Kansas State opened the season with a 75-61 victory over the James Madison Dukes. With the win, Wildcat fans got a chance to witness some of what will be expected from the Wildcats this season.

On a night where most players had first-game jitters and appeared a bit nervous, only one player not named Jacob Pullen emerged as a threat on offense. K-State sophomore Nick Russell did not play very much last year when the Wildcats made a run to the Elite Eight. The last time, in fact, that Russell played was against Oklahoma State. In that game, he picked up two points, one rebound, and one steal.

Russell played in a total of 21 games last year and scored 31 points. Russell erased last year’s memories and started off with a bang against James Madison, scoring 19 points and dishing four assists. He shot 42 percent from the field and nailed two three-point attempts in 31 minutes of play.

“He played aggressive that is why he is playing,” said head coach Frank Martin. “He has found a different gear to play with. He makes mistakes defensively, but he is trying harder defensively,” noted Martin.

Russell was zoned in. He knocked down 6-of-14 field goals, but more impressive was his play on defense. As coach Martin said, Russell made mistakes on the defensive end, but not many. Russell played physical defense all game. The stat sheet only shows one steal for Russell, but he forced several others that were picked up by his teammates.

“I just tried to show a lot more intensity,” said Russell. “I just wanted to come out and prove that I can play basketball.”