MEN
Coach: Frank Martin, 21-12 in one season.
2007-08: 21-12, 10-16 in Big 12, third.
Postseason: Lost NCAA Tournament second round.
Starters lost: 4
Key returnees: Jacob Pullen, 6-0 So. G; Ron Anderson, 6-8 So. F; Darren Kent, 6-11 Sr. F; Dominique Sutton, 6-5 So. G.
Key newcomers: Denis Clemente, 6-1 Jr. G; Jamar Samuels, 6-7 Fr. F.

So far
The Wildcats were 5-3 going into Thursday night's game with Southern Miss. All three losses came on the road and by a total of seven points (two-point losses to Kentucky and Iowa, a five-point loss at Oregon).

Plusses
Martin demands relentless rebounding and that's a philosophy that helps control the defensive boards and produce second shots on offense. Clemente, a transfer from Miami (Fla.) should team with Pullen to give the Wildcats a solid backcourt. Anderson had flashes last season but he must be more consistent in providing points and rebounds around the basket.

Minuses
Last season Kansas State relied on Michael Beasley and Bill Walker to score and rebound. That strategy worked well enough to produce 21 victories but it also helped contribute to the 12 losses. The intense Martin will need to develop balanced scoring and have patience as the younger players gain experience.

Overview
The Wildcats got a taste of NCAA Tournament success and should be motivated by the fact they're picked to finish in the second division of the Big 12.

What the coach says
"Everyone thought we were a bad three-point shooting team last year. We were a bad passing team. It is hard to shoot the basketball when you don’t receive a good pass. We were not a good passing team last year. We were sloppy with the ball. ... We had shooters ready to go and we wouldn’t put the ball where it needed to be. That is something that we have gotten better at because of repetition and a better understanding of the offense.”

WOMEN
Coach: Deb Patterson, 240-138 in 12 seasons.
2007-08: 22-10, 13-3, first.
Postseason: Lost in NCAA Tournament second round.
Starters lost: 1
Key returnees: Shalee Lehning, 5-9 Sr. G; Ashley Sweat, 6-2 Jr. F; Marlies Gipson, 6-0 Sr. F; Kari Kincaid, 5-10 Jr. G; Danielle Zanotti, 6-2 Sr. F.
Key newcomers: Jalana Childs, 6-2 Fr. F; Branshea Brown, 6-2 Fr. F.

So far
The Wildcats have started 8-0 with victories over Northwestern, Arkansas and Creighton. Kansas State played four of its first five games on the road.

Plusses
Kansas State returns its core from last season's Big 12 regular-season champions. The Wildcats must replace leading scorer Kimberly Dietz but the offense was balanced last season and there appears to be a number of players capable of picking up the slack. Patterson's winning formula involves tough defense and good shots.

Minuses
With Dietz's departure, Lehning will have to assume all of the ball-handling duties. Lehning also will need to step up her willingness to shoot first instead of passing.

Overview
Kansas State was picked to finish seventh in the conference in the coaches’ preseason poll after winning last year’s title. With four starters returning and Patterson's coaching ability, the Wildcats should always be considered a contender.

What the coach says
"We approach every season sort of as a blank page. We understand we'll be developing a new team. Kimberly Dietz was absolutely phenomenal last year for us and was a big piece of our success. But I love the core group of players we have returning. They've got great experience at winning under their belt and they've learned a lot of lessons that will carry over."