With Your Shield or On It: It Couldn't Have Ended Any Other Way

by K. Scott Bailey on Mar 20, 2011 3:15 PM CDT in Men's Basketball

It is said that before the young men of Sparta went to battle, they were told by their mothers, "Ḕ tā̀n ḕ epì tâs" which translates literally to "With it, or on it." In ancient Greece, a man could not leave the field of battle without tossing aside his heavy shield. Thus, losing your shield meant you had deserted your fellow soldiers, and a man was only supposed to return from battle either "with his shield" (meaning he and his men won the battle) or "on it", in which case he had died gloriously in the fight. I couldn't help but be reminded of this saying last night, as I watched a broken young man trudge wearily from his own field of battle. He had given every portion of himself to that battle, and in doing so, brought credit to both himself and his alma mater.

Jacob Pullen has come back from so many "battles" with his shield, that seeing him come back on it was bracing in its finality. Jake and his team (and make no mistake, this was his team) stood, backs to the wall, for six consecutive games, the season on the brink, and every time he came back with his shield, another foe vanquished. In all my years of watching Wildcat basketball, I've never seen such a display--not even from Richmond or Henson. Defensive stand after defensive stand, big shot after big shot, over and over he came through.

Even in his final defeat, the warrior remained. He fought through undeserved foul trouble, and little offensive help, and carried his Wildcats to the brink of yet another victory. That the victory slipped away -- through no fault of his own -- does not diminish the greatness of what he did. The 38 points he scored, and the wonderful defense he played, will go down in Kansas State University basketball history as the single greatest NCAA tournament performance of all time.

Our school may not see the like of Jacob Pullen for awhile. Great players will come along, I am certain of that. Players who give everything they have for the team will also come along--in fact, I think we already have one of those in Will Spradling. But players who combine Jake's greatness on the court, with his guts and determination are rare indeed.

This team probably was not going to win a national championship. And I am incredibly sad that Jake's career ended earlier than all of us had hoped. But the fact that our courageous leader ended his last battle on his shield instead of with it does not diminish his legacy at all. And that legacy, at least for this Wildcat fan, is this: Jacob Pullen is the greatest Wildcat basketball player I've ever seen. And his K-State career couldn't have ended any other way.

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Spradling for sure

Is probably then next 4-year career guy, but may not come close to some of Jake’s numbers. I suppose Shane Southwell can be a respected 4-year player, but he didn’t get near as much playing time as Will this entire season.

Jake for sure elevated the bar.

"Nor yet in Dell?"

by GTcat on Mar 20, 2011 3:25 PM CDT reply actions

Well said

It really makes me angry that a very small number of people have suggested that Jake’s last game will be remembered for the mistakes he made in that final minute. That’s absolutely ridiculous, and the K-State fans in that minority (which, again, is very small) should just turn in their fan card right now.

by Ahearn Alley on Mar 20, 2011 4:25 PM CDT reply actions

Who is saying that?!?

That might be the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.

"Coaching a football team is the most engrossing thing in the world. It is playing chess with human pawns." --Walter Camp

by K. Scott Bailey on Mar 20, 2011 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions

Yep

I think I just saw it in a comment section somewhere, and obviously not by anyone who knows what they’re talking about. I probably shouldn’t even have brought it up, but it just bothered me a lot.

Anyway, what’s the word on Jake’s draft status these days? Last I heard he was projected to be a mid-to-late second rounder that might have a hard time finding a permanent spot on a roster. I’d like to think that if he gets a chance, he would be able to surprise a lot of people. Sort of in the same way DeMarre Carroll did, although maybe that’s a bad example since his PT has gone down a ton this season.

by Ahearn Alley on Mar 20, 2011 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions

I think that if he sticks, it will be his defense that gets him a roster spot.

If not, I think he can find a place overseas, if that’s what he wants to do. But, with an articulate, intelligent young guy like Jake, I’d love to see him move into coaching at some point.

"Coaching a football team is the most engrossing thing in the world. It is playing chess with human pawns." --Walter Camp

by K. Scott Bailey on Mar 20, 2011 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions

I dont care

if he doesnt get a spot on the roster…. I just want him to get drafted. Again, I dont care if its the #1 pick, the middle picks, or even the very last pick, I just want his name called

"To all the fake fans that just jump on and off the bandwagon who think we suck go cheer for somebody down the road then" -JP

by JB-KState on Mar 20, 2011 6:35 PM CDT up reply actions

KSB--

Nice work here!!

"To all the fake fans that just jump on and off the bandwagon who think we suck go cheer for somebody down the road then" -JP

by JB-KState on Mar 20, 2011 6:36 PM CDT reply actions

Thanks.

It was truly a labor of love.

"Coaching a football team is the most engrossing thing in the world. It is playing chess with human pawns." --Walter Camp

by K. Scott Bailey on Mar 20, 2011 6:57 PM CDT up reply actions

Good Job

really appreciate your insights, thanks for sharing. Many people enjoy bringing up mistakes others have made in order to think more highly of themselves. You know the phrase, Let haters, hate. Jake has worked hard, I wish he could have experienced more success and snagged a ring, but I will cherish the times i got to watch him play.

by Shari Brown on Mar 20, 2011 7:46 PM CDT reply actions

Welcome Shari

I agree, I wish Jake could have experienced more success, but I think he’ll always be proud of what he did at KSU. I know I will be.

I don't measure a man's success by how high he climbs but how high he bounces when he hits bottom. - General George S. Patton

by Sean T on Mar 21, 2011 4:00 PM CDT up reply actions

With your shield or on it ...

That is exactly how Jake played the game when it mattered most.

Great sentiment.

by Itchy n Scratchy on Mar 20, 2011 7:57 PM CDT reply actions

Thanks, man.

For some reason, as I couldn’t sleep last night, that phrase popped into my head about the way he played. When I woke up late this morning, I decided to sit down and hash something out. I wish I could do more to show my appreciation for all he did for my school, but this will have to do.

"Coaching a football team is the most engrossing thing in the world. It is playing chess with human pawns." --Walter Camp

by K. Scott Bailey on Mar 20, 2011 8:02 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm glad he cried

I didn’t cry after we lost (teared up a little watching Jake right after the buzzer), but it’s refreshing to see that a player cares so much.

I listened to the post game comments, and really it seems like the media greatly exaggerated both the initial question and Martin’s response. Was it a pointless question? Yes. Did Martin react the way he should of? Yes. I don’t think its anything to get worked up about though.

Clearly the reporter is a self-serving type, and we just play into his charade by getting angry at him.

I’m really going to miss Jake, but hopefully he can adjust his offensive game enough to stick as a PG in the league. Should be interesting to follow.

by xrayxtals on Mar 20, 2011 8:59 PM CDT reply actions

You're probably right about this:

Clearly the reporter is a self-serving type, and we just play into his charade by getting angry at him.

He was probably getting his jollies from how many people were just going OFF on him last night.

"Coaching a football team is the most engrossing thing in the world. It is playing chess with human pawns." --Walter Camp

by K. Scott Bailey on Mar 20, 2011 9:16 PM CDT up reply actions

There's a reason we boycott his articles from this site.

Aside from the fact that he’s a bad writer, his attitude is less than to be desired.

Bring on the Cats
"Without getting into specifics, my exit involves a McFlurry machine and a video tape of risque commercials from overseas." -- Jack Donaghy

by Panjandrum on Mar 20, 2011 9:37 PM CDT up reply actions

Good job.

I was thinking about this today. It’s amazingly appropriate that Jake tied a career-high in points during his last game.

He was always going to go out with a bang, giving his all, and doing it in an inspiring fashion.

I hope I’m there the day they retire his jersey. It will be an emotional evening for all.

Bring on the Cats
"Without getting into specifics, my exit involves a McFlurry machine and a video tape of risque commercials from overseas." -- Jack Donaghy

by Panjandrum on Mar 20, 2011 9:39 PM CDT reply actions

That's what I was getting at here.

I’m really glad he went out with a bang, even if it was a lot earlier than I’d hoped. I really felt like if we got past Wiscy we would have gone to the Final Four. Still, I couldn’t be happier for the kid. He deserves every accolade that comes his way.

"Coaching a football team is the most engrossing thing in the world. It is playing chess with human pawns." --Walter Camp

by K. Scott Bailey on Mar 20, 2011 9:41 PM CDT up reply actions

My Head Hurts

I can’t stop thinking about this kid (the emotional clip flying around the internet/news doesn’t help). ;[

by McGraw on Mar 20, 2011 10:52 PM CDT reply actions

Great piece, KSB.

Jake is my favorite KSU athlete ever. Possibly (and probably) my favorite athlete period. The kid plays with such unbelievable guts. You’d be hard pressed to name another player you’d rather have in a big game.

I’m sad the team lost and Jake’s KSU career is over, but I think we can all be proud of the way the team and especially Jake competed in the final game of the year.

by yeahboozin on Mar 21, 2011 12:37 AM CDT reply actions

Yeah, he definitely gave us all a lot of memories.

"Coaching a football team is the most engrossing thing in the world. It is playing chess with human pawns." --Walter Camp

by K. Scott Bailey on Mar 21, 2011 12:49 AM CDT up reply actions

Top 10 games piece

Now that his career has officially come to an end, someone should put together a top 10 performances list, would be neat.

Its weird, I can think of several amazing performances from his Freshman, Junior and Senior seasons, but the Sophomore campaign doesn’t stick out in my mind as well…

by xrayxtals on Mar 21, 2011 7:41 AM CDT reply actions

Denis really grabbed a lot of the headlines that season.

Especially with his 44-point Texas game.

by AMS on Mar 21, 2011 8:08 AM CDT up reply actions

Great metaphor, Scott

Jake left it all our there, on the court, so many times. The first time I personally commented here on BOTC about Jake, I said I thought his performance in last year’s Xavier game was the single most courageous performance by a Wildcat that I could recall. He gave us several more performances like that in the last third of his senior season. I’m glad you “youngsters” have a favorite Wildcat athlete that you can personally identify with. Jake is now on a long list of my favorite Wildcats.
And I want to add a thanks to Curtis Kelly. He stepped up at the end of the season too. I hope that Curtis finds some peace in his life.

oh hail the Purple and White

by Furnace76 on Mar 21, 2011 8:48 AM CDT reply actions

Curt saved his best basketball for the postseason in both his years in uniform.

Had a real fire and focus during the NCAA tournament games. It’s too bad he couldn’t figure out how to maintain that playing level for the entire year, but still really glad Curt had a chance to renew his love for basketball at KSU. He has a lot of passion and love for all things EMAW and while he never really reached his potential, he’s been a great addition to the program.

by yeahboozin on Mar 21, 2011 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions

Thanks, Furnace.

While I’m KIND OF a “youngster”, I actually DO remember MItch Richmond and Steve Henson well, and Rolando Blackman some as well. I just don’t remember them being better than Jake for such a long stretch when the chips were completely down pretty much every game. And I don’t think any of them went out with such a beautiful, soaring, and crushing masterpiece as Jake did either. Something HAS to be said about the last “battle” the kid fought, and the only way that could have been better would be if it had been in winning us a national championship, at least in my view.

"Coaching a football team is the most engrossing thing in the world. It is playing chess with human pawns." --Walter Camp

by K. Scott Bailey on Mar 21, 2011 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions

Now, IMO, is not the time for #1s, #2, #3, etc

It is enough, for me anyway, to say that Jake is right there with the very best of all of them. I think Steve Henson had like 30 points in his last game (In the big Dance) against Xavier. I was at that game. I felt the same way then about Henson as I do now for Jake. There have been other great tourney performances (35 by Chuckie Williams in the Elite 8 game against Syracuse in 1975 – with a 3 pt line it would have been 50). That is why I think it is just fine to let Jake’s courageous performances be admired on their own, without comparing this to that, and simply say he’s one of the best. We won’t see many more like him.

oh hail the Purple and White

by Furnace76 on Mar 21, 2011 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions

I agree, and it's probably just the emotion of seeing a kid leave every last ounce of himself on the court for his last game.

"Coaching a football team is the most engrossing thing in the world. It is playing chess with human pawns." --Walter Camp

by K. Scott Bailey on Mar 21, 2011 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions

Outstanding, Inspiring and Appreciated

Reading all of the comments, gives me so much purple pride. Jake Pullen gave it everything he had which resulted in a performance that won’t be forgotten. All of you sharing your appreciation for this young man with such heart and class, makes me even prouder to be a Wildcat. I would love to encourage everyone to take the time to actually send Jake a thank you card or note via the KSU Athletic department, perhaps enclose a gift if you’re able. I think doing something similar to the scene in the movie, It Could Happen To You with Nick Cage would be awesome. I would like to overwhelm him with our appreciation and pride to repay him for giving us four great years and one of the most impressive performance ever! Best of luck Jake. I also want to acknowledge Curtis…thank you and may you carry a little piece of the "heart"land with you wherever you go.

by T McFarland on Mar 21, 2011 5:23 PM CDT reply actions

Don't send him a gift

That would be an NCAA violation. KU can explain the rule to you.

We'll carry the banner high!
Bring On The Cats

by TB on Mar 21, 2011 5:35 PM CDT up reply actions

Don't we have to wait a month or two, until after he walks for graduation?

"Coaching a football team is the most engrossing thing in the world. It is playing chess with human pawns." --Walter Camp

by K. Scott Bailey on Mar 21, 2011 7:36 PM CDT up reply actions

Thanks for the kind words about the article.

"Coaching a football team is the most engrossing thing in the world. It is playing chess with human pawns." --Walter Camp

by K. Scott Bailey on Mar 22, 2011 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions

Welcome to BOTC

I don't measure a man's success by how high he climbs but how high he bounces when he hits bottom. - General George S. Patton

by Sean T on Mar 23, 2011 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions

I think you should submit this to the Collegian

Forward into Battle

by ChrisP Wildcat on Mar 21, 2011 8:36 PM CDT reply actions

Interestingly, I actually used to write for them, back in the late 90s.

Not even sure how to go about “submitting” this type of thing nowadays. If you want to, I give you my permission to ask them about how to do it. If they need me to email them or something, I could do so.

"Coaching a football team is the most engrossing thing in the world. It is playing chess with human pawns." --Walter Camp

by K. Scott Bailey on Mar 21, 2011 8:46 PM CDT up reply actions

I'll check it out

I sent in a few “Letters to the Editor” in my day, but processes may have changed since then.

Forward into Battle

by ChrisP Wildcat on Mar 22, 2011 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions

I used the Collegian for Toilet Paper actually

nah, just the Soduku’s and when I was in school Meek was writing his final year, so I did actually read his pre-professional stuff.

"Nor yet in Dell?"

by GTcat on Mar 22, 2011 7:32 PM CDT up reply actions

You're lucky.

When I was there, we had that “Matt” guy who claimed Manny Dies was the worst basketball player in Division 1. In fact, it was a letter I wrote to the Collegian in response to something stupid he wrote that got me my own writing gig on the Opinion page.

"Coaching a football team is the most engrossing thing in the world. It is playing chess with human pawns." --Walter Camp

by K. Scott Bailey on Mar 23, 2011 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions

Actually his name was Todd Stewart.

Don’t know where I got “Matt” from.

"Coaching a football team is the most engrossing thing in the world. It is playing chess with human pawns." --Walter Camp

by K. Scott Bailey on Mar 23, 2011 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions

What memories ...

Manny Dies was the most improved player from one season to the next (from his sophomore to junior season) that I’ve ever seen … though, obviously, he wasn’t even close to the worst basketball player in D-1 prior to that as the idiot columnist (Stewart) claimed. He just couldn’t finish any plays. Then he could. He had games where he would just straight dominate ku … but we sucked so badly as a team, we still didn’t have a chance.

Didn’t Manny get charged with assault going after Stewart in his home? Or was that Pero Vasiljevic, before getting kicked off the team for drug use? Or maybe they teamed up for that deal …

by Itchy n Scratchy on Mar 23, 2011 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions

They teamed up on Stewart.

Manny got 6 days in jail, deferred if he completed a few months of probation, and Pero got some kind of slap on the wrist. And actually, in googling the situation, Stewart claimed he was the worst basketball player in history, not just D-1. I later met the guy (Stewart) after I started writing for the Collegian, and he was as big of a douche in person as in print—and that’s saying something.

"Coaching a football team is the most engrossing thing in the world. It is playing chess with human pawns." --Walter Camp

by K. Scott Bailey on Mar 23, 2011 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions

never heard that before...

sounds like quite the story. damn.

by WillieWannabe on Mar 23, 2011 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions

It was.

That was during a time when Whitlock was being even more of a pot-stirrer than he is today, and that Stewart douche thought he was going to be that kind of writer, I think.

"Coaching a football team is the most engrossing thing in the world. It is playing chess with human pawns." --Walter Camp

by K. Scott Bailey on Mar 23, 2011 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions