Voters have faith in K-State hoops

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Apr 19, 2008

Michael Beasley is leaving for the NBA, but Kansas State basketball is here to stay.

That is the majority sentiment of nearly 300 readers who voted in a CJOnline poll asking how the Wildcats will fare next season without Beasley and his 26.2 points and 12.4 rebounds per game.

More than 80 percent of respondents believe the Wildcats will reach the postseason in 2009, continuing a trend that started with the 2007 team's bid to the NIT and this season's run to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Although only 12 percent said K-State will be better without Beasley, a total of 62 percent said K-State will return to the NCAA tourney.

As for which player will lead the Wildcats in 2008-09, sophomore guard Jacob Pullen (above) received the nod with 37 percent of the vote. However, 34 percent of voters said they believe either Bill Walker or David Hoskins will return next season to assume K-State's go-to role. Walker has declared for June's NBA draft but hasn't retained an agent; Hoskins is recovering from multiple knee surgeries and waiting to learn whether the NCAA will grant him a medical hardship and sixth year of eligibility.

Guard Denis Clemente, a transfer from Miami who sat out last season under NCAA rules, was listed on 10 percent of the ballots, while Ron Anderson received 6 percent of the vote.

Following are complete poll results:

HOW WILL K-STATE FARE NEXT YEAR WITHOUT BEASLEY?

290 votes

K-State will continue to be effective under coach Frank Martin and return to the NCAA Tournament.K-State will struggle some but still reach the NIT.K-State will fall off considerably and fail to reach the postseason.

K-State will be even better because the young players have had an extra year of experience.WHO WILL BE K-STATE'S GO-TO PLAYER IN 2008- 09?

252 votes

Jacob Pullen

Bill Walker and/or David Hoskins

Denis Clemente

Ron Anderson

None of the above