At Top Bet we’re making sure you’re prepped for March Madness by breaking down the teams that will affect your bracket the most. We’ve looked at favorites like Duke, Wichita State, and Kansas, and are on to the teams that could turn some heads this March: the sleepers. We’ve covered the New Mexico Lobos and Oklahoma State Cowboys, amongst others, and today we move on to the Kansas State Wildcats.
[sc:NCAAB240banner ]Despite suffering a few losses down the stretch of the regular season, the Kansas State Wildcats thrived in the tough Big 12 conference. Now in his second season at the helm of the Wildcats, coach Bruce Weber has guided the team back to the national tournament, but could his team fare better than in 2013 when they were eliminated in the second round?
[sc:MarchMadness ]Kansas State Wildcats Preview
Key to Success – Passing
For Kansas State to have a player with only 2.9 APG lead the team in assists and yet still be ranked no. 32 (15.5 APG) in that department speaks volumes about its players’ willingness to share the leather. Everyone seems to have a nose for the open man. Apart from assist-leader Will Spradling, five more Wildcats average at least 1.6 APG. That’s some generous basketball.
MVP – Marcus Foster
Marcus Foster managed to have a share of the limelight in the Big 12 with a fantastic first season. Foster is first on the Wildcats’ (15.4 PPG) and 10th in the conference (16.6 PPG in conference play) in the conference. He scored at least 20 points seven times this season, including his 34-point explosion against the Longhorns back in February. Playing in a highly team-oriented team, Foster also averages 2.4 APG, dishing out a career-high 10 dimes against Baylor in the Wildcats’ last regular season game.
Achilles Heel – Defensive Rebounding
The Wildcats can’t afford to let opponents outwork them on the defensive glass if they plan to go deep in the NCAA Tournament. Kansas State is a great defensive team (no. 54 in points allowed with 64.9 PPG), but often see that effort frittered away by surrendering 9.8 offensive rebounds per game.
Season Highlight – Marcus Foster Rises Above David Stockton
Watch as freshman sensation Marcus Foster soars above Gonzaga’s David Stockton and finishes with a vicious rack attack.
Prediction
The Wildcats should reach the third round of the NCAA Tournament. Their teamwork could perplex even the best teams in the nation.
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