-Give us state of KSU Bball?: Played unusual schedule for P5 conference team. Not normal sequence. Then, throw in finals week. Very much a grind right now. But, then, will be all bball for an entire month. Started playing very well in Hawaii. Played very well against Purdue and AZ....but since then it's been a struggle.
-Starts with three guys: MF, Wesley, and Gip. Then, have Nino step up as senior. But, Wesley hasn't been playing up to par and not earning minutes. Gip has been in foul trouble so early, not getting necessary minutes. MF: played well, but in spurts. Not consistent. Those three core guys...just not getting anywhere near production from them that we did last year.
-Think there was an HI hangover? Absolutely. Not only the effects of Hawaii....but losing three games like they did. As soon as get back, have to head right to TN. I know those sound like a lot of excuses, so they just need to get going....which has happened in past in KC under BW. He gave Florida and Gonzaga examples.
-From personal experience, hanging around bball players, once finals are over there's an entirely new excitement level around a basketball team.
-K-State is not playing well, but with a snap of the fingers it could turn around and be exactly right where they were last year, with parts in place to take them to another level.
-aTm: This is a different team with transfers from SMU, etc. What do you see? This year's team has come together well and quickly. Somehow, they have kids who transferred and got immediate clearance from NCAA. They can play. Big PG who can give opponents fits. Plus, they have great experience to go with new guys/transfers. Dangerous bball team. Guards are very big, but that height stops at their guards. Inside, they are small.
-Nate: Going back to MF, does K-State need someone besides him to step up and take pressure off him? Yes. MF should not shoot more three pointers, especially if forced. I would like to see him take more mid-range shots and get to rim. That's his real game, to me.
-But, I keep focusing on guys who were here last year. You have to get at least equal production from those guys. Again, I bring up Wes. He has to get going. From there, Edwards HAS to get going. He's almost been too unselfish. He just doesn't feel comfortable yet. You can see him passing up some good shots, just to keep the motion offense going. He needs to start being aggressive and hit those.
-The entire team just needs to play better, more confident offensively. It's a whole team thing. I think they will be all right, but time is running out. It starts tomorrow with very good team.
-How do you keep Gip out of foul trouble? Have a sit-down, man to man talk with him and tell him absolutely no fouls before first TV timeout. Just can't afford it. Whatever you have to do, just don't pick up early foul.
-When you come down on offense and Gip is in there to throw to and pass out of double teams, etc., it just calms the whole team down. He's a calming influence for everyone out there.
(no specific PG questions or discussion)
