A real downer for Knight, Tech
Red Raiders coach calls team's season a disappointment
11:16 PM CST on Wednesday, March 8, 2006
Texas Tech coach Bob Knight didn't pull any punches about his team's season on the eve of the Big 12 tournament Wednesday. "It's been a season that if I had known the outcome in November, I'd be disappointed," Knight said. The Red Raiders have a losing record (14-16) as they prepare to face Kansas State today at American Airlines Center. Knight said some of the Red Raiders' problems have been things out of their control, such as injuries. For example, Knight said forward Jonathan Plefka, who missed Tech's last game because of an injured ankle, will be a game-time decision. Through Sunday Photos: DMN All-Big 12 men's team Big D means big bucks for Big 12 Return trip to Dallas isn't guaranteed
Thursday's previews (.pdf)
Bracket (.pdf) Knight also said the Red Raiders simply haven't played well for long enough stretches this season. "Every season has many unique qualities to it, its ups and downs," Knight said. "I think this one we've had more downs than we've normally encountered in a season." Coaching not a pain in the neck for Wooldridge: Kansas State coach Jim Wooldridge didn't wear his neck brace during his media session but said he had it with him. He has been wearing the brace since having surgery to remove a bulging disk Feb. 8. He said he still has numbness in his hands. "I can't play golf for a while," Wooldridge said. "I'm upset about it. That's the only thing I do besides coaching basketball." Wooldridge may have more time for golf – speculation about his future has cropped up again. He is in the final year of his contract and said questions about his job status should be directed toward athletic director Tim Weiser. Nebraska coach Barry Collier is the other Big 12 coach on the hot seat. Collier has steadfastly refused to comment on his job status, which led to his media session lasting for just two questions. Cowboys quizzed about reports on Sutton's future: Oklahoma State's players were asked about a story in the Tulsa World quoting coach Eddie Sutton, on a medical leave of absence, saying it's possible he could return to coach the Cowboys next season. "I haven't heard anything about it," guard JamesOn Curry said. "But who wouldn't want to be coached by a legend?" Head coach designate Sean Sutton said speculation about his father's future hasn't been a distraction. "I don't feel that way, and I don't think they [the players] feel that way," Sutton said. "I think the character of our players has really shown in these last four weeks." Iowa State guard leaves team: Iowa State coach Wayne Morgan said in a statement that sophomore guard Tasheed Carr has left the team and intends to transfer. Carr averaged 5.2 points and 2.4 rebounds this season but did not play in the last five games. Buffaloes should have edge in experience: Colorado coach Ricardo Patton said it's been a "long, tough season" but thinks his team could catch fire as the 10 seniors on his roster realize their college careers are coming to a close. "It's a new season," Patton said. "There's always a possibility that seniors will start thinking about life after basketball." Bears may have more energy: After playing just 16 games because of NCAA sanctions, Baylor should have the freshest legs of any team in the tournament. "I feel like I want to keep playing more games," guard Aaron Bruce said, "where at the end of last year your legs are tired and you are looking forward to every break you get." E-mail kwhitmire@dallasnews.com 
American Airlines Center
• Tech-K State
• Colorado-Baylor
• OSU-Iowa State
• Missouri-Nebraska
