T.J. Ford (Photo. University of Texas)

How good is Michael Beasley? Putting together a list of K-State’s best alumni, I couldn’t leave off the 19-year-old freshman — who probably would have made the all-time Wildcats’ roster even if he’d only played half of this season. Finishing what Bob Huggins started, Beasley has rejuvenated a K-State program that hasn’t been to the NCAA Tournament since 1996 and had previously been a longtime Big XII conference pushover. Texas, on the other hand, has been consistently solid for a bit longer. Since Rick Barnes began his tenure in ‘98, they’ve attracted high school All-Americans and have already had two NCAA Players of the Year.

KANSAS STATE (player, position, last year school)
Mike Evans, PG, 1978 — In ‘84 and ‘85, Evans finished third in the NBA in three-pointers made. Played on eight playoff teams in nine NBA seasons.
Mitch Richmond, SG, 1988 — One of the NBA’s elite players in the 1990s, Richmond made five All-Star teams and five All-NBA teams in 14 seasons, averaging 21 points per game for his career. He won a gold medal with the ‘96 U.S. Olympic team and a bronze in ‘88.
Rolando Blackman, SG/SF, 1981 — Three-time conference Defensive Player of the Year at K-State, Blackman went onto a 13-year NBA run where he made four All-Star teams and averaged 18 points a night.
Bob Boozer, PF, 1959 — Averaged 14 points and 8 boards over an 11-year pro career. Made one All-Star team, and owns career-high averages of 21.7 points (’69) and 11.1 rebounds (’63).
Michael Beasley, PF, 20?? — The best pure talent to ever come through Manhattan, Beasley is in line to take ‘08 national Player of the Year. He leads the country in rebounding (12.6 rpg) and is third in scoring (26.2 ppg). Not to mention he owns the Big XII conference single-game records for boards (24) and points (44).
BENCH — Willie Murrell (F, 1964); Steve Henson (PG, 1990); Norris Coleman (PF, 1987); Ernie Barrett (SG, 1951); Lon Kruger (PG, 1974).

TEXAS
Slater Martin, PG, 1949 — The Basketball Hall of Fame bio on Martin calls the 5-10 floor general, “A forerunner of the modern point guard.” He five NBA ‘chips with the Hawks and George Mikan’s Lakers.
T.J. Ford, PG, 2003 — NCAA Player of the Year as a sophomore, Ford’s pro career has twice come close to being derailed by injuries. When healthy, he’s one of the more talented point guards in the League.
Kevin Durant, SF, 2007 — NCAA Player of the Year as a freshman, now the odds-on NBA Rookie of the Year while putting up 19 points a game in Seattle. Future superstar.
LaMarcus Aldridge, PF, 2006 — The #2 pick in the ‘06 Draft is having a breakout season, averaging 17 points and 7 boards. Seen as a future building block in Portland.
LaSalle Thompson, C, 1982 — After a dominant three-year collegiate run, Thompson’s peak as a pro came in ‘88-89 when he averaged 14 points and 9 rebounds while splitting time with the Pacers and Kings. In separate seasons he finished in the League’s Top 10 in blocks (’84) and rebounding (’85, ‘86).
BENCH — Johnny Moore (PG, 1980); Reggie Freeman (SG, 1997); Chris Mihm (C, 2000); P.J. Tucker (SF, 2006); Daniel Gibson (PG/SG, 2006).