Clemente earns preseason Big 12 honor

Kansas State senior guard Denis Clemente was named to the preseason honorable mention All-Big 12 team, as the league announced its preseason accolades on Thursday. Clemente was named the Phillips 66 Newcomer of the Year as well as a second team All-Big 12 as a junior in 2008-09 after averaging a team-best 15.0 points per game.

The native of Bayamon, Puerto Rico led the Wildcats in a number of categories, including scoring average, points (480), field goals (167), field goals attempted (412), assists (112) and free throw percentage (79.8). He scored 20 or more points five times, including tying Michael Beasley's Big 12 record with 44 points against No. 11 Texas on Jan. 31.

Kansas teammates Cole Aldrich and Sherron Collins were selected Preseason Co-Players of the Year, while Iowa State senior Marquis Gilstrap and Texas freshman Avery Bradley were named the Preseason Newcomer and Freshman of the Year, respectively.

Joining Aldrich and Collins on the Preseason All-Big 12 team were Iowa State junior forward Craig Brackins, Oklahoma sophomore guard Willie Warren, Oklahoma State junior guard/forward James Anderson and Texas senior guard/forward Damion James. Clemente was joined on the honorable mention squad by Avery and Texas teammate, Dexter Pittman.

Clemente is one of four returning starters for Kansas State in 2009-10. The squad, which won 20 or more games for the third consecutive season, produced a 22-12 overall record and finished in a tie for fourth place in the Big 12 in 2008-09. The Wildcats advanced to the second round of the NIT, where they lost to top-seeded San Diego State. In addition, the team welcomes a five-man recruiting class that has been judged to be amongst the top 20 in the nation by several outlets.

Season tickets for Kansas State's entire 17-game home schedule are currently on sale with just under 1,000 remaining. The most convenient way to order tickets is online at www.k-statesports.com. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the K-State Athletic Ticket Office in Bramlage Coliseum or by calling toll-free, (800) 221.CATS.

K-State begins team practice on Friday, Oct. 16.