Kansas State getting ready for Cincinnati

We have a lot going on today — your benevolent despot’s byline is going to appear at least five times this fine Saint Patty’s Day -- so we’re going to dive right into this morning’s oeuvre.

Men’s Basketball

There’s a game today of some sort, and there’s information about that game. What a world.

The Star’s Kellis Robinett says the Wildcats aren’t bothered by flying all over creation. Kellis also reports (at the Eagle) that Cincinnati, who some experts peg as an upset candidate, is taking this one very seriously.

As if that wasn’t enough from Kellis, he also talked with Marcus Foster, who is also in Sacramento with Creighton. Spoiler: even if you’ve been mad at Foster for two years, you’re probably going to root for the Bluejays after reading this.

Our friends over at Down the Drive also have some content for you. Alex Haarmeyer previews the game, although somewhat lacking the knowledge that the Wildcat bench has suddenly become more productive. Meanwhile, Phil Neuffer checks in on the key matchups.

Just as Creighton happens to be in Sacramento with K-State, SMU happens to be in Tulsa with Kansas. And that means the Star’s Blair Kerkhoff is in Tulsa, prompting a piece on whether Tim Jankovich might end up back in Manhattan.

Women’s Basketball

Sure, Jeff Mittie’s busy planning a game plan to survive Drake tomorrow at Bramlage. But he’s apparently also landing more recruits. Courtesy of Dean Criddle of the Belleville (Ill.) News Democrat, say hello to new K-State commit Myriah Noodel-Haywood, who will graduate from Edwardsville (Ill.) High in 2018.

Noodel-Haywood, who at 5’10” will slot in as a shooting guard in Mittie’s system, led her team to a runner-up finish in the Illinois 4A tournament earlier this month. She chose the Cats over Louisville and Texas Tech; that statement in and of itself probably indicates her quality. Another statement: she’s a member of the U-18 Team USA squad. Jeff Mittie’s been after her for three years, and that more than anything sold her on Manhattan.

And seriously, can that guy recruit or what?

Football

Jake Trotter is starting a tour of the most interesting spring position battles in the Big 12, and he begins with the linebacker battle at College and Kimball. Interested in your thoughts.

Baseball

The BatCats (12-5) will attempt to get the train back on the tracks this weekend as they host the Iowa Hawkeyes (9-6) in a three-game series which marks their final weekend series before beginning conference play. Game one is tonight at 6:30, which unfortunately means virtually nobody will be paying attention.

Saturday’s game is at 5pm, which will at least be right after the women host Drake in the NCAA Tournament at Bramlage. Sunday first pitch is at 1pm.

Golf

The men are already on the course at the Schenkel Invitational in Statesboro, Ga., hosted by Georgia Southern. Two top-5 SEC teams (Vanderbilt and Florida) join K-State in the field.