2005 Kansas State Wildcats Basketball Preview

2005 Kansas State Wildcats Team Preview

Coach Jim Woodbridge, entering his sixth year leading the Wildcats, finds himself in a situation with which many Big 12 coaches can identify. This is probably his make-or-break season. Although the team finished tenth in the Big 12 with a 6-10 record, overall Kansas State had a winning season notching a 17-12 mark. Woodbridge’s fifth season was his best as the team’s headman. But the coach has two things going against him—no post-season appearance last year and the defection of 12 players in five years.

First-class starter Jeremiah Massey is gone; he departs with a final season average of 17.9 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. These are stats difficult to replace. Guard Fred Peete is also gone—13.0 PPG. 5.0 RPG and 3.8 APG. He transferred to New Mexico State.

Starters include three juniors—guard Lance Harris, forward Tyler Hughes, and guard/forward Cartier Martin. Of the three, Martin has shown the most promise with a slashing drive to the basket resulting in 10.5 points and 4.8 rebounds per game last season. At guard Harris earned 10.4 points per game last season; he now needs to crank up his solid perimeter game even more to open up the inside for the forwards. Hughes has shown potential but thus far lacks stamina. As a starter he must be more durable and consistent.

Central Michigan’s David Hoskins transfers and brings solid play and 8 points per game to the Kansas State court. He can be a stabilizing force at guard/forward, while sophomore Clent Stewart will be asked to use his already solid skills and basketball smarts to bring this team to a new level.

Finally, the Wildcats seem to have snared some extremely talented freshman. Forward Delivez Yearby carries athleticism and translates it into points and forward Darren Kent has size and ability that can be positively exploited.

This season Woodbridge has a good chance to get his team to the next level. That’s good news for him and for fans.

We have also listed the link to the official Kansas State Wildcats athletic site, for those that would like more info on the 2005 Kansas State mens basketball team. If not continue on below to more of the individual big 12 schools.