K-State has spurted out to an undefeated 2-0 record, but the team has played poorly, head coach Frank Martin and fans alike have said.

This is normal practice for most teams, though. Did you not see Michigan State vs. Gonzaga? The second-ranked Spartans, who have not lost to a non-conference opponent at home since 2003, had to rally to knock off the unranked Bulldogs in the game's final minutes.

As the Wildcats transition from last year, the team must learn to play with a pair of new forwards, junior transfer Curtis Kelly and freshman Jordan Henriquez-Roberts.

While the team has struggled with defensive rotations and gotten off to rough starts, there is no need to push the panic button.

Unlike last season, the bulk of the scoring is coming from the inside with sophomore forward Jamar Samuels and Kelly. This will take the pressure off the backcourt duo of junior guard Jacob Pullen and senior guard Denis Clemente as the season continues.

K-State is poised not only to challenge for the Big 12 Conference crown but also to make a deep push into the tournament.

If this team can learn to play effectively in the half court, then it can go from scary to dangerous.

To have success in the tournament, a team needs to play great defense, have a great backcourt and love the coach they are playing for. Check, check and check.

The defensive miscues will be corrected, and the slow starts will be quickened. It is only a matter of time.

Remember last year when the team fell to an 0-4 start in the Big 12? The team rallied to finish fourth.

I have full faith in Martin to get this team to play to their abilities. In college basketball, it is not about how you start but about how you finish.

The Puerto Rico Tip-Off will be a great benchmark to see how this team competes against great competition.

It also allows K-state to show the pollsters their mistakes. Pullen said during media day the team feels slighted and is being overlooked.

Martin demands perfection from his players. Look at what he was able to do with a less-talented and less-experienced team last year.

I cannot give a time, nor can I give a place, when this team will come together, but I know it will happen. It is only a matter of time. This team has the tools. They just have to keep chopping wood.

- Paul Harris is a junior in mass communications. Send comments to sports@spub.ksu.edu.