Beginning Monday, June 21st, 2004 CHN began unveiling 144 Team previews in 144 Days. CHN ranked the nations top 144 teams, and is unveiling one per day leading up until the opening day of the 2004-05 Season.

Bookmark the 144 Teams in 144 Days home page, and check back each day to see which team is previewed next.

Jim Wooldridge’s backcourt is depleted this year, but a solid frontcourt returns with Jeremiah Massey, Marques Hayden and Cartier Martin. Going 6-10 in the Big 12 isn’t bad. Last year they had the ability to upset teams, like beating Texas in the regular season finale. The Wildcats didn’t upset many other teams, but didn’t lose to many teams they should have beaten. But for an average team, that won’t get you much above .500. They need to occasionally beat teams like Oklahoma, Colorado and Texas Tech before the Wildcats can start seriously thinking about the post season.

Who’s Out: Departing guards Tim Ellis, Frank Richards and Jarrett Hart will leave a huge hole in the backcourt. Ellis is the key loss for Kansas State. The 6-3 guard did it all, averaging 13.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists. Richards and Hart were more of the point guard players averaging 3.6 and 3.1 assists, respectively. Little used forward Josh Eilert has also run out of eligibility.

Who’s In: Small forward Clent Stewart should see some back up minutes his freshman year in Manhattan. The 6-3 Tulsa native could see even more minutes if he can become an adequate back up at the two guard spot. There will be more competition for that starting shooting guard spot with the rest of the newcomers. Incoming freshman Curtis Allen could see some minutes at the two guard, but Junior College transfer Fred Peete is the likely candidate to see some starting time. Peete’s experience at NE Oklahoma A&M gives him the edge in that race.

Who to Watch: Last season four players had over two assists per game. Three of them are gone and Dez Willingham remains. The 6-0 sophomore only played 17.4 minutes per game in 22 outings his first year for the Wildcats, but he’ll be asked to take over the point. He only scored 4.4 points per game, but his 2.8 assists and 1.5 turnovers per game is the important stat. Willingham will have to be able to handle the pressure of running the squad for Kansas State to improve on last years record.

Projected Conference Rank: Willingham has proven that he can do a decent job running the point. Yet it will be the experienced frontcourt that will lead the Wildcats to a 9th place finish in the Big 12.

Projected Post-season Tournament: none

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Email Joel Welser: jwelser_chn@ameritech.net

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