More basketball news

Frank Martin and the basketball team have had some new developments this week. In addition to having one of the top-rated classes of incoming recruits, the team added Miami point guard Denis Clemente.

Sounds like just what we need. A fast point guard who can make things happen. Not to mention, he scored 9.8 ppg, shot 43.5% from the field and 38% from three-point range. Clemente is also a 73% free-throw shooter, and had 3.3 assists per game. On the other hand, he was suspended for UM's first game last year, and was suspended late in the year. The article (and 610 sports here in KC) indicated the problems were related to class attendance, like that wasn't a big deal.

I hope our coaches don't think that's not a big deal. I'm happy to have a prospectively good player added to the roster, especially at a spot where we could use some help. But a kid who doesn't go to class is a risk. Even more, that COULD (not saying it is) be the sign of a deeper attitude problem. I hope I'm wrong. I hope Martin got an assurance from Clemente that the problems were behind him, as well as some hard evidence (for example, his grades) that he is serious about it. We'll see.

The team also released part of the schedule for next year. Most of the attention is focused on the Old Spice Classic, where the Cats will open up play with George Mason. I hope that's not the headliner game of the non-conference, though. Yeah, GMU was the darling of the Big Dance two years ago, but they were an unimpressive 18-15 last year, and did not make the NCAA Tournament. If the Cats get by the Patriots, they could face Villanova, which would be a good test early in the season (not to mention a possible resume-boosting win).

Sportsradio here in KC today mentioned K-State and Notre Dame may face off this year on the hardwood. No linky on that one, sorry.