"I've got three more years after this one," said freshman Michael Beasley, who is ranked No. 1 on every NBA Draft chart. "My Senior Night isn't for a long time."
So Michael, are you guaranteeing that — you'll definitely be back?
"I ain't guaranteeing anything," he answered, flashing a smile.
Bill Walker, what about you?
More serious than his buddy, Walker said, "I don't know. Frank (Martin) and I will sit down with my parents at the end of the year and decide what's best for me. I'm not big on going to the pros and sitting on the bench. That will play the biggest factor. I want to be as ready as possible before I leave here."
Asked whether he would leave K-State if projected to go in the second round of the draft, Walker said, "I don't think so. I think I can do better. It wouldn't hurt coming back and sharpening my skills. It wouldn't be all bad to come back."
Beasley not backing down
During the preseason and prior to the first game against Kansas in Bramlage Coliseum, Beasley was predicting victories over the Jayhawks whether the game was played in Manhattan, Lawrence, at the rec center, in Alaska and/or Africa.
Thursday, Beasley said, "I mean what I say, and say what I mean. I said it."
Asked if he had any other locales where K-State would defeat KU, Beasley said, "I'd take it to Europe, Australia ... I like kangaroos a lot, we could go to a back yard."
Beasley said he understands how such statements might rile up the Jayhawks, but added, "I makes me work harder, and makes my team work harder. It's best for the game. My team is prepared to play any team in America. Whether it be Memphis, Kansas, Duke ... I'm not scared of those guys. They're good teams, but bring them on."
While not scared, Beasley does have full respect for KU's Allen Fieldhouse, where Saturday's game will be played.
"I hear it's crazy ... that the fans are relentless," Beasley said. "We'll have to put our hard hats on and go get it."
On the Allen atmosphere, Walker said, "It's crazy. It's so loud you can't even hear what you're thinking about."
Pullen's ready
One who was ready to play the Jayhawks the first time, and will be again Saturday, is Jacob Pullen.
In K-State's 84-75 victory over No. 2 Kansas on Jan. 30, Pullen scored 20 points, plus dished out four assists.
This time, Pullen said, "I know they will be more prepared. I assume this time I'll be on their scouting report. They said I surprised them. I don't know what to say to that, I'm a Division I player and had to do something to get here."
Pullen added that he thinks he plays his best against the best.
"I feel like I can play with any guard out there. I feel like I'm one of the best, so playing the best motivates me," said Pullen.
ESPN Gameday
ESPN was in Manhattan Wednesday to tape a segment with Beasley that will be used on their Saturday Gameday that will take up residence at Allen Fieldhouse.
Fans will have open seating in the east stands starting at 8 a.m. Air time starts at 9 a.m. on SportsCenter, followed by a one-hour show from 10 to 11.
Recovering from 0-of-14
Walker is coming off an 0-of-14 shooting game against the Texas Longhorns.
"I've never had a game like that in my life," Walker said.
But now we know why it happened.
Walker played the game without his signature white headband.
"I couldn't find any of my headbands and I have about 10 different ones," Walker said. "I just misplaced them. As long as I've played basketball I've worn a headband. I'm superstitious."
As for his one-point game, Walker said, "Everyone has a bad game. Even Kobe (Bryant) has had bad games. It's how you bounce back from a bad game that determines who you are."
Coming to the defense of his teammate, Beasley said of Walker's game, "He was taking good shots, but they weren't dropping. Every shot don't drop all the time."
Asked if he was giving his teammate/roommate a bad time about his game, Beasley broke into laughter as he said, "All the time ... all the time.
"We played one-on-one today and I just wouldn't guard him. He beat me, unfortunately, but I refused to guard him. I told him I was going to let him shoot 14 straight shots and he wouldn't make one."
On the serious side, one who isn't worried about Walker being bothered by his woeful night is Martin: "Bill doesn't dwell on negatives. He moves forward."
Teammate Andre Gilbert said, "This won't bother Bill. Losing bothers Bill, but he's not a selfish player. His frustration comes with losing."
