It's Time To Start Asking If Kansas State Has Been Involved In The Best Sweet 16 Games Ever
During all the madness last night and wild shot after wild shot, it hit me with a very random but also possibly very true thought. Has Kansas State been involved in the best Sweet 16 games of all time for any school? Now this is a very niche question and can go a variety of different ways because teams like Kentucky, Duke, North Carolina, and other powerhouses have been involved in classics over the years. But the flip side is they have played in so many, there have been a few duds along the way as well.
What I am looking to pin down a team who, when involved in the Sweet 16 (let's set the starting date as 2000), was most likely to play an instant classic. I can really only think of one answer if you are looking for teams who have played multiple Sweet 16 games since 2000 and it's the Kansas State Wildcats.
For the younger readers out there, or even the casual basketball fans, let me present you with Kansas State's resume of Sweet 16 games over the years and you find me a team who's been involved in more instant classics.
Exhibit #1:
March 23rd, 2023
K State 98 Michigan State 93
It's a little bit recency bias, but this was a Top 10 for sure, and possibly Top 5 Tournament Game I have ever watched, and I'm not the only one saying that.
It's not a stretch to say it's one of the best games ever. The shot making, the high level play, the comebacks, the drama, and best of all the stage. Being played at Madison Square Garden made it all that much better. The Garden is a phenomenal college basketball arena and for my money one of the best in the country. Big games, The Big East, and the occasional regional seem like whenever a game is played there it's can't miss television. Last night was no different, the Garden was rocking and it showed. It was terrific. When we look up this game in 10 years, the venue will help it be glorified even more. MSG games hold weight.
I can't say it enough, the game was literally unreal. The plays made, right from the opening tip , were giving indications that these teams were ready for a classic.
And the plays continued all the way through.
Absolute classic. You have to be insane to say it wasn't one of the best you ever watched.
Exhibit #2:
March 25th, 2010
Kansas State 101 Xavier 96 (Double Overtime)
I will forever remember Jacob Pullen's shot. This again was another absolute classic. I'll never forget where I was watching this one. Back and forth all night, highest level game. "A movie" as the kids say.
If you want to watch the full game it's so worth it.
Exhibit #3:
March 22nd, 2018
Kansas St 61 Kentucky 58
I'll be honest, my memory on this one was a little hairy as I didn't remember a ton of the players involved aside from Kevin Knox because of his time as a Knicks flop. Watching this back , it's high drama as well right down to the end, and gets bonus points for me for Calipari taking the L.
Again, for my money Kansas State has been involved in only 3 games in the Sweet 16 since 2000 but every single one of them is a classic. I am hard pressed to find a team who has been so entertaining in the Round of 16. It's also very impressive that every one of these games went their way, and were decided by a combined 13 points. The runner up to me for the award might be Xavier. Go look at some of the games Xavier has been in and tell me those dudes aren't entertaining.
So who's got the edge … Kansas St or Xavier? Or is there a team I'm missing? Let me know. Also we need Jeff D Lowe to weigh in on this since he's a March Madness diehard.