Part 3

Here it is. The third edition.

Kansas vs. Kansas State

In my head right, dramatic music is playing. A montage of players flexing their muscles, screaming, dunking, and flying through the air is playing on the jumbotron. It starts out slow, with the stars, Sherron Collins, Jacob Pullen, Cole Aldrich, Denis Clemente. Then speeds up catching all the starters and role players on both teams. It ends with a stare down, with whoever you want. Brady and Denis (let's hope Denis keeps his cool), a Morris and Samuels, Sherron and Pullen. (Now if I were a State fan, it would end with Frank "The Hitman" Martin giving everyone the stare of death, but I'm not, so it doesn't.)

What I want to hit on is what we should expect from both sides.

Kansas:
Lots of bench play.

The Wildcats play tough. They cause a lot of fouls, evidenced by the fact they lead the nation in free throws attempted per game. Both teams are playing the third game in three days. Can you say stamina?

Also, Kansas has relied heavily upon their starters in the first 2 games. They have gotten great contributions from Markieff Morris, and timely shooting from both Morningstar and Reed. Look for that to continue. I would also expect to see 5 minutes from either Thomas Robinson or Jeff Withey. Robinson made an appearance against A&M, and came away with a good defensive play, exactly the thing that Bill Self rewards with more playing time.

I would also expect to see the stars in full force. Marcus Morris had one of his worst games against A&M due to foul trouble. Aldrich did not play well against A&M either, after snagging 18 rebounds against Tech. Sherron has been the consistent force for the last 2 games. As long as he maintains control (and he has done a magnificent job so far), I think he will continue to produce. However, Collins seems to lose his legs frequently when he tries to do too much. If KU gets down and Collins tries to take over, he is going to miss a lot of shots, KU fans will lose faith, and defense will be at a premium.


Kansas State
The thing that you can always see from a Frank "Crazy Eyes" Martin coached team is hustle and intensity. But so far, we have yet to see if the team can sustain the desired intensity for 3 straight days. I think that KState will play with unabdoned desire, bordering on desperation. This is a Top 10 (legitimately too) team that could lose to the same opponent for a third time. Has that every happened?

Frank "still working on a solid nickname, suggetions welcome" Martin, has instilled a sense of pride in his team that they work to display every game. The way the team shows the pride most often is through rebounding. The 'Cats have outrebounded the 'Hawks in each of their previous two meetings depsite a slight size disadvantage. That will continue today, it just remains to be seen if the big men for KState can finish their second chance opportunities. Overall, I think KState's big men will have a pretty good day.

As far as the stars for KState, I think there is no stopping Jacob Pullen. He is a consistent force of offensive prowess that almost never has an off day. Denis Clemente, on the other hand, is somewhat inconsistent. KU will get into his head and make him have an off day. Also, don't expect the same output from Dominique Sutton. 14 points and 14 rebounds against a good Baylor team was quite impressive, but don't expect that against the number 1 overall seed in the NCAA tourney.


Prediction,
Kansas 81, Kansas State 73


Regardless of the outcome, this has become a rivalry. And I hope the fact that Frank "Mob Boss" Martin now has a contract extension, will keep the rivalry going for a long time.


Hoping for Part 4,
DDSF