Kansas State coach Frank Martin has nothing but respect for Oregon’s up-tempo offense.
“I can’t think of too many teams who are better than them offensively,” Martin said.
That’s not to say he thinks the Ducks are one-track minded though.
“That is not taking anything away from them defensively,” Martin said. “They are very talented at all five spots. Ernie (Kent) has done an unbelievable job with that program.”
Martin watched his good friend Billy Donovan coach Florida past Oregon 85-77 last season in the NCAA Midwest Regional Finals. Having studied game tape of the Ducks’ up-tempo style of play, he’s certain that Thursday’s game against Oregon at Bramlage Coliseum will be a good test of the Wildcats’ defensive stamina.
“We better be ready for the challenge because those guys can put up a big number on you in a hurry,” said Martin, whose team will appear on national television 13 times this season.
No. 17 Oregon (5-1) will meet up with No. 25 K-State (5-1) for the first time in more than four decades tomorrow. The two teams played each other twice in the 1960s – one in Manhattan, Kan., and the other in Eugene – and the Wildcats won both contests.
But gone are the days of Ron Paradis and Dennis Berkholtz, of low-teen scoring averages, and of short-shorts.
Manhattan’s got a new star – one with shorts past his knees, broad, muscle-bound shoulders and the preternatural ability to take over games.
His name is Michael Beasley, and he’s averaging 27.2 points per game and 15.5 rebounds per game.
The 6-foot-10, 235-pound freshman forward’s numbers have not surprised Martin either.
“We watched him play a trillion times as a high school guy and we know him as a kid and we know what kind of kid he is because of his close relationship with (coach) Dalonte (Hill),” Martin said. “We’ve seen him every single day in pre-season practice and I am not surprised. He is a heck of a player.”
A former McDonald’s All-American, Beasley’s output on the boards is just as remarkable as his uncanny ability to score. Martin said it’s because of his great hands and strength.
“He can read the ball coming off the rim,” he said.
Of course, Martin knows one man alone can’t stop a team.
And that’s good, because Beasley isn’t the only player with big upside. Freshman point guard Jacob Pullen has averaged 14.2 points per game while leading K-State in assists with 22. Another freshman, Bill Walker, is scoring about 13 points per game.
Martin, however, conceded that Beasley can’t be a one-man show.
“We have shared the ball,” Martin said. “The assist numbers have been very good and I have been extremely pleased by that. It is a matter of guys rising up and making shots, which we will do.
“We are not just trying to get Michael scoring.”
Aside from putting points on the board, Martin’s squad will also need to defend Oregon’s balanced offensive attack.
“Because they play so fast and they’re so interchangeable, it is gonna be a team effort,” Martin said. “From a defensive effort, we’ve got to slow them down and Mike has to be prepared to guard anybody on their front line. (Maarty) Leunen, (Malik) Hairston and (Joevan Catron) are all high level players and he has to be prepared to guard all three.”
Another young sensation with NBA first-round potential is Walker, who’s making his return after playing just six games as a freshman.
Walker, who ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament against Texas A&M in the Wildcats’ first Big 12 game last season, is focused on staying healthy and contributing to the team.
But, mainly, he wants one thing: “I just want to win a national championship. I am just focused on making that possible,” Walker said.
Like his coach, Walker also watched the Ducks’ run in last year’s NCAA Tournament.
“You got to respect that they are great shooters,” said Walker, who, like his childhood friend O.J. Mayo, was recruited by USC. “Tajuan (Porter) is a great shooter. Malik … It will be tough to defend a team like that. They spread the court but they are not one dimensional.”
Walker, who’s 6-foot-6, can play either forward position. With his speed, he can get past power forwards. With his strength, he can outmuscle small forwards.
That strength is returning as Walker, who’s averaging 6.5 rebounds per game, continues to rebuild after suffering the left knee injury. He said his leg feels good now.
“Whenever you first come back, you don’t have all the tools you need,” Walker said. “You normally have to get in game situations and keep playing. Your legs get stronger and it all comes back.”
Last weekend at the Old Spice Classic, George Mason beat Kansas State 87-77 before the Wildcats defeated Central Florida 73-71 in overtime and Rider 82-69. Walker got thrown out of the Rider game during the contest’s final minute, just seconds after Rider coach Tommy Dempsey was issued a double technical for berating officials and stepping onto the court.
Walker said he’s young and is still learning how to control his emotions.
“I am working on that. That’s what fuels me to be as good as I am,” Walker said. “I’ve got to find a way to channel it.”
Walker was also slapped with a technical foul against the Patriots.
“His fifth foul he put his hands on his head and walked away from the foul and got teched up for that,” Martin said. “Bill plays with emotion and that gives him the edge to be who he is. He has to have that to succeed. What he needs to learn is that there is a certain line he can’t cross with that emotion … is it OK? Absolutely not. But am I worried about it? Absolutely not.”
Aside from his two more heralded freshmen phenoms, Martin has also been pleased with Pullen’s development, especially on defense guarding faster guards than the ones he faced at Proviso East High School in Maywood, Ill.
“Jacob, from a defensive standpoint, is a lot better today than he was six weeks ago,” Martin said. “He went into the (Old Spice) tournament understanding that he was going to face some high level guards every night and he did a heck of a job for us.”
Walker said senior Blake Young and freshman Ron Anderson are two players who may not be getting the acclaim, but who nonetheless provide leadership and energy.
“We are a young team going to battle,” Walker said.
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