Kansas State's Jacob Pullen Won't Play If Wildcats Go To NIT

What a team player.

After Kansas State's loss to Colorado last night in Manhattan, preseason All-American Jacob Pullen had a little something to say about the destiny of his team.  

According to the Kansas City Star, Pullen won't be joining his team in postseason play if K-State does not receive an NCAA Tournament bid.

"This is my last go-around," Pullen said, according to The Kansas City Star. "I'm not going to the NIT. I won't play basketball in the NIT. I'm saying that now. If we lose, and we have to go to the NIT, I will not play."

What a great attitude to have for any basketball team or program.  

Pullen, who led the Wildcats with 22 points last night, kicked his teammates while they were down after the loss to CU.

First of all, I understand his frustration with the current losses K-State has endured. It's not easy to be the guy who everyone blames when the team loses, especially when you're on a team that was picked to win the Big 12 and ranked in the Top Five to begin the season.  

But then, it was all good when K-State was winning, wasn't it?

Kansas State has had its fair share of struggles with the suspensions of Pullen and Curtis Kelly.  Not a doubt about that.

But is this really what a team leader is supposed to do when his team is down?  Or is he supposed to be supportive of the team and program that has made him a college superstar?

"We've just got to grow up," Pullen said. "That's the biggest thing. The Big 12 is 16 games. We lost our first two. Nothing says we can't win the rest."

He hasn't given up completely on his team, but now the rest of the Wildcats have something in the back of their minds.  If KSU doesn't start winning, its leader will abandon them.  

Jacob Pullen is a heck of a player and probably said this out of sheer frustration.  

Regardless, saying what he gives a bad impression to his coach, school and program. Also, it's probably not the best way to impress NBA scouts.

Many will say this was taken out of context, but it seems to be pretty plain and simple.

With the Big 12 having five ranked teams, there are plenty of opportunities to get in quality wins before the Big 12 season is over.  As Pullen said, the season is long from over and the opportunities to get back on track are still available.

Tough times don't last.  Tough people do.

I guess we'll see just how tough Jacob Pullen is in the next few weeks.

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