being in Manhattan, but one of his sponsors had him booked for an appearance. K-State is supposed to have some recruits in, however.

Michael Ashford

February 13, 2009 at 7:23 p.m.

When K-State is playing at its best defensively, the Wildcats are the best defensive team in the Big 12. These past six games, K-State has played some pretty tenacious defense, and it allowed the Wildcats to win tight games at Texas and Texas A&M, and it helped the Wildcats completely dismantle Missouri and Texas Tech at home. If K-State's defense is on, watch out.

Michael Ashford

February 13, 2009 at 7:26 p.m.

Because we like this state. Sure, it doesn't have the mountains of Colorado or the beaches of California, but I'd say Kansas has a lot of real nice qualities that warrant obsession.

Seriously, the question could also be asked: "Why are Kansas fans so obsessed with believing K-State fans are obsessed with them?"

Michael Ashford

February 13, 2009 at 7:28 p.m.

Thanks. It can be tough to get sarcasm to come across in type.

Michael Ashford

February 13, 2009 at 7:31 p.m.

This is tough, because Collins by himself is probably the best guard in the Big 12. And when it comes to this matchup, he's always played his "A game" against the Wildcats.

But I'd have to say the Clemente/Pullen duo is more important to K-State's success, simply because K-State does not have someone down low that the Wildcats can rely on to consistently deliver night-in and night-out. KU has that with Aldrich. Without Clemente/Pullen, the Wildcats are toast.

Michael Ashford

February 13, 2009 at 7:35 p.m.

In a word -- bogus. This is completely untrue. Even if K-State was looking to name a coach in waiting (which isn't happening), it would be very unlikely that Mark Mangino would be a candidate. He's got his own program going at KU. Why would he concern himself with another school? So no, this did not happen, nor will it ever.

Michael Ashford

February 13, 2009 at 7:37 p.m.

Oh geez. Seriously, I'm not quite sure what the marketing department at K-State was thinking with that one. Bad, just bad.

Michael Ashford

February 13, 2009 at 7:39 p.m.

Can I say yes and still be considered credible?

Michael Ashford

February 13, 2009 at 7:44 p.m.

While covering the numerous gymnastics meets and worrying about whiny parents was certainly a highlight to my days at The Emporia Gazette, I'll do you one better. I only cover K-State sports on the side now. I have a new job away from journalism, and (no offense to my friends still in the biz), I consider it a huge step forward for myself.

Michael Ashford

February 13, 2009 at 7:46 p.m.

...the Wildcats don't get too hyped up and continue to play at the level that has allowed them to crawl out of an 0-4 start to conference play and onto the NCAA Tournament bubble.

Michael Ashford

February 13, 2009 at 7:48 p.m.

I'm terrible at picking scores, but I'll say Wildcats by 8.

Michael Ashford

February 13, 2009 at 7:51 p.m.

Thanks for having me Jesse, and thanks for sending in all the questions everyone. I enjoyed this.