Emaw K State

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We are resurrecting the Focus Group just in time for Saturday’s opening conference test in Columbia, Mo. Answers, comments and criticism go in the comments.

1. It’s been a memorable non-conference season for K-State, the best in decades. But they don’t give out trophies for what you do in November and December. Realistically assess K-State’s chances of winning the Big 12, regular season and/or postseason.

2. Conference play opens Saturday against Missouri. Of all the teams in the Big 12 to start off with, and of all the venues to start out in, this strikes me as just about the worst. Your thoughts on playing the Tigers at Mizzou Arena this weekend?

3. Assess the rest of the Big 12. Outside of KU and Texas, who is the biggest threat to K-State? Who has been a disappointment?

4. Bramlage is turning into a house of horrors for opponents this season, as the Cats hold a 9-0 record in the Octagon of Doom. Home games against Texas and KU guarantee that our ability to maintain that unblemished record will be tested. Can the Cats hold serve at home for what would be a 17-0 season in Manhattan?

5. Especially for the old-timers, this season is bringing back memories of Sweet 16s, Elite 8s, and Final Fours past. What is the ceiling for K-State this season?

Star-divide

EMAW:

1. While the opportunity to win the Big 12 could be better, given the strength of Texas and KU, this K-State team has the best chance as any Wildcat team since the conference was formed. The play of Jacob Pullen has given the Cats a 1-2 punch in the backcourt that will give teams fits all season. It’s essential to have scorers on the outside if you want to keep up with the bigger programs. Add in the effective play of Curtis Kelly, Jamar Samuels and Dom Sutton, and K-State finally has an inside presence to hang with Cole Aldrich and Dexter Pitman. I think the Cats have a much better chance of winning the conference tournament than they do the regular season. Since we’re being realistic, they’ll probably drop one or two games against “lesser” teams that will hinder their chances of capturing the regular season crown. If they can get a top 4 seed in the tournament, earning them a bye, I can definitely see them making a run at the tourney title. This team has the depth and grit to win 3 games in 3 days.

2. Many Wildcat fans think Saturday is a sure win, while Mizzou fans think they’ll blow us out. It’s not an ideal start, but it does get our guys focused on the Big 12 season after closing out the non-con with some cupcakes. Frank will have the guys ready to play, although don’t be surprised if they dig themselves a hole early on due to nerves and the sold-out arena. I feel much more confident knowing we have an experienced backcourt that will allow us to beat Mizzou’s pressure. I feel the home winning streak will fall, though I won’t be hugely disappointed if we come out with a loss.

3. While I feel a win at Mizzou is likely, them and A&M do pose the biggest threat to disrupt our chances of a top 4 finish. Both teams have proven they can win in the Big 12, and Mizzou is a well coached bunch. Oklahoma has been a large disappointment, but they are a team that may find their groove in conference play after looking horrid – I mean, HORRID – in their non-con. Maybe I was giving the Sooners too much credit before the season started, but I felt they would be in the mix for 3rd and 4th along with K-State and Mizzou.

4. While 17-0 at the OOD would be awesome, I just don’t see it happening. Again, just being realistic, but with A&M, Texas, KU, and Mizzou slated to come to the Little Apple, I’ll be pleasantly surprised if we come away unscathed. The fans are turning out in droves, and the place should be sold out for every conference game. But, it will take a monumental effort for the guys to get through the Big 12 without losing at home. However, running the table in Bramlage would probably mean the Cats are well on their way to a 16-0 conference record (29-1 overall).

5. Final Four. Yes, they can be that good. Get a good draw in the tourney, play strong defense, make some f-ing free throws, and we may all be taking a trip to Indy in early April. I expect we make it to the second weekend of the tournament, which would still be a great acheivment for a program that was picking up the pieces of the Tom Asbury era roughly a decade ago.