K-State Basketball: Three things to watch for against UMKC

Kansas State junior forward Dean Wade was a problem for American on the offensive end in the Wildcats’ first game, and could vex UMKC as well.

At 6’10” and 228 pounds, Dean Wade has the size of a prototypical post player, and played like one at times against American. Going 6-for-7 from the field and getting to the line twice in 24 minutes during Kansas State’s first game of the season, Wade has power moves to pose a challenge to UMKC’s interior defense.

To make himself even more of a nuisance, Wade showed that he isn’t a simple power-post move scorer. Wade went 3-for-3 from 3-point range in the game as well.

With Leek three inches shorter than Wade, the Roos might be apt to send a double-team Wade’s way when the Wildcats have the ball. If that’s ineffective, that may mean more minutes for Ahmed, who is listed at 7’2″. Regardless of who is on the court, UMKC can’t allow Wade to dominate.

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For UMKC, the path to a historic victory entails overcoming their lack of experience to take advantage of Kansas State turnovers and contain Dean. For the Wildcats, improving their reputation involves exploiting the Roos’ youth, taking care of the ball and getting Dean loose. Which way these three aspects of the game go will determine the winner of the contest.