Both K-State and Kansas have been aggressive with their non-conference basketball schedules. And, it’s been a real treat for hoops fans.
That’s the subject of tonight’s “On the Mark”.
Before it turns 2008 --- K-State will have played George Mason, Oregon, Notre Dame, California, and Xavier.
Kansas will have played Arizona, U-S-C, DePaul, Georgia Tech with a trip to Boston College planned just after New Year’s.
The tough scheduling has resulted in the most enjoyable November and December to watch in years.
So much so… that it’s worth applauding schedule makers at both schools.
As several division one programs can attest, losing bad to good teams can take away a program’s confidence.
While trying to blend several new pieces together under a new coach, Kansas State had every reason to buy out some contracts to bring in lesser opponents.
But, judging from its assertive ways in beating Cal, K-State took to heart lessons learned from losing to the Patriots, Ducks, and Irish.
I’ll say right now that the Wildcats tougher schedule will be the difference maker in turning the Cats from a bubble team into a dance participant. As for Kansas, the Jayhawks just added a home and home series with Tennessee.
That puts the Volunteers on next year’s schedule along with Arizona, Michigan State and a combination of two of either Washington, Syracuse or Florida. To be the best, you have to play the best.
I like that scheduling philosophy a whole lot better than scheduling automatic home game wins against Wisconsin-Parkside, regardless of the risk. That’s “On the Mark”.

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