The Kansas State Wildcats took home a 27-point victory against Newman in their first exhibition game of the year but not all is well in Manhattan, Kan. The Wildcats looked sloppy at times and Frank Martin let them know it. ""We are talented but we have a lot of work to do. Our upperclassman have to be better leaders. It is hard to lead when you are not doing your job. Our upperclassman have been inconsistent with that in practice, but they are good guys and they will keep trying and will be ok."
Here's what other folks are saying about K-State's victory.
K-State cruises to victory, looking to find identity - Kansas State Collegian - Sports
Head coach Frank Martin said Spradling has owned the skills of basketball ever since he came in. "He shoots the cover off the ball," Martin said. "He's the son of a coach, and he's grown up with an understanding of how to play. He gets to the right place more times than not because he's been taught to listen by a coach who happens to be his father."
No surprises for Cats | CJOnline.com
Freddy Asprilla, the 6-foot-10 center who began his career at Florida International, made the biggest impression. Asprilla scored nine points and grabbed 13 rebounds, demonstrating why he was heralded as the low-post presence K-State has lacked. Asprilla, who has shed more than 50 pounds since reporting to K-State, also flashed some nimble moves, running the floor for a fastbreak dunk and dishing a nifty behind-the-back pass to Rodney McGruder.
Pullen leads No. 3 Kansas State over Newman - NCAA - SI.com
Kansas State coach Frank Martin used the opportunity to play everyone. Shane Southwell put up nine points, and fellow freshman Will Spradling had seven points and three assists. Free-throw shooting, a weakness last season even though the Wildcats advanced to the Elite Eight, was again a problem. They converted only 21 of 40 attempts.
Kansas State dismantles Newman, but Martin not satisfied - KansasCity.com
"Unlike other highly ranked teams, we have returned a lot of talent, but not a lot of experience," Pullen said. "And now we are trying to find the right groups that match, the groups with the right chemistry, the people who know what they are supposed to do."
K-State wins exhibition game against Newman
Overall, the Wildcats played a relatively sloppy game early on, making several first-game mistakes, but they will improve before the regular season starts. Frank Martin’s squad has to play better defense and take advantage of free-throw attempts. Without a doubt, Martin will make sure the message is understood by his team.