Chat with publisher of GoPowerCat.com and Powercat Illustrated Tim "Fitz" Fitzgerald about KSU athletics
December 14, 2007
The Web chat has been moved to 3:30 p.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
Join the 49 Sports Team for a live chat with Tim Fitzgerald, the publisher of Powercat Illustrated and GoPowercat.com, a magazine and Web site covering Kansas State athletics.
"Fitz" is also a panelist on 49 ABC KTKA's The Drive Show, a fast-paced, no-holds barred local sports program that airs at 10:30 p.m. Sunday nights. Disagree with something he said on The Drive Show? Here's your opportunity to confront him on the issue.
Since graduation from K-State in 1986, this K-State athletics know-it-all has been a professional journalist and author. The former sports editor of the Salina Journal, "Fitz" has covered K-State athletics for more than 20 years. Fitzgerald has written two books covering the history of K-State athletics and also co-hosts two radio shows related to K-State sports.
So, put his knowledge to the test.
Submit your question now. The earlier you do, the more likely we'll get to your question.
Moderator: Hello this is Lisa Coble-Krings. I'll be moderating this chat. Sorry about the delay everyone. Okay, let's get down to it. We are joined today by Powercat Illustrated Publisher Tim "Fitz' Fitzgerald, who's here to discuss K-State basketball and other issues facing Wildcat fans. Welcome Tim.
Tim Fitzgerald: Thanks for having me.
Moderator: Let's get started with questions. Here comes the first one.
oread: Do you think Frank Martin will have the kind of recruiting success Bob Huggins had bringing in All Americans Like Michael Beasley and Bill Walker? And, do you think either will be around after this year?
Tim Fitzgerald: There are few coaches that will recruit at that level. Heck, Huggins hadn't done it before that class, so I doubt it. He will get very good players, but Beasley is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of guy. I expect Beas to be one-and-done. As of now, he's the consensus No. 1 pick. Walker is different. He needs to get improve his performances on a consistent level.
Moderator: Speaking of Walker. What do you think of Coach Martin's decision to move Walker from a small forward to a power forward? Why do you think the move was made and what do you think the pay-off will be?
Tim Fitzgerald: Walker was having trouble finding his comfort zone on the outside. Now that it looks like David Hoskins will not be back this season, Walker has adopted his role. It was a good move, and it will make it harder to double on Beasley because you cannot leave Walker alone as his 30/10 performance against Cal proved.
Moderator: Coach has gotten more and more players involved. Is that a good sign?
Tim Fitzgerald: Martin is still looking for the right mix. Most interesting to me was taking minutes away from promising Jacob Pullen in favor of senior Clent Stewart but it seemed to settle the team down.
Moderator: Now that Dominique Sutton and Jamar Samuels are eligible, do you think we will see them in Monday's game? Other than depth, what abilities and characteristics do they add?
Tim Fitzgerald: There was a report that they are eligible, but they are not yet. Neither has fully qualified and will need to get through the Clearinghouse. Sutton looks good. Samuels is a little more iffy.
ibell: Are there high post season hopes this year?
Tim Fitzgerald: This team has the talent to greatly improve but they're not there quite yet. The next big game is Dec. 31 in Cincy against Xavier. That would be a big win. They should carry 10 or 11 wins into Big 12 play with a strong schedule strength. That could set the table for an NCAA bid if they do well in the Big 12.
Moderator: That would be pretty good for a rookie head coach, right? How do you think Martin is doing so far this season?
Tim Fitzgerald: Frank is doing well, and learning on the job. Sure he's inherited a lot of talent, but he's started four freshmen much of the year. That's trying. Finishing in the top four in the Big 12 and making the NCAA field would be a nice first year. Making a run to the Sweet 16 or better would make it a great year.
Moderator: Do you sense that time has healed Wildcat Nation's wounds caused by Huggins' departure? How have fans responded to Martin?
Tim Fitzgerald: There remains some bitterness, but the fact that people love Frank is helpful. If Frank's program takes off, then this could be one of those unexpected turn of events that makes a lot of sense down the road.
oread: What are the chances Frank Martin could start wearing sweater vests, ala that thug predecessor of his, Bob Huggins?
Tim Fitzgerald: As proven by the purple suit, Bob Huggins was not a snappy dresser. I would not advise anyone to take fashion tips from Huggs. Go check out the royal blue, pinstripe number he wore for a game at West Virginia. Good heavens, it would offend a blind man.
Moderator: Haha. Thanks Fitz. I think we'll end on that humorous note. Anything else you'd like to add?
Tim Fitzgerald: I appreciate you having me.
Moderator: Thanks for joining us. You can see Fitz on The Drive Show at 10:30 this Sunday on 49 ABC KTKA. And, as always, Fitz's work can always be seen on GoPowerCat.com or in Powercat Illustrated.
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