Kansas State Wildcats senior guard Rodney McGruder is ready to step up and be the team's leader on the court this season, as he told the media Monday during the team's annual media day. He said coach Bruce Weber relies on his seniors for such roles:

"I just try to be a great listener. When coach first came here, he said the success of the team depends on the seniors. We have to buy into what he is preaching to us. As long as we buy in and go out and play as hard as we can, only the best can come out of it."

McGruder, who led the team with 15.8 points per game last season, said he relishes the opportunity to be the team's leader:

"It is something that I will take on. I want to be a leader of this team and I am going to be a leader of this team. I will take on that challenge from Coach Weber. ... I think just listening to the coaches and helping other people out. Being vocal and holding every one of my teammates accountable."