Padgett on the verge of Final Four

BY DARRELL MOODY

Appeal Staff Writer

ST. LOUIS - Kansas' David Padgett has watched the NCAA Final Four on television ever since he can remember, and now he's 40 minutes and one win away from realizing his dream of playing in one.

Padgett had a productive regional opener on Friday, scoring seven points and grabbing six rebounds in the Jayhawks' 100-74 win over University of Alabama-Birmingham. He also contributed an assist and steal in the romp, and is eagerly awaiting today's game against Georgia Tech.

"I'd be happy to death if we can get there (Final Four)," said Padgett, a Reno High grad. "This year has gone well for me. I've had a couple of injuries. I started at times, and I'm playing about 20 minutes a game. Not many freshmen can say that."

But, there aren't many players like the 6-foot-11 Padgett, who was one of the most sought-after prep players in the country last year. He averaged 6.6 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, and gave the Jayhawks quality efforts most of the season.

"His progress has been light years from when he started the season," said Norm Roberts, Kansas' associate head coach. "He's improved his total game. He's more aggressive offensively in taking the shot from the top of the key, and he understands what needs to be done in the post. He gets better and better each game.

"In high school, he had nobody that could go up against him. Maybe you might see a guy 6-5, and he's not going to overpower you. Now, he's got guys that are 6-8 and 240 laying on you and pushing you. It's a whole different game."

Padgett agreed.

"The biggest thing is the style of play," Padgett said. "Everybody is bigger, stronger and more athletic. It takes a while to settle in. I know I need to get stronger over the next three years and gain 20 pounds. That's not going to happen overnight, but it will happen."

Padgett has been an effective cog in the Jayhawks' high-scoring attack, and he has enjoyed a few big nights offensively. That's not entirely surprising, considering he was such a standout offensive player at Reno. It always takes more time to learn defense at the college level.

The KU freshman poured in 15 points in an 86-79 win over Villanova, and had 16 in a 96-77 win over Texas Tech. In the Jayhawks' final regular-season game, he knocked down a last-second shot with two seconds left to beat Missouri 84-82.

And, he's earned the respect of his older teammates.

"He's been up and down," said point guard Aaron Miles. "I went through ups and downs when I was a freshman. I think he's doing well; doing what he needs to do. He's been a good role player. He's been tough."

Miles said he noticed that more at the first Texas game when Padgett scored eight points and grabbed six rebounds in an 82-67 loss. He felt that's when Padgett became more of a complete player.

And if you're a Kansas fan, you have to be excited about the next three years, as Padgett is expected to step into the starting role held by Jeff Graves.