Michael Beasley revamped the K-State basketball program. Beasley came to K-State as the No. 1 ranked high school basketball player in the country, according to rivals.com. In 2007-08, his only season with K-State, he led the Wildcats to their first ever victory over the Kansas Jayhawks at Bramlage Coliseum en route to AP All-American honors. Beasley then declared for the 2008 NBA Draft, where he was selected with the second overall pick by the Miami Heat. He struggled to adjust to the NBA, and journeyed around to several different teams in the league.
Now, Beasley is back with the team that drafted him, and looking to realize the potential scouts saw during his season in Manhattan. We caught up with Beasley last week before the Heat took on the Oklahoma City Thunder. Here’s what he had to say:
Did you get to watch the K-State vs. Kansas game the other day?
“You mean when we plucked the Jayhawks? Yeah I watched it, it was a good game.”
Have you been able to really follow the program at all since Bruce Weber took over?
“Not as much as I want, but I’ve seen some of their games – Kansas being one of them. I think (K-State) showed a lot of resilience, a lot of toughness. (Because) we had a nine point lead with two minutes to go, to win in overtime against a team with so much talent, it just shows what Bruce is doing with those kids.”
Marcus Foster is doing things that a K-State freshman hasn’t done in years. Have you seen his game and what he brings to the court?
“Like I said, I’ve seen a couple (games, but Foster) is good. I don’t think he’s as good as I was. No, that’s a joke. What Bruce is doing with what he has is definitely great, it’s good to see the school in good spirits again, chasing (an NCAA Tournament) seed. It’s just fun to watch. I’m going to try to tune in more and be a little more supportive.”
What is the difference between Michael Beasley this season from the first time you came to Miami?
“It’s tough. Just me being a player, I’m selfish. We’re all competitors, we all want to play every minute and take every shot. But I’m playing with Hall of Famers and guys that are going to be there one day, so I just have to wait my turn. I’m staying ready and doing what I have to do daily, just waiting for my number to be called.”
Are you excited for the opportunity to play playoff basketball this season?
“Yeah, definitely, but I’m not thinking too far ahead. Right now i’m just trying to stay in shape. Just trying to take advantage of the opportunity that our team is given and just take it day-by-day for the most part.”